♢ Featured film: Election (1999) ♢

(Reviewed June 2025) I rewatched this movie with my friends to celebrate turning 25 and it has conclusively solidified as one of my favorites of all time. I've watched a few of Alexander Payne's movies and I really enjoy his sense of humor, but Election is probably his most effective (and funniest) satire. For those out of the loop, this movie follows high school senior Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) as she runs for class president against a puppet candidate propped up by her civics teacher (Matthew Broderick). Every single second of the 103 minute runtime is used effectively — the pacing is TIGHT, the editing is clever, and the story is truly engrossing. I own the Criterion disc, but it's also currently streaming on Kanopy if you want to check it out for yourself.

Funny and emotional, with a surprisingly deep message. TESTTESTTESTETSTET