MOVIE REVIEW - The Campaign

The new political comedy, The Campaign is out this week with Will Farrell and Zack Galifianakis.

The Campaign is a topical piece that is heavy satire on the American political process, and how corrupt it can be and is at times. Our two stars play fictional Congressional candidates running for national office for a seat in rural North Carolina. And they will do anything, and I mean anything to get elected. This of course is carried to the farthest extreme that you can imagine.

To be honest, The Campaign has some pretty funny points to showcase. It tries to make the case that the American electoral process is completely out of control, and it probably is. It makes takes a strong satirical look at the huge money from outsiders and super-groups that legally influence important elections today. It pokes fun at both sides of the political aisle, and is an equal opportunity offender. It really doesn't play political favorites, but rather takes aim at the overall state of things this election season.

Sadly, for the core audience all of the above will be missed and not digested, and frankly not gotten by the majority. Rather, most of the target will only remember the slapstick, the language, and the sophomoric 6th grade bathroom humor that generated the biggest laughs. And some of it was funny. And there is plenty of it.

Farrell is at times pretty funny as the incumbent candidate running for re-election. He is an interesting actor. For 90 percent of this role, he is the same guy he is in virtually every single movie he has made. But for the other 10 percent, he shows a bit of the grown up Farrell we have seen in a few flicks the past year or two. I think for the most part his improv comedy act is overdone and forced. I think what can be taken away from his performance here, is that it completely showcases how non-versatile he really is most of the time.

Galifianakis is certainly an original. He plays a completely silly challenger in this movie, and does develop a character you have never seen before, and that's fun. His character is one of the strangest people you will ever see on screen, and some of that is funny. He has done some really good work in his young career, and has made a dog or two. But, he is a huge fan favorite who can invent original characters in today's movies that make people laugh. He is seldom the same guy in his flicks.

The Campaign does have a really big name supporting cast with Dan Akroyd, John Lithgow, Jason Sudeikis, and Dylan McDermott. There are plenty of sight gags that generated big laughs. Plus, this movie does not run too long, checking in at about 90 minutes and that's plenty.

Also, not only does this lampoon the political season, but it takes equal, if not stronger and more direct aim at organized religion, and The South in general. Reinforcing stereotypes, and basically making fun of the southern culture and the way of life. Some may find that a bit offensive. Lampooning politicians is one thing, but offending large groups of regular people sometimes is not received well.

The Campaign. Topical to be sure. Moments of fun, but a rental in 90 days at best.