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Matthew Broderick makes up for years of wet-noodle performances with his low-key but unsparing characterization of Jim McAllister, a high school teacher at George Washington Carver High School in Omaha, Nebraska. Driven by a strange mixture of loathing and lust for pathologically overachieving student Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon), McAllister encourages a dim but popular athlete, Paul (Chris Klein from American Pie), to run against her in the election for student-council president. Director-cowriter Alexander Payne (Citizen Ruth) turns this deceptively simple premise into a complex and scathing comedy of ambition, corruption, and desire, all at its most naked and petty. Every scene contains some painfully funny nuance that will make you wince in a mixture of astonishment and empathy. Witherspoon flips effortlessly back and forth from adolescent vulnerability to steely-eyed strength; she's becoming a contemporary Carole Lombard. The movie itself feels like a magnificent throwback to the richly layered comedies of the '30s, which drew their humor from sharply drawn characters and twisting plots instead of explosions of bodily fluids. With a wealth of smart, cutting details, Election rewards multiple viewing. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (205)

A solid, thought-provoking film.
I've watched this movie several times and must say that it's interesting, good, and involving. Election is a satire that's based on a novel. G. W. Carver High School (in Omaha, Nebraska) is holding an election for student council president. An ambitious student named Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is running unopposed for the position. Schoolteacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) decides to encourage student Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against her. That's basically the gist of this unconventional and intricate satire. Election moves at a steady pace and never becomes tedious. The acting from the entire cast is exceptional. Broderick and Witherspoon are especially convincing in their roles. The story examines various human frailties (hypocrisy, adultery, lesbianism, etc.). I also find the movie's character development to be impressive. There are some funny scenes along with some unexpected and surprising ones, too. Repeated viewings have helped me to get more out of this film--it contains some subtleties. Election is a thought-provoking movie that's definitely worth a watch.

One of the Funniest Movies EVER...
With low expectations, I saw "Election" at my university's theater. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised. Matthew Broderick portrays the high school teacher pushed over the edge by the overly driven student, Reese Witherspoon. The best thing about this movie is that anyone can relate to nearly all of the characters. Matthew Broderick is that ideological teacher who really wanted to make a difference; Reese Witherspoon is the girl everybody hated because she always knew the answer. Chris Kline is that one super-jock, who manages to be an amazingly nice guy.

Most of the comedy comes from Broderick's hateful obsession with Witherspoon. This hate drives a good guy to do everything he can to keep Witherspoon from winning the high school Presidential election. This film thrives on the hilarious characters, all of who will undoubtedly remind you of your high school friends and enemies (one of them will undoubtedly remind you of yourself).

"Election" is more intelligent, funnier, and more creative than any of the more recent high school nostalgia flicks like "American Pie." I can't say enough positive things about this film, one of the funniest movies of the 90's.

Immoral Garbage
You're thinking, 'Matthew Broderick & Reese Witherspoon this ought to be a good movie.' WRONG. That's what I was thinking. The fact that MTV Films produced this movie should have been enough of a warning. Election is not funny, nor clever, nor interesting. All the major characters are immoral bad people doing immoral bad stuff. I am not a prude and if this movie was entertaining in anyway I could have set aside my judgement of the characters knowing that they are fictional. However, it is not entertaining, nor do any of the characters show remorse or grow in anyway. There is nothing redeming about this movie.
Please don't waste your time.

Great movie
This movie does an amazing job of incorporating the points of view of several different characters, allowing viewers to both laugh at and feel for their perspectives and situations. It's a journey through a high school election, a seemingly common event, but one that takes on special significance due to corruption, sexual improprieties, the pursuit and destruction of dreams, and the search for success and acceptance. A movie that is both serious and comedic, refreshing and thoughtful, engaging and fun. Witherspoon does an excellent job portraying the intensity of youthful overachiever and presidential candidate Tracy. A great movie for those who are looking for a fun movie with some depth.

The best of 99.
Only Fight Club came close to this movie when it comes to the best of 99. (Which had lots of great movies. Sadly one of my least favorites of 99 won Best Picture). But really, I love this movie. It reminds me of all those great days in high school (including rumors of a teacher sleeping with a student). The thing I loved the most was the location shooting. It didn't have that Hollywood feel; instead it had a mid-western look. The houses, the hotel, the Wallgreens, the school; nothing looked out of place for Nebraska.

But that's not the only thing to love. The acting is great all around. Even Chris Kline (who went on to star in masterpieces like "Rollerball") pulls off a good performance. However the real ace is Reese Witherspoon. She pulls of a perfect performance. It's a shame she's stuck in those silly Legally Blonde movies now; she can do so much better. Plus I loved Jessica Campbell. She reminds of the girl who broke my heart in high school.

The plotting is air tight. There is not one unneccesary scene and the film moves along briskly. The story is funny. The ending is great. I haven't read the book yet, but I plan to visit the Library to get it someday. Very, very highly recommended. ... Read more

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Directed by Michael Ritchie (The Candidate) with an eye toward his terrific 1970s legacy of social and political satires, this 1993 HBO comedy stars Holly Hunter as the real-life Texas woman who solicited a killer to aid her daughter's dream of becoming a high school cheerleader. Hunter is remarkable in the lead, somehow both scary and sympathetic. But it is Ritchie who gets to the heart of the matter in the aftermath of the murder, when there is a mad scramble by the media and Hollywood to package the absurdist atrocity for their own ends. One of the director's more biting studies of the shadow side of ritual Americana, this is not for anyone looking for a bull docudrama. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Highly & sadly underrated masterpiece of satire
This is one of the best satires I have ever seen on film.
Holly Hunter gives the performance of her career & Swoosie Kurtz & Beau Bridges are outstanding. But all the performances are hilarious & perfectly on target.

The material is universally outrageous - all the more so for being based on a true story. Michael Ritchie was a brilliant director whose work has been sadly neglected. Prime Cut & Smile are two of his other masterpieces which deserve resurrection & pristine restoration on DVD.

Isn't it interesting how many so many of the best & most outrageous films are about Texas: This plus Texas Chainsaw Massacre plus Murder in Texas plus True Stories. Then there's Alamo...

Thank You, Holly Hunter!
Only in America! It's hard to believe that the plot to this movie was actually based on a true story from Texas. This production is now up there with 'Tin MenEas one of my ten favorite American movies, not just for the careful satire, but for the celebration of 'AmericanaE it truly is the kind of story, played out by a cast of intriguing characters, which could not have come from anywhere else in the world.
Michael Ritchie did an excellent job of presenting this story as half-comedy, half-documentary. Not that there should be anything comical about a real-life murder plot, but some of the characters involved really do defy imagination, to the point where the rest of us literally cannot take them seriously. The story thus has all the ingredients with which it could easily degenerate into farce, but Ritchie skilfully keeps the plot and the screenplay very credible for the viewer. Particulaly appealing was Ritchie's poignantly subtle Eand beautifully satirical Etreatment of the US media's appetite for sensationalism, which remains instructive to this day. So we have neurotic suburban housewives and their spoiled teenage daughters, bumbling detectives, prim-and-proper school teachers, lowbrow tabloid journalists, and a bungled murder conspiracy, all revolving around the insipid culture of high-school cheerleading in a small American town. It's a potent mix!
But the masterstroke was the casting of Holly Hunter in the lead role. Ten years on, hers remains the finest performance I have ever seen from an American actress. She didn't just act a part; she became the character Elike the true theatrical professional she is. So you can keep Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, and all the other over-hyped, over-paid 'starsE Holly Hunter's high-quality, low-profile professionalism sets an example in this movie that I so wish others would follow. But don't just take my word for it; it's significant that all the other reviewers here have gone out of their way to mention this lady's outstanding performance, and rightly so. Thank you, Holly! Equally significant is the fact that all reviewers have awarded it five stars; again, rightly so.
All around, this movie gets just the right balance between satire and fact. We have an excellent director, an outstanding actress in the lead role, a very competent supporting cast, and a true-but-hard-to-believe, unsophisticated, all-American story, all presented in a very efficient 90 minutes. Don't let the title fool you; there's nothing farcical about it. It is both watchable and memorable.

The Positively Wonderful Holly Hunter!
Holly Hunter gives a great performance in a HBO movie that was perfect for her. The story centers around a woman who wants to have her daughter's cheerleading rival axed to assure her daughter a spot on the cheerleading squad. All the actors do a great job but it is Holly Hunter that nails her role and keeps you glued to the set. The director did a great job of not making the character someone that you hated completely, instead showing a woman that doesn't realize how horrific her actions truely are. Also stars Beau Bridges.

Too Good To Be True!
Simply stating that this movie is good is an understatement! Holly Hunter's performance with an outstanding supporting cast was spectacular. I have seen this film too many times to count. The script isn't cheesey and no one actually is portrayed as a victim. Every character had a wonderful human touch. Great performance of a real life event.

Almost too convincing
This movie succeeds in being hugely entertaining thanks to Holly Hunter's amazing performance in the title role. She is thoroughly convincing as the trashy, pushy mom who's dedication to the success of her daughter's future as a cheerleader eventually leads to attempted murder. The realism is heightened by the use of restaged media footage, and "interviews" with Hunter (in character), who's cracked logic and twitchy mannerisms will have you in stitches. All the performances are good, and the result is a very black comedy that effectively ridicules this misguided woman's bizarre and near-deadly obsession with success and one-upmanship. Recommended, as it works on so many levels. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Highly & sadly underrated masterpiece of satire
This is one of the best satires I have ever seen on film.
Holly Hunter gives the performance of her career & Swoosie Kurtz & Beau Bridges are outstanding. But all the performances are hilarious & perfectly on target.

The material is universally outrageous - all the more so for being based on a true story. Michael Ritchie was a brilliant director whose work has been sadly neglected. Prime Cut & Smile are two of his other masterpieces which deserve resurrection & pristine restoration on DVD.

Isn't it interesting how many so many of the best & most outrageous films are about Texas: This plus Texas Chainsaw Massacre plus Murder in Texas plus True Stories. Then there's Alamo...

Thank You, Holly Hunter!
Only in America! It's hard to believe that the plot to this movie was actually based on a true story from Texas. This production is now up there with 'Tin MenEas one of my ten favorite American movies, not just for the careful satire, but for the celebration of 'AmericanaE it truly is the kind of story, played out by a cast of intriguing characters, which could not have come from anywhere else in the world.
Michael Ritchie did an excellent job of presenting this story as half-comedy, half-documentary. Not that there should be anything comical about a real-life murder plot, but some of the characters involved really do defy imagination, to the point where the rest of us literally cannot take them seriously. The story thus has all the ingredients with which it could easily degenerate into farce, but Ritchie skilfully keeps the plot and the screenplay very credible for the viewer. Particulaly appealing was Ritchie's poignantly subtle Eand beautifully satirical Etreatment of the US media's appetite for sensationalism, which remains instructive to this day. So we have neurotic suburban housewives and their spoiled teenage daughters, bumbling detectives, prim-and-proper school teachers, lowbrow tabloid journalists, and a bungled murder conspiracy, all revolving around the insipid culture of high-school cheerleading in a small American town. It's a potent mix!
But the masterstroke was the casting of Holly Hunter in the lead role. Ten years on, hers remains the finest performance I have ever seen from an American actress. She didn't just act a part; she became the character Elike the true theatrical professional she is. So you can keep Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, and all the other over-hyped, over-paid 'starsE Holly Hunter's high-quality, low-profile professionalism sets an example in this movie that I so wish others would follow. But don't just take my word for it; it's significant that all the other reviewers here have gone out of their way to mention this lady's outstanding performance, and rightly so. Thank you, Holly! Equally significant is the fact that all reviewers have awarded it five stars; again, rightly so.
All around, this movie gets just the right balance between satire and fact. We have an excellent director, an outstanding actress in the lead role, a very competent supporting cast, and a true-but-hard-to-believe, unsophisticated, all-American story, all presented in a very efficient 90 minutes. Don't let the title fool you; there's nothing farcical about it. It is both watchable and memorable.

The Positively Wonderful Holly Hunter!
Holly Hunter gives a great performance in a HBO movie that was perfect for her. The story centers around a woman who wants to have her daughter's cheerleading rival axed to assure her daughter a spot on the cheerleading squad. All the actors do a great job but it is Holly Hunter that nails her role and keeps you glued to the set. The director did a great job of not making the character someone that you hated completely, instead showing a woman that doesn't realize how horrific her actions truely are. Also stars Beau Bridges.

Too Good To Be True!
Simply stating that this movie is good is an understatement! Holly Hunter's performance with an outstanding supporting cast was spectacular. I have seen this film too many times to count. The script isn't cheesey and no one actually is portrayed as a victim. Every character had a wonderful human touch. Great performance of a real life event.

Almost too convincing
This movie succeeds in being hugely entertaining thanks to Holly Hunter's amazing performance in the title role. She is thoroughly convincing as the trashy, pushy mom who's dedication to the success of her daughter's future as a cheerleader eventually leads to attempted murder. The realism is heightened by the use of restaged media footage, and "interviews" with Hunter (in character), who's cracked logic and twitchy mannerisms will have you in stitches. All the performances are good, and the result is a very black comedy that effectively ridicules this misguided woman's bizarre and near-deadly obsession with success and one-upmanship. Recommended, as it works on so many levels. ... Read more

Reviews (205)

A solid, thought-provoking film.
I've watched this movie several times and must say that it's interesting, good, and involving. Election is a satire that's based on a novel. G. W. Carver High School (in Omaha, Nebraska) is holding an election for student council president. An ambitious student named Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is running unopposed for the position. Schoolteacher Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) decides to encourage student Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against her. That's basically the gist of this unconventional and intricate satire. Election moves at a steady pace and never becomes tedious. The acting from the entire cast is exceptional. Broderick and Witherspoon are especially convincing in their roles. The story examines various human frailties (hypocrisy, adultery, lesbianism, etc.). I also find the movie's character development to be impressive. There are some funny scenes along with some unexpected and surprising ones, too. Repeated viewings have helped me to get more out of this film--it contains some subtleties. Election is a thought-provoking movie that's definitely worth a watch.

One of the Funniest Movies EVER...
With low expectations, I saw "Election" at my university's theater. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised. Matthew Broderick portrays the high school teacher pushed over the edge by the overly driven student, Reese Witherspoon. The best thing about this movie is that anyone can relate to nearly all of the characters. Matthew Broderick is that ideological teacher who really wanted to make a difference; Reese Witherspoon is the girl everybody hated because she always knew the answer. Chris Kline is that one super-jock, who manages to be an amazingly nice guy.

Most of the comedy comes from Broderick's hateful obsession with Witherspoon. This hate drives a good guy to do everything he can to keep Witherspoon from winning the high school Presidential election. This film thrives on the hilarious characters, all of who will undoubtedly remind you of your high school friends and enemies (one of them will undoubtedly remind you of yourself).

"Election" is more intelligent, funnier, and more creative than any of the more recent high school nostalgia flicks like "American Pie." I can't say enough positive things about this film, one of the funniest movies of the 90's.

Immoral Garbage
You're thinking, 'Matthew Broderick & Reese Witherspoon this ought to be a good movie.' WRONG. That's what I was thinking. The fact that MTV Films produced this movie should have been enough of a warning. Election is not funny, nor clever, nor interesting. All the major characters are immoral bad people doing immoral bad stuff. I am not a prude and if this movie was entertaining in anyway I could have set aside my judgement of the characters knowing that they are fictional. However, it is not entertaining, nor do any of the characters show remorse or grow in anyway. There is nothing redeming about this movie.
Please don't waste your time.

Great movie
This movie does an amazing job of incorporating the points of view of several different characters, allowing viewers to both laugh at and feel for their perspectives and situations. It's a journey through a high school election, a seemingly common event, but one that takes on special significance due to corruption, sexual improprieties, the pursuit and destruction of dreams, and the search for success and acceptance. A movie that is both serious and comedic, refreshing and thoughtful, engaging and fun. Witherspoon does an excellent job portraying the intensity of youthful overachiever and presidential candidate Tracy. A great movie for those who are looking for a fun movie with some depth.

The best of 99.
Only Fight Club came close to this movie when it comes to the best of 99. (Which had lots of great movies. Sadly one of my least favorites of 99 won Best Picture). But really, I love this movie. It reminds me of all those great days in high school (including rumors of a teacher sleeping with a student). The thing I loved the most was the location shooting. It didn't have that Hollywood feel; instead it had a mid-western look. The houses, the hotel, the Wallgreens, the school; nothing looked out of place for Nebraska.

But that's not the only thing to love. The acting is great all around. Even Chris Kline (who went on to star in masterpieces like "Rollerball") pulls off a good performance. However the real ace is Reese Witherspoon. She pulls of a perfect performance. It's a shame she's stuck in those silly Legally Blonde movies now; she can do so much better. Plus I loved Jessica Campbell. She reminds of the girl who broke my heart in high school.

The plotting is air tight. There is not one unneccesary scene and the film moves along briskly. The story is funny. The ending is great. I haven't read the book yet, but I plan to visit the Library to get it someday. Very, very highly recommended. ... Read more