FILM: The Campaign (7/10)

Why did I watch it?
The trailer looked vaguely funny when it came out last year and I hoped that Zach Galifianakis would bring the best out in Will Ferrell.

What's it all about?
Ferrell is 'true American' congressman Cam Brady, about to run unopposed for North Carolina for the fifth time. After a public relations gaffe by Brady, scheming political financiers decide to find someone to run as a rival candidate, in order to achieve their end goals. Enter Galifianakis, as mild mannered pug owner local Marty Huggins.


Should you watch it?

Those expecting sharp political satire need look elsewhere. The Campaign is a typical Will Ferrell vehicle that greatly benefits from the added presence of Galifianakis. The duo provide ample laughs throughout and there are some really funny scenes and lines such as Brady trying to recite the Lord's Prayer from his aides actions or Brady's assertions that everything seems to be 'this nation's backbone' including 'Phillipino tilt-a-whirl operators'.

"Seductively approved by Cam Brady"

While the film does laugh, and laugh well, at the expense of mud slinging campaigns, expectations of the electorate of a 'real American' politician including portrait of a majestic eagle in the home and of the lack of genuine political discussion, the writers of the likes of The Thick of It need not lose any sleep.