framptonhollis At first glance, Alexander Payne's satirical comedy-drama "Election" may appear to be just another high school flick. Produced by MTV, starring Matthew Broderick, featuring freeze frames and heavy usage of V.O.s, it all seems as if it may be no more than a mediocre teen comedy. However, this film seems to be built upon a brilliantly deceiving nature that holds a pitch black sense of cynical and insightful humor. With surprisingly difficult moral questions spicing things up, "Election" is a political fable that also has some incredible statements to make about a whole plethora of complicated themes. Among these themes is, most surprisingly and possibly most cleverly, sexuality and how it may infiltrate social and political issues. It is also a portrayal of the traditional "battle of the sexes" with tons of twists and turns to make it seem really fresh. And, perhaps best of all, is the film's refusal to really take sides on these difficult matters. That's what I notice happens with a lot of great black comedies, they refuse to merely mock or sympathize with one side of an issue, and instead decide to attack and understand both. For example, the controversial modern masterpiece "Three Billboards" is being panned by those who are WAY too oversensitive and easily offended (and have now unfortunately influenced and infiltrated the media to an extent that is not as "dangerous" and "problematic" as modern day conservatives and alt-lite/righters may have you believe, but is still much more annoying than is honestly necessary) due to its understanding towards the most despicable of its characters, as well as its portrayals of man's fault. Many of those who like seeing things in black and white (not literally, figuratively) and seem to relish in their own shame towards works of art do not like being morally questioned, they don't like fresh insights and the refusal to pander to the demographic they worship so much, which is why when films like "Three Billboards" and films like "Election" (and plenty of others, like "Happiness", "World's Greatest Dad", "Heathers", and even "American Beauty to a certain extent) are released they are so refreshing, and whenever they receive praise it just warms my heart (which is rather ironic considering the cynical content they often contain).

Tony Enjoyed it, makes fun out of things we probably should frown upon now. But good comedy always takes on taboos, divisive issues. All the actors were great, not just the leads. If you want to have a giggle at morality and ethics, political process regarding presentation as opposed to actual policy, you'll have a good giggle at this.

mmx a must watch before each political election, especially this year... Tracy flick represents every lying, over-achiever-sociopath, who are often presented to the society as a successful person. so if you hate overly ambitious people without any moral compass(which is pretty much most of them ha ha), than this movie is sooo for you. it also makes fun of the election process as a whole, so this movie is totally dedicated to this year's presidential election in the US. the trailer and the picture art however send a totally wrong vibe about this gem. it's a very thought provoking dark comedy about the society and how pathetic most of it really is. can be watched over and over probably even 20 years from now.

SnoopyStyle Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is an overachieving Type A personality. Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) is the conscientious civics teacher. His best friend and fellow teacher Dave Novotny gets into serious trouble having an affair with Tracy. Dave loses his job and his marriage. Tracy is an only child and running unopposed in the class president election. Jim convinces rich popular football player Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against her after his injury sidelines him. Paul's sister Tammy gets too obsessed with girlfriend Lisa. Lisa breaks up with her by having sex with Paul. That drives Tammy to run in the election against her older brother.This is a hilarious black comedy from Alexander Payne. Reese is so aggressively aggressive. She is absolutely brilliant. Chris Klein is also funny as the clueless jock. Broderick is sometimes on and off. He's not quite as funny in comparison. He's more in the pathetic area. I prefer the hilarity of the younger kids.