Saw: The Campaign, in theaters August 10
According to fancy scientists over at Vanderbilt Medical University, laughing burns between 10 and 40 calories for 10 to 15 minutes of laughter. So, doing some math, that means I burned between 80 and 320 calories during the course of the ridiculous new comedy, The Campaign. With a run time of 85 minutes, it’s the best laugh workout I’ve had in a long time.
There isn’t too much to say about this movie. It’s a what you see in the trailer is what you get kind of deal: the incumbent jackass in a North Carolina run for congress is surprisingly challenged by a local (adorable) half-wit with a sassy southern drawl. Things get silly, things get downright ridiculous, and then things get heartwarming and everyone leaves satisfied.
This is, by far, one of Zach Galifianakis’ best roles, ever. Then again, he has never gotten to play a pug-wielding pudgy from North Carolina named Marty Huggins, who wears hipster sweaters without the tiniest bit of irony. He hands down stole the show from Will Ferrell, but Ferrell also did a great job of playing a philandering, completely off of his political rocker, “full of DC dip and twirl” Democrat. The rest of the cast also managed to shine (under the shadow of Galifianakis): Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, and Dan Akroyd all brought big names and big laughs to the film, and the other supporting cast did a great job, as well.
The weird thing about the comedy in this movie was that there was tons of overt humor, like the baby punching incident (also known as Baby Punch Gate) and Ferrell’s character, Cam Newton’s, ideas about what’s appropriate for political ads; but it was the weird, subtle humor that really stole the show. Like when Newton threw his empty bourbon glass into the fireplace and, rather than shattering, the thing just ended up sitting majestically atop the log. And it was hilarious. Who does that?
There was everything you would want from a humorous political commentary including lies, hunting accidents, sex scandals, masterful debating, and masturbating (to Drew Carey on “The Price is Right,” naturally). It also completely managed to ruin my 90 minutes or less rule-usually anything that comes in at less than an hour and a half totally sucks. I guess when you are laughing pretty much every second, it’s ok to condense a little…
So yes, go see this movie this weekend. Or like, right now. I recommend checking it out at one of the Alamo Drafthouse locations, because you’re definitely going to want a beer while you watch it.
The Campaign, starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. Release date: August 10, 2012.
Now playing at the following Austin theaters:
Alamo Drafthouse: Ritz, Slaughter Ln, Lake Creek
AMC Barton Creek Square 14
Galaxy Highland 10
Regal Metropolitan Stadium 14
Regal Westgate Stadium 11
Cinemark Southpark Meadows
Regal Gateway Stadium 16 & IMAX
The Domain Austin
Cinemark Hill Country Galleria
Cinemark Tinseltown 20
Regal Lakeline Mall 9
