"Some people say I'm an overachiever, but I think they're just jealous. "

Alexander Payne's cynical and darkly funny Election casts Matthew Broderick as Jim McAllister, a frustrated but well-liked high school civics teacher who sees the worst of humanity in a young ambitious overachiever, Tracy Flick. She had previously had a tryst with McAllister's colleague and friend, resulting in the loss of his job and wife, while Tracy suffered no repercussions. His resentment over this, as well as what he perceives as her manipulative and selfish personality, leads to him trying to prevent her from winning the school's presidential election. Reese Witherspoon is great as Flick, evoking the overeager and overly-ambitious student that every high-school had to a tee. Broderick is also very good, managing to make Mr. McAllister come off as likeable and well-intentioned, but also with an air of cynicism that colors the whole movie. It's funny, intelligent and a very apt commentary on ethics. A smart and enjoyable satire.

8/10