Retro Review: Election (1999)

                                           

                                           Here Is An 'Election' To Vote For

                         Politics can be hell, just like how high school is hell. But this film not only pokes fun at just politics, but high school politics. The film Election offers a biting and hilarious commentary on just how out of control politics can get.

                          Story:
                         Election is about an overachieving student named Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) who is very driven and will do anything to win. She is running for class president unopposed until the history professor named Mr. McAllister (Matthew Broderick) asks the school quarterback Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against her out of his dislike for Tracy. Eventually, Paul's younger sister Tammy (Jessica Campbell) decides to run and things begin to spiral afterward.

                       What I Liked About It:
                     While I enjoyed the film as a whole, the thing I loved the most that I think made the film was Reese Witherspoon's performance. She was just PERFECT for this role as she is able to pull off the character's switch from being perky and upbeat to menacing in a matter of seconds. She very much embodies the "Tracy Flick" inside all of us. My favorite scene in the film is when Tracy is tearing off Paul's campaign posters from the wall and has a huge meltdown. Plus, I liked it when they played the "tribal scream" that goes off when Tracy is about to snap.

                     I also liked how the film showcases the perspectives of the four main characters. Each of them give voiceover narrations as the film progresses and showcase their conflicts and points of view. Plus, I liked the development of the main characters. Some of which are the kind that you probably knew when you were in high school. Tracy is the overachieving yet very driven honor student who tries to always be at the top of everything. Paul is the somewhat thick-headed yet lovable sports jock. There is also another character named Lisa, who was originally in a relationship with Tammy, then cheated on her with Paul. Lisa is the kind of girl who makes you think that she loves you, but just toys with you. But Tammy is somewhat of an introverted outsider, much like I was when I was in high school. So, most people can definitely find a character that they can relate to.

                      What I Didn't Like About It:
                     Nothing.

                      Consensus:
                    Overall, Election is a diabolically hilarious satire that remains one of my favorite movies to date. It's darkly funny yet it is very enjoyable to watch, especially Reese Witherspoon's performance as Tracy Flick. This one I would highly recommend for those looking for a good laugh. Vote for Election!

Rating: 5/5