Grassroots review

Jason Biggs tries to help his friend earn a seat on Seattle City Council

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For those tired of watching Obama and Romney slugging it out, Stephen Gyllenhaal’s satire offers a more down-to-earth alternative.

Based on a true story, it stars Jason Biggs as a Seattle journalist who turns to politics, orchestrating a city council election campaign for his idealistic friend (Joel David Moore).

Lacking the bite of a Bob Roberts or the broad comedy strokes of The Campaign , what follows is nothing radical – dirty tricks, visions quashed, lessons learned.

But with Avatar ’s Moore on inspiring form, and Biggs the best he’s been since early Pie , this is still worth your vote.

Freelance writer

James Mottram is a freelance film journalist, author of books that dive deep into films like Die Hard and Tenet, and a regular guest on the Total Film podcast. You'll find his writings on 12DOVE and Total Film, and in newspapers and magazines from across the world like The Times, The Independent, The i, Metro, The National, Marie Claire, and MindFood.