The Campaign

The Campaign – Did it get the Film Fatales’ vote?

2012. Rated R. 85 minutes. Starring Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Suedeikis, Dylan McDermott. Directed by Jay Roach. 

In order to gain influence over their North Carolina district, two CEOs seize an opportunity to oust long-term congressman Cam Brady by putting up a rival candidate. Their man: naive Marty Huggins, director of the local Tourism Center. [imdb]

elizabeth: I consider myself to be an urbane woman who looks at the good, the bad, and knows that ugly can be taken care of with the right lip gloss. I consider myself to be a witty soul with a strong fashion sense. I do try to avoid being vapid. I consider myself to be aware of my surroundings and a compassionate soul when it comes to the plight of my four legged friends and yes, even some humans. I do think about myself about every five seconds…oh, wait, that is sex that I think about that often. When did I morph into to a 17-year-old boy? Ladies and gentlemen with potty mouths—I give you The Campaign.

The candidates face off in their first debate. Commence the trash talk.

Nicole: Oh, Cassidy—get loose. Get down and dirty with the rest of us pop-culture-loving heathens who will never think the sound of a fart isn’t funny. Admittedly, I’m a huge fan of Will Ferrell movies, so I knew exactly what we were in for—a crass, juvenile, totally unPC, guilty-pleasure-filled romp. You know, my all-time favorite funnyman is Mel Brooks, so I can’t rightfully claim I’m into high-brow humor when that campfire scene in Blazing Saddles is perhaps one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. 

elizabeth: I do like Mel Brooks also and Blazing Saddles is a classic, but I just don’t get the giggles when someone passes gas. So, sue me. 

When I sat down to watch, The Campaign I felt that I had to get my man game on….thus, the randy remark about thinking about what “you know what” every three seconds. I cut two seconds off it—I think I watched too much of the Olympics recently.  I felt I left me in the car and my inner guy came strutting out. He is not too shabby looking and he sports well-made Italian shoes and does get a full body massage weekly. I am beginning to like my inner guy a little bit more. Now, if he would just pay more attention to me.

Nicole: Does your inner single guy have a single/available brother?

...and it comes to fisticuffs in no time flat.

elizabeth: Not a chance. While I was planning on hating this movie with every cell in my body, I didn’t. I am feeling slightly humiliated when I say the following, “I laughed my ass off during the 85 minutes Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis  were on the screen. And the supporting cast made this vulgar, inane, dumb-ass movie even funnier.” Forgive me, mother.

 

Nicole: I’ve seen almost everything Will Ferrell’s been in and each of the Austin Powers movies Jay Roach directed (and you don’t get much sillier than that trio). I have to say, this shocked me at some points. Especially that dinner table scene with Zach’s family—during which, and I quote, Elizabeth said: “This is so stupid!” all while laughing the loudest and heartiest I’ve ever heard her laugh in the 12 years I’ve known her. And, to her credit, it was sooooo stupid—and funny as hell.  

To appeal to every base possible, Will Ferrell goes snake handling.

elizabeth: This movie is not for the faint of heart or for those who don’t know that the anatomy can be used for such things. (Thank God they can. See, I am still channeling my inner teenage boy). As a sailor in a former life, I even could not keep up with it all. Dinner table talk will never, ever be the same. Pass the bar of soap – insert into mouth.

Nicole: Despite all the hilarity and bizarre humor, the movie actually did have a message. As preposterous as this movie’s plot did seem at times, it was a fair criticism of how absolutely insane the American political campaign process has become—on both sides of the aisle. The lying, the lobbying, and misappropriation of funds…it’s all in there. And it’s no holds barred. Everything is fair game, you know—just like in real life. 

Zach's happy-go-lucky family life changes abruptly.

elizabeth: I agree. While the credits were running, I expected to see, “Based on the current presidential campaign.” Let’s get back to me. I need a weekend of Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, e.e. cummings’ poetry, cheap wine and the recovery of my stiff upper lip before I can feel clean again. But it was so freaking funny. I hate everyone associated with this movie for turning me into a fallen snob. Damn you all!!!

Nicole: eh, pass me the next fart noise and crass joke. If dumb humor is wrong, I don’t wanna be right. 

The Film Fatales give THE CAMPAIGN 

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