Netflix Summary:
Tracy Flick appears to have the election for student council president sewn up until a teacher rounds up a worthy opponent: a popular football player.
FYA Summary:
Back in 1999, I saw Cruel Intentions and thought Reese Witherspoon was super pretty. Then I saw Election and thought that Reese Witherspoon was super talented. This dark, satirical look at high school politics followed in the footsteps of Heathers, graduated with Drop Dead Gorgeous* and served as an inspiration for Mean Girls. It’s smart, it’s twisted, and it most definitely taught Hermione how to raise her hand. (Seriously, our favorite girl wizard totally uses the Tracy Flick technique.)
*Election and Drop Dead Gorgeous even share a cast member, the terrific Matt Malloy.
Familiar Faces:
Reese Witherspoon as Tracy Flick
Forget Wild, Reese is at her most intense as Tracy Flick, the obsessive goody two-shoes who will stop at nothing to win.
Matthew Broderick as Jim McAllister
Ferris Bueller plays a teacher and, in the process, blows every Gen Xer’s mind.
Chris Klein as Paul Metzler
Klein is perfect as the dumb jock with the heart of gold.
Couch-Sharing Capability: High
This film is hilarious and full of moments that make you go:
Wait, wrong Flick. (Get it? Flick as in Tracy Flick, but also, flick as in movie! I’M HERE ALL WEEK. TRY THE VEAL.)
At any rate, your Election viewing experience will be enhanced by a group of friends yelling, “OH SNAP!” and “WTF!” It’s effed up in the most delightful ways, and while you can enjoy it alone, it’s definitely a crowd pleaser.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Medium
A drink or two will only make you laugh harder, but you don’t want to go overboard and miss the acerbic wit of this script.
May I also recommend a cupcake?
Use of Your Netflix Subscription: Winning
Clever and insightful, Election uses all kinds of wrong to make all kinds of right. It’s razor sharp and hyper vivid, and no matter who you vote for, you’ll end up feeling victorious.
p.s. PICK FLICK.
