Election

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein
Directed by: Alexander Payne
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Box Office: $14,902,041
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Popular High School teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) becomes obsessed with a classic overachieving student, Tracey Flick (Reese Witherspoon) and he tries to thwart her attempt to win student body president by having a popular athlete (Chris Klein) join the election against her.

Review:

Tim: This film was popularly received, mostly for the performances of Broderick and Witherspoon, but also for the story, which many called refreshing and funny. I could not disagree more with anything said about this film.

One would think that as a huge fan of Reese Witherspoon, I'd love her in the film, as well as the film itself. Well, happily, I can say that my morals and judgment can transcend even the most admirable actors.

Election just plain stinks. I thought the storyline was awful, the characters pitful, and the entire film just a large bore. There is no one in this film you can relate to (hopefully anyway) or root for.

Matthew Broderick's character is horrible and unfortunately most of the movie is through his eyes. Near the end of the film, his face is all swelled up or bruised or something, and you not only have to deal with his character, but the ugliness of the distortion of his face as well.

Furthermore, Reese Witherspoon gives a performance that many people called amazing. I thought she was annoying and unfunny. I rarely laughed at all during this movie, although I did cringe on a number of occasions. I did not like Witherspoon at all in this movie. I suppose it was a good career choice for her, because in the end, my opinion matters for nothing, while those who do matter enjoyed her performance.

Whether or not you see this film depends on whether you believe professional critics, or me. I advise you to take a chance with this film and then tell me how right I am when you're finished.... if you can make it all the way through.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 3.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Pleasantville, Sweet Home Alabama, Godzilla, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Citizen Ruth, American Pie