Ferrell and Galifianakis go toe-to-toe in this lampooning comedy from the director of Meet the Parents.
Politics is easy when it's a one-horse-race. North Carolina congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) just needs to sign the papers for an unopposed fifth term, but when scandal hits his reputation, corrupt businessmen Glen (John Lithgow) and Wade Motch (Dan Aykroyd) spy an opportunity. Enlisting brainless tourism director Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), the brothers plan to beat Brady to the congress seat, installing Huggins as a puppet politician and clearing the way for a host of dodgy dealings with Chinese firms.
In true political style slander, bickering and backstabbing ensue as the candidates wrestle for popularity. As their campaigns stumble further into idiocy, it looks as if only the sinister Motch brothers will come out on top.
Director Jay Roach has brilliantly depicted US politics twice already with Recount and Game Change, but is closer to earlier exploits such as Meet the Parents with this comic tale. Ferrell and Galifianakis spearhead a slick adventure, while, as the scheming brothers, Lithgow and Aykroyd impress in meddling employer roles reminiscent of Trading Places.
The Campaign is a Film programme that first aired in 2012 and has been classified a 15 certificate.
