Campaign critic reviews & ratings

A pre-credits epigraph informs us that unlike other spheres of life, including war and mud-wrestling, in politics there are no rules. The Campaign then launches a frontal assault on the contemporary US political scene. The topical but dim-witted satire introduces us to a corrupt congressman (Ferrell) seeking a fifth term in office. The incumbent's re-election chances are derailed after an obscene call made by him to his mistress is intercepted by a God-fearing neighbourhood familymore

Unable to decide if it wants to be a demented comedy or a cheeky political satire, The Campaign starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, is a promising but inconsistent film that takes some well-deserved jabs at the ridiculous business of American politics. Ferrell stars as Cam Brady, a sleazy North Carolina congressman who expects to run unopposed for a fifth term, but finds himself pitted against a dim-witted political amateur, Marty Hugginsmore

Comedic actors are kinda like condiments, there to bring the flavour. Some, as versatile as top-shelf mustard and Bill Murray, work unfailingly, regardless of the rest of the plate. The ketchups and Ben Stillers of the world are overpowering enough to mask lesser dishes with indiscriminate assurance, while the true gamechangers, those with their own unmistakable fieriness -- like wasabi and Sacha Baron Cohen -- either work for you completely, or not at allmore