It’s election year in the States, which means it’s also time for Hollywood to deliver their dose of films mocking the American political process. The candidate in question is The Campaign, a slapstick comedy starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis.

The premise is straightforward; incumbent democratic congressman, Cam Brady (Ferrell), is challenged for his seat by political republican novice, Marty Huggins (Galifianakis). Cam has been running unopposed for four terms and it had looked like a coronation for a fifth term until a sexual scandal erupted.

In comes the shady billionaire Motch brothers (Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow) – essentially playing the Koch brothers, who bankroll the right wing conservative Tea Party in the States. Seeing an opportunity to unseat Cam and install a puppet congressman, they put their financial firepower behind inexperienced Marty Huggins. They see it as an opportunity to install a legislator who will be friendly towards their business plans; bringing the sweatshop factories into the American heartland.

Jay Roach, director of Austin Powers and Meet the Parents, seems a natural choice for this film, with his recent foray into political TV films such as Recount and Game Change. However, this film comes across as one big long Saturday Night Live sketch. In parts we have observant political satire, while other parts are crude crass misfiring jokes.

Throughout the film, there’s a sense of been there and seen it. Isn’t Cam Brady just Ron Burgundy going into politics? Isn’t Marty Huggins playing Seth Galifianakis? Satire about baby kissing and dirty tricks political videos; haven’t we heard that all before? You know the filmmakers are struggling with material when a live action film is only running 85 minutes long.

The list of co-stars and cameos is impressive, however: Brian Cox, Jason Sudeikis, Katherine LaNasa, Sarah Baker, Dan Aykroyd and even news anchors like Wolf Blitzer, Chris Matthews and our very own Piers Morgan. They mostly do a competent job, the standout being Dylan McDermott playing a militant campaign manager.

The Campaign is an easy if forgettable film to enjoy, but the main principals have all made better films before and it’s hard to ignore that they’re just treading overly familiar territory.

Released in UK cinemas on Friday 28th September 2012 by Warner Bros.

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