Victor Rebikoff Welcome to the movies at PS News.
   Each week, PS News’s film critic Victor Rebikoff will highlight the latest offerings from the silver screen and share his expert commentary for our information and guidance...

The Campaign

   Director: Jay Roach, Warner Bros, Rated MA, 85 mins

This cynical comedy from Meet the Parents director Jay Roach takes a satirical swipe at the American political system besides providing a few hilarious moments and one-liners delivered by two leading comedians - Will Ferrell (Land of the Lost) playing incumbent Democrat Senator Cam Brady and Zach Galifiankis (The Hangover franchise) the naive Republican candidate Marty Huggins chosen to contest Brady’s seat of North Carolina.
The Campaign
   Brady, a four-time congressman, is standing unopposed until two “wheeler dealers” known as the Motch (and not Marx) Brothers (Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow) decide to convince Huggins an eccentric candidate to challenge Brady for his seat, much to the displeasure of his wealthy father Raymond (Brian Cox - Red).
   The Brothers also secure the services of Tim Wattley (Dylan McDermott - The Messengers) a no-nonsense political consultant to coach and control Huggins’ campaign with the intention being to use Huggins to further their business interests by acquiring property in North Carolina for their Chinese colleagues.
   With the American Presidential elections just a few weeks away, Roach’s release of his political comedy could not have been better timed especially in demonstrating the dirty tricks that both candidates succumb to in order to win the seat.
   But it is the political clashes between Brady and Huggins that produce the most laughs with one particular highlight being Brady’s attempt to kiss a baby-pushing Huggins out of the way - and resulting in Brady accidentally “punching” the child.
   Brady later repeats his action with a dog.
   Despite the perfect pitch performances of Ferrell and Galifiankis, the winner of the political contest is revealed in the surprise ending which shows that Roach’s rendition of The Campaign is both fanciful and entertaining at the same time suggesting some honesty in the current political campaign.
VIC'S VERDICT:     3 Rubber Stamps

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