Opened: April 23, 1999

Directed by: Alexander Payne

Starring: Matthew Broderick, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Klein, Jessica Campbell, Phil Reeves, Molly Hagan, Colleen Camp, Nicholas D’Agosto, Jeanine Jackson, Holmes Osborne, Mark Harelik, Delaney Driscoll, Matt Malloy & Frankie Ingrassia

With mesmorizing performances and a bizarrely wonderful script, Election is an absurd comedy that you won’t want to end.

Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) is a high school history and civics teacher who is not thrilled that overachieving student Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is running unopposed for student body president. When he begins meddling with the election, his personal and professional life both decline.

Broderick is entertaining as Jim and brilliantly portrays his downward spiral, but Witherspoon’s performance is genius. Her dedication to the high-strung teen isn’t just one of Witherspoon’s best performances, but also creates one of the greatest film characters ever.

The multiple points of view – with narration that lets you see deeper into the minds of the leading players – creates a dynamic storyline that will have you sold in the opening minutes.

Final say: It’s got my vote. ★★★★★