The Campaign failed to win my vote, lacking in likeable characters and mustering an occasional laugh. The best compliment I can give it s that it was at least better than The Watch.
Zach Galifianakis plays the Ned Flanders-like Marty Huggins, an unlikely candidate for a seat in the House of Representatives. His opponent is long-time incumbent Cam Brady, played by Will Ferrell, who is struggling in the polls after a sex scandal. Seeing an opportunity to place their own puppet in the seat, powerful CEOs back the highly malleable Marty. Marty and Cam’s rivalry escalate into ever increasing levels of ridiculousness.
Will Ferrell is essentially reprising his George Bush character from Saturday Night Live, a dim-witted politician who somehow graduated from high school. Galifianakis’s character is amusing at first, but he becomes irritating over the course of the movie. Marty would be more bearable in a short skit as opposed to a full length movie. Neither Cam nor Marty are very likeable for much of the movie, so it was difficult to cheer for anyone.
The comedy is not terribly sophisticated, devolving into mostly toilet-level humor. There are some genuinely funny scenes, yet many are cringe-inducing. One “standout” being Cam wanting to seduce Marty’s wife as a means for revenge.
If you enjoyed previous Will Ferrell movies, then this should entertain you well enough. Otherwise, pass on this movie.
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