I had planned to write a review of a great movie released nearly a month ago, posting the entry an hour or so after the first midnight showing shuttered, but tragic events in a theater Colorado that same night made any sentiment of ebullience and awe about the film seemed, well . . . ill-timed. Thus that post will appear later.

For now, time to shift gears with a comedy: The Campaign. No matter what one feels about government, politicians and the election process, this movie offers some honest laughs about a system that probably intends to be neither so funny nor broken, but in practice is really both.

What works about The Campaign:

1) The cast is solid and well placed. Will Ferrell shines as the archetype career politician – narcissistic, shallow and possessing the moral flexibility of an orphaned pimp. Zack G’s approachable delivery serves as the perfect counterpoint to Ferrell’s shyster ways.

2) With the Presidential election looming, it’s timely story, without being preachy. And even though some scenes rest on actual events from recent election seasons, it’s not necessary to recognize the factual basis to get the joke, or savor the caricature.

3) It’s definitely a comedy for adults. F-bombs abound.

Verdict: If you like well done comedies, The Campaign is worth seeing. Theater full price.