Election

Rating:
Summary: Well-Framed Fearful Symmetry
Review: Wow, is this a great movie or what?!? Reese Witherspoon gives a fantastic barrage of hilariousness, in the ongoing bare-knuckle brawl between herself and Kirsten Dunst to see who is the most gifted young comedienne in America. Matthew Broderick was a great choice to play her nemesis (actually they are each others' nemeses, but that's another story), and he has several moments when he gets to echo, and to parody, his earlier Ferris Bueller spin on high school. The supporting actors are all perfect too, especially Chris Klein and Jessica Campbell as the siblings who get pulled into the struggle between Matthew ("Mr. McAllister") and Reese ("Tracy Flick").

Tracy Flick is running for the presidency of the George Washington Carver High School student government. The social commentary, if you're an alert viewer, has already begun -- Carver was a famous African American inventor, but if you scan the crowds in the halls of this school, there isn't a single African American kid to be seen throughout the whole movie. I'm not sure exactly what this is supposed to mean, except possibly that even an election can only pretend to fairness within the restrictions of its constituency, and if you live in a lily-white suburb, you've already attempted to disassociate yourself from a huge segment of America.

Anyway, Tracy is running with the hilarious slogan "Pick Flick," which calls to mind one of my personal all-time favorite nose-related hobbies. She is sort of a robotic, albeit intense, figure, programmed to work, and to succeed at all costs, by her hyper-driven mother. Clearly, if Tracy Flick is ever going to mellow out, that moment lies decades in the future.

Mr. McAllister has mixed feelings about Tracy, because she had been in a torrid romance with a friend of his on the faculty, which ended up being discovered, and of course with the friend being fired. Beyond that -- Tracy just gives Mr. McAllister the willies. She's just so driven, so focused, so perfectly programmed to steamroll over anyone in her way... He can't bring himself to like her, and this leads him to draw Chris Klein's character, the happy-go-lucky, lovable jock Paul, into participating in the election...

The main thing a viewer should bear in mind, watching this film, is the range of situations that come up involving a moral or ethical decision. Personally, I have never once come even close to making a single moral or ethical decision in my entire life that I'm even slightly proud of, so that gave me kind of an interesting perspective on the whole process... Anyway, there are a host of situations that emerge during the movie involving ethics and morals, such as 1.)Mr. McAllister's friend (Dave Narodny)'s romance with Tracy, his student; 2.)Mr. McAllister's decision (made while watching pornography) to get in Tracy's way in the election by getting Paul involved; 3.)Paul's sister Tammy's decision to run in the election, just to drive a former friend/lover of hers up a wall; 4.)The school principal's visceral dislike of Tammy's rebellious attitude, which prompts him to suspend her from school just because he dislikes her attitude; 5.)Tracy destroying all the election posters in the halls, when she suddenly snaps under all the stress, and then trying to cover it up, even if it means trying to pin the blame on the school's potheads 6.)Mr. McAllister's own romance with his neighbor's (okay, ex-) wife, although at the same time he's trying to get his own wife pregnant; 7.)Paul and Tracy's respective decisions about whether they should vote for themselves; and 8.)Mr. McAllister's completely unforgivable choice to throw out ballot slips, to tilt the election in favor of Paul.

These decision give shape to the whole movie. It's worth watching them and mulling them over. The whole movie is just very well put together, and there seem to be a number of statements being made about karma coming full circle as well, which is why I called this review "fearful symmetry."

This movie is absolutely worth owning. Two thumbs up.

Rating:
Summary: Superb satire with great characters
Review: 'Election' is a rather original film (certainly, I haven't seen anything like it before). Using a high school student council presidential election as a metaphor, it successfully satirises real politics.

Am I completely weird because I actually sympathise with all three of the potential candidates, even (*gasp*) the overachiever Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon)? As one of those kids who waved his hand frantically in the air at school when no-one else knew the answer and got ignored by the teacher, I can identify with her desire to shine and frustration with others (though I obviously can't condone much of her petulant, scheming and positively obsessive behaviour). Likewise, her jock opponent (Paul Metzler) deserves sympathy because he is being manipulated so much and is the straight-man in a collection of schemers - having a conscience the size of Jupiter, I can identify with that as well. Finally, his sister Tammy's rebellious denunciation of the whole electoral process and vow to put an end to it struck a chord as well - I regard student politics as something as a waste of time (teachers really don't have to listen to student bodies, as Tammy says) and a playground for people seeking attention and/or a career in politics.

Well, now that I've shocked and dismayed numerous readers and probably made myself an object of scorn and derision, here's some more stuff about the film. I thought Matthew Broderick's performance as the teacher was excellent (as were those of the three candidates). The character was thoroughly unlikeable, a hypocrite whose extramarital affair with his best friend's ex-wife mirrored the relationship with said best friend that he condemned Tracy for. Likewise with his manipulation of the election.

The film as a whole worked beautifully, the story flowed well and the mixing of perspectives of the various characters was good. I particularly liked the prayers of Tracy, Paul and Tammy the night before the election and the sort of epilogue where we found out what happened to the four main characters (it was interesting that the person who appeared to have won the day possibly came of worst in the end - a message perhaps that success does not equal happiness).

All in all, a very clever film, well deserving of much more attention than it received when released.

Rating:
Summary: Parallels to reality
Review: Election, staring Reese Witherspoon and Matthew Broderick, is not your typical teen high school drama, but rather an interesting twist on a high school student government election. The predominant theme is mocking government and the election process by a high school election, which mirrors exaggerations of American political reality with a definite focus on many prevalent elements of the 1992 election. The movie also encompasses intergenerational political views, as well as, parallels to reality. Tracey Flick (Reese Witherspoon), who is running for Student Government President, exemplifies the typical high school overachiever so obsessed with perfection that she does not care what she does in her climb to the top. She has sexual relations with her teacher; he loses his job but she escapes unscathed. This illustration of the increase in acceptance of sexual freedom among younger generations is found is a reoccurring theme: lesbian relations and premarital sexual relations are portrayed as being acceptable among youth while sex leads to the downfall of each adult character who gets caught up in it. Tracey slanders classmates in her election speech (a typical political scheme to dig up "dirt"). While all this is taking place, there is a strong intergenerational conflict between Tracey and Mr. M. (Matthew Broderick). Mr. M. does not understand Tracey's overwhelming drive, inability to be satisfied, and disregard for hurting anyone in her way to the top. Conversely, Tracey does not understand how Mr. M. can be happy in a job where he knows that the people he is teaching will end up moving on to bigger and better things then himself. Mr. M. resents Tracy for the sexual affair that she had with the other teacher who was a friend of his. Because he does not trust her, he successfully encourages Paul Metzler (Chris Klein), the most popular student in the school, to run against her. Paul's character is the opposite extreme of Tracy's. He is the stereotypical, fun loving, considerate, somewhat dumb, jock that gets everything handed to him. He is such a nice guy that he even votes for Tracy because he feels weird about voting for himself (after all what's one vote matter). He is the pinnacle of both the ideal high school social elite and the merit system in America. Focusing primarily on political themes in the movie, we see there is a great deal to explore. Tammy Metzler (Jessica Campbell), the third party candidate, is not only the satirical character of Ross Perot, but is used to embody the political views of the younger generation who do not trust politics and who do not take them seriously. Tammy even goes so far as to promise the disbanding of the student government upon her election in order to prevent the students from having to sit through anymore dull election speeches. This gets an incredibly favorable response from the student body. It should be noted that Perot spoke out against the government and election process just as Tammy did. Ultimately, Tammy is disqualified for the candidacy symbolizing Ross Perot's virtual disqualification because of his status as a third party candidate. With Tammy disqualified, the election comes down to two candidates: Tracey and Paul. Come Election Day, (a Tuesday, of course) when the votes are counted, it is found that Tracey won by a single vote. A large majority of the votes were thrown out because they were votes for Tammy, who represented the opinion of the masses (government is bad). Mr. M. has to recount the ballots before the winner can be officially declared. As he finishes the second count, he sees Tracy hopping around outside the classroom (she had been tipped off after the first count) and becomes so angry that he throws out two votes for Tracey leaving Paul the winner. The final count is done by the principle, who gets the same count that Mr. M. does. This is a display of how easily those with too much power can corrupt the system. The student in charge of the count claims that two votes for Tracy are missing but is quickly dismissed as being wrong (an obvious display of how adults assume adolescents are irresponsible, not trustworthy, and do not know what they are talking about in regard to politics). In the end, Mr. M's immoral decision to throw away votes is exposed by the janitor and Tracey wins by a single vote. Had Paul voted for himself he would have won. Thus we see that one vote does make a difference and that you have to look out for yourself because altruism gets you nowhere in politics. Overnight, everyone finds out about the dishonest thing that Mr. M did and, as in reality, all his successful accomplishments are forgotten so he moves to New York City to start a new life. In the last scene we see Mr. M is on a vacation in Washington D.C. and notices Tracey getting into a limo with a man in a business suit. At this point he claims he feels sorry for her and does not hold a grudge. Upon realizing that the man must be a congressman or some other person of distinction, rage and disgust at her ruthlessness overwhelm him. He flings his cup of soda at the limo as it drives away. When it stops, he runs off into a park. The movie closes with the same theme that it began with: the intergenerational conflict regarding both politics and society.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Films of 1999
Review: 1999 was a good year for Reese Witherspoon. First she stars in the hit film "Cruel Intentions", marries her co-star from that film, Ryan Philippe, gives birth to a baby girl, and was nominated for a Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. That nomination, which was for her performance in "Election" was well-deserved, in what I call one of the best films of 1999.

Based on the novel by Tom Perrotta, "Election" takes place in Omaha, Nebraska, "Election" follows the lives of several people at George Washington Carver High Schoool. Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" fame) is a popular government teacher who is in charge of supervising student government elections. Tracey Flick (Witherspoon) is a goody-goody two shoes who has participated in almost every extracurricular activity there is.

When a fellow teacher is fired for having an affair with Tracey, Mr. McAllister somehow feels compelled to rain on Tracey's parade by finding someone to run against her in the school's election. When he approaches, Paul, an injured football player (Chris Klein of "American Pie") the trouble begins as the election gets very heated. While this is all happening, Mr. McAllister's personal home life is also taking a change as he begins an adulterous affair with his best friend's ex-wife. Who says the Midwestern America doesn't have scandals?

Co-Written and directed by Alexander Payne, "Election" ranks as one of the best black comedies in recent years. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, "Election" possesses wit and dark humor that makes it irresitible not to watch. Practically flawless in direction, "Election" is a great satire on the dirtiness involved in politics. There are no "chads" or "recounts" in this film, however it does possess the excitement of a real-life election.

The entire cast was great, especially Jessica Campbell, who play's Paul's anti-social lesbian sister Tammy, who seeks vengeance after a bad breakup with her girlfriend. Overall this film ranks as one of the best of 1999. I was only disappointed that the original theatrical trailer was not included on the DVD version. Regardless, this is a must see film, especially in the light of the last U.S. Presidential Election fiasco.

Rating:
Summary: Complex - Light - Lots of Dark Fun...
Review: Who would have thought that the director of "Citizen Ruth" would have as his next project this sparkling gem of a dark comedy? Alexander Payne really knows how to take you in and keep you there. This is not the belly laugh comedy the ads would have you believe.

It's more of a "Drop Jaw" kind of thing, although there are plenty of said belly laughs within. Reese witherspoon is so good that she could have easily pulled this off alone. Lucky for us, the entire cast seems as equally gifted under the confident hands of Payne. There is so much bright dialog (Payne also did the screenplay from the novel) and kooky editing that I will have to see this more than twice just to appreciate it all. Matthew Broderick has perfected another complex character, and this is easily one of his most adorable roles.

I don't generally relish comedies with so many morose overtones (loneliness, impotance, infidelity and greed to name just a few), but this film is executed so skillfully that everything works perfectly. Of course everybody doesn't have to watch this more than once, but you will most likely want to.

Rating:
Summary: No Recount Needed Here - Don't Waste Your Time
Review: I was utterly shocked at how awful this film is. When I saw it in the theater, I must say I was expecting something very different. They did a lot of spin in the advertising campaign, that's for sure.

I've watched a LOT of movies in my day, including plenty of sex-oriented teen comedies (anyone remember "The Last American Virgin" from the 80's?). These days, though, I want to see something redemptive in a movie. I want to see characters - even ONE - change for the better. I want to see people learn lessons. If there are a lot of nasty deeds being done - whether they be sexual, drug-induced, hate-filled, whatever - I want to see someone regret something they've done, learn from their mistakes, you know?

Unfortunately, if you like any of those things, you will HATE "Election." Because it's a one-way trip down a hellish slope of depravity for (essentially) three main characters, and for virtually everyone else in the movie, too.

Matthew Broderick plays a high-school teacher who gets sick of watching Reese Witherspoon's snobby character, Tracy, getting her way all the time. He also plays a man who (like others in this film) couldn't care less about being faithful in his marriage. Again, it's not that I'm a prude, but it isn't like Broderick's character is any better off at the end of this movie than he was before he made the MANY mistakes he does here.

Anyway, this movie centers around the school's election for president of the student government and how several people will go to any (and I mean ANY) lengths to win it. Tracy wants it and Jim McAllister (Broderick) hates the fact that she'll probably get it. So he ends up backing another political candidate, a rather dim jock, to try and derail her campaign.

What transpires during the movie is a dizzying display of pathetic behavior by each character, either driven by lust, ambition, or hatred...each episode tops the one before it on the Depravity scale. We watch several people start out fairly sane at the beginning of "Election," and witness their downward spiral throughout the next hour and 40 minutes.

At the end of all this, as we watch each character basically self-destruct, does anybody walk away a better person? No. Has anyone figured anything out? Hell no! It's a very unsatisfying ending, and the only reason I stuck this entire movie out when I saw it in the theater was because I kept saying, "Surely this HAS to get better! These people MUST learn SOMEthing out of all this atrociousness?" But they don't, trust me.

Cynical? Hardly. This is way beyond that. It's downright bitter, sick, and twisted. I don't understand why so many people seem to have enjoyed this film...it's a pretty sad indication of where America is going. If anything, this movie shouldn't be listed as a comedy. It's depressing.

Lots of people may say that this is precisely the sort of statement that the writers and director were trying to make, that this supposed satire is showing us exactly what NOT to do. Sorry, that's a load of garbage. "The Simpsons" have managed to do exactly that for over a decade now - and it still makes me laugh, and usually ends with a positive message.

Trust me, for THIS "Election," no recount is needed. It sucks. It's a total waste of time. No, it's WORSE than a waste of time because you leave this movie worse off than when you started watching it.

Rating:
Summary: A solid, thought-provoking film.
Review: I've watched this movie several times and must say that it's interesting, good, and involving. Election is a satire that's based on a novel. G. W. Carver High School (in Omaha, Nebraska) is holding an election for student council president. An ambitious student named Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is running unopposed for the position. Schoolteacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) decides to encourage student Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against her. That's basically the gist of this unconventional and intricate satire. Election moves at a steady pace and never becomes tedious. The acting from the entire cast is exceptional. Broderick and Witherspoon are especially convincing in their roles. The story examines various human frailties (hypocrisy, adultery, lesbianism, etc.). I also find the movie's character development to be impressive. There are some funny scenes along with some unexpected and surprising ones, too. Repeated viewings have helped me to get more out of this film--it contains some subtleties. Election is a thought-provoking movie that's definitely worth a watch.

Rating:
Summary: Not Your Typical High-School Movie
Review: HILARIOUS. This is just one of the many words I can use to sum up this movie-it's poignant, sexual, emotional..the list goes on and on. One of the things which is totally brilliant in this movie is the screenplay-how can anyone come up with such a simple ( and boring) issue like high-school election and turn it into such a funny, smart rampage of a satire?? Brilliant. Reese Witherspoon is PERFECT( as her character, Tracy, always has to be) in her part, and Matthew Broderick takes a turn from "Ferris Bueller.." 's student to a teacher who's life becomes totally destroyed because of the election. The movie twists and turns in ways you'll never expect. Scenes like the three main characters( Tracy, Paul, and Tammy) saying their prayer on the night before election becomes an instant classic for "most remembered lines". Most of all, the movie portrays real High School life as it should be while adding on the type of humor only movies could provide. If you haven't seen it, see it NOW, and if you have, see it again for the love of it!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent! A brilliant example of film-making at its best.
Review: Matthew Broderick plays a teacher who is determined to get his strong-willed student Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) out of the school election. When Jim, the teacher, suddenly realises he has gone too far, his teaching career comes at risk.

I didn't really think Election looked all that good. But it was BRILLIANT. I really love this film, all the performances are excellent, the screenplay is Oscar-worthy and the directing effort is amazing. Election is one of those movies where you just can't get enough of it, it is surely one of the best pictures of 1999.

Rating:
Summary: Cool
Review: Easily one of the best movies of 1999. If you see one movie the rest of your life, see Fight Club. If you see two movies, see Election.