The movie "Campaign" is a political satire that was released in 2012. It takes a comedic look at the U.S. political system and the lengths that politicians will go to win an election. The movie stars Will Ferrell as Cam Brady, a four-term North Carolina congressman who is running for re-election unopposed until a wealthy businessman named Marty Huggins, played by Zach Galifianakis, enters the race.
The story begins with Cam Brady cruising towards an easy re-election victory, but his campaign hits a snag when he accidentally leaves a sexually explicit message on the answering machine of a middle-aged woman. The embarrassing incident catches the attention of a pair of wealthy business executives who are looking for a candidate they can mold to represent their interests in Congress. They choose Marty Huggins, a bumbling, mustachioed tour guide with a love for twee animal figurines, to challenge Cam.
Marty is initially thrilled to be given a shot at running for Congress but quickly realizes that he is in over his head. As the two candidates hit the campaign trail, things take on a vicious and often absurd tone. The film takes satirical aim at the corrupting influence of corporate money on politics, the role of attack ads in modern campaigns and the often-hollow rhetoric of politicians.
At its core, "Campaign" is a buddy comedy, pairing up two mismatched characters who are forced to work together in order to succeed. Ferrell and Galifianakis are both comedic powerhouses and play off each other beautifully. Ferrell brings his characteristic brashness and over-the-top physicality to the role of Cam Brady while Galifianakis embodies the nervous, bumbling persona that has made him a fan favorite.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Jason Sudeikis as Cam's campaign manager, Dylan McDermott as Marty's Machiavellian consultant, and John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd as the two corrupt businessmen behind Marty's candidacy.
The comedy in "Campaign" is often broad and slapstick, but there are plenty of clever and insightful gags sprinkled throughout. The film does not shy away from satire, but it also manages to avoid being too preachy or heavy-handed. Instead, it offers a raucous and entertaining take on the absurdities of modern politics that will have viewers laughing from start to finish.
Overall, "Campaign" is a hilarious and sharply observed political comedy that is well worth watching. The chemistry between Ferrell and Galifianakis is undeniable and the film's satire is both biting and clever. It is a movie that will leave viewers entertained and also, perhaps, a bit more cynical about the political process.
Campaign is a action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 10 minutes.
