MTV
is not known for their great films. With a resume including such dismal efforts
as Joe's Apartment and Varsity Blues, they finally score with this hilarious new
comedy from Alexander Payne (Citizen Ruth).
This
raunchy high school satire recalls Michael Lehmann's Heathers, Wes Anderson's
Rushmore, and some of John Hughes' teen comedies of the 80s. Matthew Broderick
plays a teacher who encourages a dumb, yet likable jock to run against an annoying
overachiever (brilliantly played by Reese Witherspoon) for student body president.
Broderick
gives one his best performances in years with a character that serves as sort
of an older extension of his most famous alter ego--Ferris Bueller.
However,
the real star of the film is Payne. His crisp, witty dialogue and sharp, unexpected
plot twists make Election one of the best and funniest films of the year. Most
importantly, anyone who remembers high school will find that the film rings true,
unlike Varsity Blues.
