Film Review: "The Campaign" (2012).

"May the best loser win." This is The Campaign. This political satire comedy film directed by Jay Roach, and written by Shawn Harwell and Chris Henchy. When long-term congressman Cam Brady commits a major public gaffe before an upcoming election, a pair of ultra-wealthy CEOs plot to put up a rival candidate and gain influence over their North Carolina district. Their man: naïve Marty Huggins, director of the local Tourism Center. At first, Marty appears to be the unlikeliest possible choice but, with the help of his new benefactors' support, a cutthroat campaign manager and his family's political connections, he soon becomes a contender who gives the charismatic Cam plenty to worry about.

By late November 2012, Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Cox, Thomas Middleditch, Tzi Ma, and John Goodman were cast in a political satire comedy to be directed by Roach, and penned by Harwell and Henchy. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in mid February 2012. Filming took place in Los Angeles, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana.

The film stars Ferrell, Galifianakis, Sudeikis, McDermott, Lithgow, Aykroyd, Cox, Middleditch, Ma, and Goodman. The film's comedic broad appeal plays to the Will Ferrell fan base, the comedy watchers, and anyone that enjoys political comedies. Though its not as smart and funny as you want to give it credit for. While flirting with some disturbing political truths, the film sometimes mistakes fatuity for freshness. If anything, it works as a showcase for the actors. But, does Ferrell ever read over what he signs on for? This feels like a quick first draft of a comedy film that needed a second read to make the story work, add some layers and stronger jokes. All the voices sound the same, and all like a tired Ferrell. However, it was fun seeing Ferrell being, of course, sillier and stupider than I've ever seen him. And comical, clever Galifianakis, formerly cast as the buffoon or best friend in movies, is now almost believable as Ferrell as his political rival. Thanks to Ferrell and Galifianakis' incredible rivalry, the film feels somewhat like a revitalization of the genre.

Very funny whatever you think of its more old-fashioned notions, the picture will charm many viewers who can set implausibility aside for a while. Despite the clunky, unimaginative script and the by-the-numbers direction, the film is saved by the exact gimmick that probably green-lit it in the first place: Ferrell and Galifianakis. The film is a success in the polls thanks to Roach's assured directorial hand, committed performances by Ferrell and Galifianakis, a stronger than expected script, and a rivalry that is genuinely comedic. The kind of movie we rarely see in theatres nowadays: a well-made political comedy, starring two talented comedy thespians. A sharp and deceptively layered comedy that's further fueled by the political rivalry of its leads, this the film largely hits its marks. Despite its shortcomings, the film somehow makes it work.

Simon says The Campaign receives: