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.

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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 GamesRadar+ 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.