The Campaign ***

Not exactly biting satire, "The Campaign" does highlight some of the more depressing features of the America political landscape: safe seats, jingoistic empty-headed Congressmen, issue-free discourse, and limitless big money buying its way into policy. The humor is broad, but the movie is elevated by some notable talent, including Will Ferrell as the long-time incumbent, Zach Galifianakis as the lisping nebbish neophyte anointed by Republican Big Money, and John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd as the super-rich Motch brothers, the embodiment of said RBM. The director is Jay Roach, well-known and successful helmer of other broad comedies, including "Meet the Parents," "Meet the Fockers," and "Austin Powers." Intentionally or not, this movie is a man's world, with women relegated to roles as career-wrecking bimbos or plastic trophies. The outcome of the election is realistic, but the ending of the movie is not, which I hope doubles the point about the corrupting influence of unfettered money.