Grassroots

In 2001, journalist Phil Campbell (Biggs) just lost his job.  While he decides what to do next, he agrees to help his eccentric best friend Grant Cogswell (Moore) run for a seat on the Seattle City Council.  Grant is frustrated by the incumbent, Richard McIver (Entertainer), who has held the position for 15 years.  Grant has no political background, but is passionate.  He wants the city to extend it's monorail system and do away with the frustrating highway and other transportation that causes more congestion and annoyance.

Even though the odds are against them and Phil's girlfriend Emily (Ambrose) thinks they are crazy, they sue the city and start a campaign.  Grant's passion attracts the attention of college students and misfits, and with a little advice from political reporter Jim Tripp (McDonald) they start to gain some ground.  McIver has more money and supporters, but can Grant and Phil and their grassroots campaign actually win?


I discovered this film on Netflix instant streaming and thought it looked interesting.  Apparently it is based on the book "Zioncheck for President", about the 2001 city council campaign for Grant Cogswell.  I don't know much about politics (and don't care to change that) and I had never heard of the book.  That being said, the film is interesting.  The film has a rocky start and takes a bit for you to care about the characters and their story.  As the story picks up speed, it draws you in.

Joel David Moore excels at playing eccentric characters.  He fully embodies the character, and you truly believe that he would wear a polar bear costume in public (and to a city council meeting if elected).  He works well with Jason Biggs, who anchors the film well.  They are surrounded by a great cast of supporting characters.  Cedric the Entertainer is charismatic as Richard McIver and incredibly likeable.  Before the end credits pictures of the main cast members morph into their real life counter part along with a brief bio about what happened in their lives after the campaign.

It is an indie film that didn't garner much attention and probably never will.  It has a good cast and funny moments, but it won't appeal to everyone.  It was enjoyable, but I don't intend to watch it again.

Grassroots (2012) 98 minutes
Rating: R for pervasive language and brief drug use
Director: Stephen Gyllenhaal
Starring: Jason Biggs as Phil Campbell
Joel David Moore as Grant Cogswell
Lauren Ambrose as Emily Bowen
Cobie Smulders as Clair
Cedric the Entertainer as Richard McIver
D.C. Pierson as Wayne
Emily Bergl as Theresa
Chistopher McDonald as Jim Tripp
Tom Arnold as Tommy