The Campaign (**1/2 out of ****)

The Campaign plays it smart and makes up it's own story. Another kind of comedy would have modeled the two candidates after real life politicians. Also stereotypes about right wing and left wing could have filled up most of the film. The republican isn't a simple god fearing loyal American (well he is but does so without style) and the democrat isn't so kind. The Campaign comes up with original, unpredictable and funny comedy. It's just not the best Will Ferrell comedy out there.

Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) has run unopposed for congressman of his district for the past four terms. It's a cushiony job that he takes full advantage of. Two CEO's  (John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd) who own a number of sweatshops in China want to take things locally and plan on using Brady's district by running their own candidate. This person would unfortunately be Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis). An odd man to say the least, perhaps the best way to describe him is he's the kind of person who talks about his two pugs as often as he can. The two enter a heated race that is both professional and personal.

The Campaign is often fun and contains both outrageous and over the top scenes but has also it's character driven jokes. There's also a small hint of subtly to some jokes. Most of the comedy is hit or miss and unfortunately is closer to that miss category. However the film is quick and paced well. Even if the humor in areas is lacking the film is pretty joyous throughout. Quite good but not one of those Ferrell cult classics out there.

**1/2 out of ****