Introduction

The Campaign is a 2012 political comedy film that brings laughs while satirizing the intricacies of modern American elections. Released on August 10, 2012, this film has managed to make its mark with a mix of humor and political commentary.

If you're in a hurry, here’s what you need to know about The Campaign:

• Release Date: August 10, 2012

• Genre: Comedy

• Director: Jay Roach

• Main Cast: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Katherine LaNasa

• Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures

The film showcases the talents of Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis as they portray rival politicians, Camden Brady and Marty Huggins, respectively. Directed by Jay Roach, known for his expertise in combining humor with impactful themes, the movie dives into the wild world of election campaigns, complete with scandals and manipulations.

Plot Summary

Camden Brady (played by Will Ferrell) is a long-term congressman with a knack for winning elections, thanks to his charm and political savvy. However, his smooth sailing hits a bump when Martin "Marty" Huggins (played by Zach Galifianakis), a quirky and lovable outsider, decides to run against him in the upcoming election.

The rivalry between Cam and Marty escalates quickly, turning into an all-out war of dirty tricks and outrageous stunts. This rivalry is further fueled by the Motch Brothers (portrayed by John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd), a pair of ultra-wealthy siblings with their own hidden agenda. The Motch Brothers initially back Cam, but when he fails to meet their expectations, they switch their support to Marty, revitalizing his campaign and giving him a fighting chance.

Election Scandal

As the election day approaches, the stakes get even higher. Marty discovers the Motch Brothers' sinister plan to turn the district into a factory complex, importing Chinese workers to cut shipping costs. Feeling used, Marty rejects their support and exposes their plans to the public, promising honesty and transparency—even revealing embarrassing secrets about himself.

Despite his efforts, Cam wins the election due to rigged voting machines orchestrated by the Motch Brothers. However, Cam's victory is short-lived. Marty reminds Cam of their shared past and the values they once held, leading Cam to have a change of heart. In a surprising turn of events, Cam denounces his win and his record as a Congressman, allowing Marty to win by default.

The film wraps up with Cam and Marty reconciling and becoming friends. Cam is appointed as Marty's chief of staff, and together they expose the Motch Brothers. The brothers are eventually called before Congress and arrested due to their association with Tim Wattley (Dylan McDermott), an international fugitive.

The plot of The Campaign is a rollercoaster of political satire, highlighting the absurdity and corruption often found in modern American elections. It uses humor to shed light on serious issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Cast and Characters

The Campaign features a star-studded cast that brings the film's political satire to life. Here's a look at the main characters and the talented actors who portray them:

Will Ferrell as Cam Brady

Will Ferrell plays Camden "Cam" Brady, a long-term congressman running for re-election. Known for his comedic roles, Ferrell brings his signature humor to the character, making Cam both outrageous and relatable.

Zach Galifianakis as Marty Huggins

Zach Galifianakis stars as Martin Sylvester "Marty" Huggins, a naive but earnest candidate running against Cam Brady. Galifianakis's quirky style and unique comedic timing add depth to Marty's character, making his transformation throughout the film both humorous and heartfelt.

Jason Sudeikis as Mitch Wilson

Jason Sudeikis plays Mitch Wilson, Cam Brady's campaign manager. Sudeikis's performance adds a layer of wit and sarcasm, perfectly complementing Ferrell's over-the-top character.

Dylan McDermott as Tim Wattley

Dylan McDermott takes on the role of Tim Wattley, the slick and manipulative campaign manager for Marty Huggins. McDermott's portrayal of Wattley adds a darker, more cynical edge to the film's comedic tone.

Katherine LaNasa as Rose Brady

Katherine LaNasa plays Rose Brady, Cam Brady's wife. Her character navigates the turbulent waters of political life, adding complexity and moments of genuine emotion to the film.

John Lithgow as Glenn Motch

John Lithgow stars as Glenn Motch, one half of the wealthy and powerful Motch brothers. Lithgow's performance is both menacing and satirical, perfectly capturing the essence of corporate greed.

Dan Aykroyd as Wade Motch

Dan Aykroyd plays Wade Motch, the other half of the Motch brothers. Aykroyd's comedic background shines through, making the Motch brothers' schemes both sinister and laughable.

These actors, each with their own unique style, come together to create a dynamic and entertaining ensemble. Their performances are a key part of what makes The Campaign a memorable political satire.

Next, we'll dive into the production details of the film, including where it was filmed and the music that sets the tone.

Production Details

The Campaign was filmed in various locations, primarily in Louisiana. The vibrant city of New Orleans played a significant role, providing a lively backdrop for many scenes. Additionally, the towns of Hammond and the West Bank were also used, adding to the film's Southern charm.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans: Known for its rich culture and dynamic atmosphere, New Orleans was a key location for the movie. The city's unique architecture and bustling streets helped bring the story to life.

• Hammond: This smaller town provided a more intimate setting for some of the film's scenes, contrasting with the larger, more chaotic New Orleans.

• West Bank: The West Bank area offered additional diverse locations, rounding out the film’s Southern aesthetic.

Principal Photography

Principal photography for The Campaign began in late 2011. The production team chose Louisiana not only for its picturesque settings but also for its favorable filming incentives. This decision helped manage the movie's budget and allowed for a variety of authentic Southern locations.

Music by Theodore Shapiro

The film's score was composed by Theodore Shapiro, known for his work on other comedies like Tropic Thunder and The Devil Wears Prada. Shapiro's music in The Campaign complements the film's satirical tone, enhancing both the comedic and dramatic moments. His score helps to underscore the absurdity of the political antics and the emotional beats of the story.

Next, we’ll explore the themes and satire in The Campaign, including its commentary on political corruption and corporate influence.

Themes and Satire

Political Satire

The Campaign is a comedy that dives deep into the absurdities of modern American elections. It uses humor to shine a light on the ridiculous lengths politicians go to for votes. The movie doesn't hold back on poking fun at the over-the-top antics and dirty tricks often seen in real-life campaigns.

Corporate Money Influence

One of the central themes in The Campaign is the influence of corporate money in politics. The film's plot revolves around the Motch brothers, wealthy businessmen who try to manipulate the election to serve their own financial interests. This storyline highlights how corporate money can corrupt the political process and undermine democracy.

Koch Brothers Parody

The Motch brothers are a direct parody of the real-life Koch brothers, Charles and David Koch, known for their significant financial contributions to political campaigns. By creating these characters, the film criticizes how a few wealthy individuals can wield enormous power over elections and policy decisions.

Modern American Elections

The Campaign also serves as a broader commentary on the state of modern American elections. It showcases how political campaigns have become more about spectacle and scandal than about policies and governance. The film's exaggerated portrayal of campaign tactics, from mudslinging to rigged voting machines, reflects real concerns about the integrity and focus of contemporary elections.

In the next section, we'll look at the box office performance of The Campaign, including its opening weekend numbers and total gross.

Box Office Performance

The Campaign had a promising start, performing better than expected on its opening day by grossing $10.3 million. During its opening weekend, the film earned $26.6 million, securing the second spot at the box office. It was just behind The Bourne Legacy, which grossed $38.1 million.

Despite this strong start, the overall financial performance of The Campaign was underwhelming. The film had a budget of $95 million but only managed to gross $86.9 million in the U.S. and Canada. Internationally, it brought in an additional $18 million, bringing the total gross to $104.9 million.

Given these numbers, The Campaign was considered a financial disappointment. Even though it managed to surpass its production budget by a small margin, the returns were not substantial enough to deem it a financial success. The high production costs and the moderate box office returns highlight the challenges even well-marketed films face in recouping their investments.

In the next section, we'll delve into the critical reception of The Campaign, exploring how it was received by critics and audiences alike.

Critical Reception

The Campaign received a mixed bag of reviews from critics and audiences.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 66% based on 204 reviews. This indicates that a majority of critics found the film to be at least somewhat enjoyable. The average rating stands at 5.94/10. The site's critical consensus reads:

"Its crude brand of political satire isn't quite as smart or sharp as one might hope in an election year, but The Campaign manages to generate a sufficient number of laughs thanks to its well-matched leads."

Metacritic Score

On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 50 out of 100 based on 35 critic reviews. This score indicates "mixed or average reviews," showing that while some critics appreciated the humor and performances, others found it lacking in depth or sharpness.

CinemaScore

Audience reactions were also varied. According to CinemaScore, moviegoers gave The Campaign an average grade of "B−" on an A+ to F scale. This suggests that while many viewers found the film entertaining, it didn't resonate equally well with everyone.

Richard Roeper Review

However, not all reviews were mixed. Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film a glowing review, awarding it an A−. He described it as:

"One of the best comedies of the year" where "the material is offensively funny, but the laughs are very consistent."

Roeper's positive review highlights the film's ability to deliver consistent humor, which resonated well with him.

In the next section, we'll explore where you can watch 'The Campaign', covering various streaming and rental options available today.

Where to Watch 'The Campaign'

If you're eager to catch The Campaign, there are several options for streaming and rental. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the best way to watch:

Netflix

As of now, The Campaign is not available on Netflix. Keep an eye on their catalog, as movie availability can change over time.

Prime Video

You can rent or buy The Campaign on Prime Video. Renting allows you to watch the movie for a limited time, while buying gives you permanent access.

Other Streaming Options

• Roku Device: If you have a Roku device, you can also stream The Campaign by using the Prime Video app.

Rental Options

• Fandango at Home: This is another platform where you can rent or buy the movie. It's a convenient option if you prefer watching on a smart TV or computer.

These options make it easy to enjoy The Campaign whether you're looking to stream it instantly or rent it for a movie night.

Next, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about The Campaign, including its availability on other streaming platforms and filming locations.

Frequently Asked Questions about 'The Campaign'

Is the film 'The Campaign' on Netflix?

No, The Campaign is not currently available on Netflix. While Netflix offers a wide range of movies and TV shows, this particular film isn't part of their current catalog.

Is 'The Campaign' streaming anywhere else?

Yes, you can stream The Campaign on Prime Video. This platform allows you to rent or buy the movie, making it accessible for immediate viewing. Additionally, you can watch it on a Roku device if you have the Prime Video app installed.

What town was 'The Campaign' filmed in?

The Campaign was filmed in several locations, primarily in Louisiana. Key filming spots include New Orleans, Hammond, and the West Bank. These diverse locations helped bring the film's satirical depiction of American political campaigns to life.

Conclusion

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Thank you for reading our ultimate guide to The Campaign. We hope you found it informative and engaging!