GamerTab That was an excellent one.

SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

Actuakers One of my all time favorites.

Salubfoto It's an amazing and heartbreaking story.

grantss The high school Class President election is approaching and it looks like Tracy Flick is going to win, unopposed. However, teacher Jim McAllister has other plans. He convinces jock Paul Metzler to run, sparking off an interesting chain of events.Brilliant movie from writer-director Alexander Payne. Darkly funny, with a cynical, subversive streak to it. This subversiveness extends beyond the comedy as the movie captures high school as a microcosm for the world we live in, especially the world of politics. Here Payne is particularly brilliant and brutal, showing us the kind of people who thrive in politics, and what happens to those that get in their way.

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).

Weiming Sheng Election is a film that makes me want to re-rate all the movies I've watched so far: if I only give a ten to Election, what would be the score of Star Wars A New Hope? 1 star? It is hard to really quantify things, but nonetheless I hope I have made my point clear, that Election is one of the best movies ever made, and I am talking about Citizen Kane great. Now, a lot of films are said to be the greatest because how innovative they are at the time or how old they are. Well I don't care about those pretentious measures. When I am writing a review I am judging from a present viewer's perspective, and I am expecting contemporary people to read my words, not some 30s time-travelers. Therefore, even though historic values cannot be entirely ignored, that is not the major reason for me to watch a film: I do it because I want to learn something from it, have some fun, and entertain myself intellectually. In contrary to Star Wars A New Hope which achieves none of that, Election is the perfect movie by that standard. Simply perfect. I will say no more to avoid spoilers. This is one of those films that by even mentioning some general comments would make me guilty of spoiling, very opposite to when I am writing the review for Star Wars A New Hope and felt that I just wanted to spit out this garbage. I have no problem with this movie. Honestly, I think most people give this a 8/10 because they feel no one else has been giving it the acclaim it is supposed to win. I rate movies however based on things I find to be not right; therefore I only take points off when necessary, since movie-making is hard and being a nitpicking jerk does not always do me any good. Anyways, not a single false note, and I am giving it a 10/10. BTW maybe I am prejudiced since I really like this directing style. I also gave About Schmidt 10/10 just so you know.

thejcowboy22 Oh the great memories of those old high school days. Lots of friends,parties and winning the senior class presidency, NOT!This all comes to mind in this dark comedy about acceptance, relationships and power. The structure of this story is based from different characters points of view. Their feelings and perspectives on how they benefit or don't from their surroundings in the flat plains of Nebraska. This story takes place in present day Nebraska at a public high school with the two main characters, Award winning Social studies teacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) and over Sycophant Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon).Mr McaAllister is a teacher in his own little world who uses the amenities of his High School track and shower besides running the annual election for the School. His home life is also simple. He's married but the McAllister' have a problem procreating. The McAllister's have close friends the Novotny's Dave and Linda. Our other main character Tracy Flick is a go-getter power monger and wants that ultimate prize in her young life, the presidency of the High School.The early scenes depict her over achieving ways by raising her hand to all the questions asked by her teacher Mr. McAllister and the numerous clubs she runs in and around the school grounds.Besides running things our little Tracy is having an affair with Math teacher Dave Novotny (Mark Harelik). Dave is so much under Tracy's spell that he glues pictures in a self made book of Hawaii and tells her that he'll take her away to the island paradise. Dave forgets that he's married with a child and he also forgets that Tracy uses the book to get Dave fired from his Job at the school.You just can help but despise her enthusiasm. Mr. McAllister recognizes this girl must be stopped and comes up with a plan to have someone with enough popularity to give Tracy a run for her money.By the way Jim McAllister has a crush on Linda Novotny. Enter first time actor, the simpleton the likable dumb jock and star Quarterback Paul Metzler (Chris Klein). Despite starring on the football field Paul lacks two things, common sense and confidence. Paul also has a Lesbian Sister Tammy played to perfection by Jessica Campbell who is dating a girl Lisa (Frankie Ingrassia)who changes her feeling like the weather and dumps Tammy for her brother Paul. Infuriated and hurt Tammy in return runs for class president against her brother. Now we have a three team race for President with interesting returns in making of this dark comedy with all different aspirations from all the parties in question. Break out role for Reese Witherspoon which in my opinion was worthy of some type of an award. Chris Klein with a superb performance as the lovable jock. Just be wary of custodians in your school.