Election

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon
Director: Alexander Payne
Genre: Comedy
Year: 1999
Rating: 4 / 5

Throughout the late 1990s, teen comedies have made a ferocious comeback, recapturing mainstream interest and dominating the box office. That being said, it seems somewhat surprising that Election, though distinctly different from its more successful predecessors, would slip below national radar, into and out of theatres in a rather short time. After all, it is a teen comedy, with likeable stars (Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon) and a witty script. And, for anyone who has had the pleasure of watching this film, it is a true joy to behold, with pointed ethical issues and more imperfect teenagers than most films I can remember. That, and the presence of newcomer Chris Klein, truly makes this film a memorable one.

Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is a classic overachiever - a high school junior who mixes cheerleading, club participation, and student government with an excellent academic record. She is the first to raise her hand in class, and she is always prepared. Unfortunately for her, on her way to "the top," she has not managed to endear herself to anyone, students and teachers alike. Her dream is to go to Georgetown University (which added a nice special touch for this Hoya alumnus), and winning the Student Council Presidency would be a nice step in that direction. With boundless energy reserves, an equally dedicated mother, and no opposition, the election seems to be hers for the taking.

Enter Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick), Tracy's social studies teacher, determined not to let Tracy win this election. He sees this election as a stepping stone for Tracy, one which will afford her more opportunities down the road to continue her win-at-all-costs mentality. He believes that she will step on anyone and everyone to get what she wants, making him determined to find a suitable opponent for her. This leads him to Paul Metzler (Chris Klein), the recently injured football quarterback, who is trying to rediscover his place in the high school world. Paul possesses just the right amount of honesty and popularity to provide the perfect foil for the driven, though unloved, Tracy Flick.

Election delves deeply into what truly drives high school students, and how important it is for some to succeed. At the same time, the film tackles some serious issues regarding the impact, both positive and negative, that teachers can have on high school students. While it seems that Tracy will resort to cheating and lying to win the election, Mr. McAllister will sink to the same depths to prevent her. Only Paul conveys true integrity, coming across as a sincerely concerned jock wanting to do his best for his fellow students. The contrast is so sharp that it is sometimes hard to remember that Paul is bucking all film stereotypes, playing a football player with warmth and sensitivity, a sense of caring that extends from his peers on to his rebellious sister (Jessica Campbell).

Election is the sort of intelligent high school comedy that adults have been hoping for since the early 1980s. Though the film's conclusion is by no means shocking, the events which unfold before that are anything but formulaic. Matthew Broderick is a nice fit as Mr. McAllister, a lifelong teacher who takes his role as educator seriously. Reese Witherspoon (Cruel Intentions) shines as the way-too-peppy overachiever that we all knew in high school, someone whose chipper nature and "concern for the students" could not possibly be genuine. Yet it is Chris Klein (American Pie) who gives the film's most uplifting performance. His Paul Metzler is a character anyone can root for, as he keeps his perspective and his sense of right even when all around him a resorting to new depths of filth. Though he did at times look like a young Keanu Reeves ("look like," not "act like"), Chris Klein provides the film with its emotional heart, and he turns this film from merely average into a true delight.

Cast:

Matthew Broderick..........	Jim McAllister
Reese Witherspoon..........	Tracy Flick
Chris Klein..........	Paul Metzler
Jessica Campbell..........	Tammy Metzler

Certification: Rated R for language and sexual situations.
Running Time: 103 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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