Review: The Campaign

The USA presidential election may just be weeks away, but for now there’s only one political head-to-head worth following – and it’s not Barack Obama versus Mitt Romney.

Cam Brady, played by everybody’s favourite funny man Will Ferrell, is running unopposed for his fifth term as a Democratic congressman. That is, until devious businessmen the Motch brothers (John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd) decide to throw a Republican candidate into the ring as part of an undercover plan to gain influence over North Carolina’s 14^th District. Their man? The dim-witted Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis) – director of the local tourism centre and son of one of their associates, Raymond Huggins (Brian Cox).

The charismatic Brady has a colourful private life, a trophy wife and a tendency for embarrassing public gaffes; while Huggins is a family man through and through. But he’s also one sandwich short of a picnic, and you can’t help but assume this is the sort of challenge a seasoned campaigner such as Brady will relish feasting on.

However with a helping hand from uncompromising campaign manager Tim Wattley (Dylan McDermott), Huggins is soon transformed into a genuine contender with a ruthless streak and Brady is forced to up his game. Dirty trick after dirty trick follows, as the fierce battle for the public vote heats up.

Ferrell fanatics will not be disappointed. Brady is the perfect character for the former Saturday Night Live star – extravagant, macho and not lacking in self-esteem. Think Ron Burgundy meets Ricky Bobby meets Jackie Moon. It’s no Anchorman, but certainly on a par with Talledega Nights and Semi-Pro.

There are some outrageously funny sequences, including what will surely become universally known as ‘The Dinner Table Scene’ – a side-splitting confession time featuring the all-too truthful Huggins clan.

Cold-hearted, callous and at times bordering on the offensive – Obama and Romney have nothing on this comical campaign.

The film is released in UK cinemas on Friday. Click here for the trailer.