# Election (1999)

### reviewed by
Homer Yen

    A Spirited "Election"
    by Homer Yen
    (c) 1999

Smart movies are getting harder to come by. Smart movies that are entertaining are even tougher to find. Give us a good story, honesty within the script, and a good cast, and you've got yourself a movie that'll go to the head of the class. So before the summer session begins, enroll yourself in what might be one of the hidden gems of this movie year. It's called "Election", and you won't find a smarter film this month.

`Election' takes a unique look at life in high school. It forwards the notion that at that tender time of adolescence, everyone's primary goal in life is to do something that will benefit themselves. All others are just obstacles to be stepped on. Specifically, it centers on a student body President race, and the three final contenders span the gamut of personality types from zealous overachiever to popular jock to irreverent lesbian. The presidency is a tool that each one can use to further their goals. This story is also about frumpish three-time-Teacher-of-the-Year Mr. McAllistar (Mathew Broderick). He cares about each student, imparts sage advice whenever he can, and is as much a part of high school life as study hall, detention and pep rallies. He oversees the student body election, but despite his general hands-off disposition, certain circumstances cause him to take more of an interest in who wins.

Above all, he wants to stop Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) from achieving the greatness that she is destined to achieve. Partially, it's because she had an affair with one of his colleagues. But mostly, there is just something intolerable about the Tracy Flicks of the world. She is always the first to raise her hand in class and always volunteers time for every club. On the outside, she is a prim, perky angel. But on the inside, there broods a vindictive jezebel and merciless competitor. In her bid, she spends late nights stamping out `Pick Flick' pins and prepares 500 cupcakes on the morning of the election. McAllistar hates her with a passion yet also lusts for her. His solution is to convince Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against her, who can leverage his reputation as the popular jock who's handsome, rich (thanks to his father), and well-liked. When Tracy learns of Paul's entry into the presidential race, she projects a cold look of disdain that could send shivers up your spine.

Within the high school genre lies an untapped lode of great stories and varied personalities. Here, we aptly see that it's a vacuum of 'me-centered' people who do what they can to survive. I still remember the trials and tribulations of high school as if it were only yesterday. The student body was like a rich tapestry full of color, surprises, and confusion. `Election" is a strikingly refreshing story that satirizes the culture of high school and gives us a production that is unique, original, and honest. There are no corny love stories, no sign of students who looked like 20 something models, no goofy cliques, no bets on who could win the heart of a girl, and no climactic scenes that always seems to take place at a wild house party or at the prom. If only high school students were as smart as this movie, we'd all graduate to bigger and better things.

    Grade: B+

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