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    Movie Review: The Campaign


    The Campaign is a Jay Roach (Austin Powers, Dinner for Schmucks) directed comedy starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis.  After long-term corrupt congressman Cam Brady (Ferrell) is caught having an affair, two wealthy and crooked businessmen known as the Motch brothers convince Marty Huggins (Galifianakis), the naive and kind-hearted son of a wealthy Motch brothers associate who believes that “Can’t is the real C-word,” to run against Brady in the upcoming election for congress in their small North Carolina district.  Humor ensues as the two candidates do whatever it takes to win the election.  The film was co-written by Shawn Harwell of Eastbound and Down fame and Chris Henchy.

    The Campaign is a satirical take on political elections that could not have come out at a more appropriate time.  Ferrell plays the moronic Southern congressman who doesn’t care about being labeled a hypocrite as long as people like him.  And Galifianakis is a lovable goof whose lack of common knowledge and sheltered life has rendered him a bizarre human being to say the least.  Though these roles are not a stretch for either of the two comedic actors as we have all seem them in roles like this before.  However the competitive chemistry between the two is quite hilarious.

    I wouldn’t call The Campaign consistently funny, but there are definitely a few really hilarious moments as well as some chuckle-producing scenes through out.  Though there is this trend in comedies now-a-days where something absurd is put into a movie just to shock the audience, which can be done well but also seems cheap at times.  For example in this movie Ferrell punches a baby in the face in slow motion and then later on he punches the dog from The Artist.  On paper this is pretty funny, but in the movie it seems like these scenes were just forced in to provide some kind of entertainment that isn’t just comedy.

    As far as other cast members, Jason Sudeikis plays Ferrell’s push-over campaign manager, Brian Cox plays someone’s dad again, John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd play the evil Motch brothers, and Dylan McDermott plays the part of a hard-ass campaign manager and mentor well.

    Overall I was not disappointed.  Perhaps it had a little to do with my low expectations due to the recent pattern of mildly disappointing comedies.  But if it is chuckles you seek, I still recommend The Campaign.

    6.5/10 Punched Babies

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