ELECTION is a satirical little film, ostensibly about the election of officers for student government in a high school in Nebraska. On a deeper level the conveys the sad truth that high school is indeed a strange microcosm of society, and a place where radically different groups attempt to co-exist.

The plot concerns Tracy Flick, a serious young insect who is determined to be all she can be and do all that can be done. Played with real pizzazz by Reece Witherspoon, Tracy captures the essence of the over-achiever with brilliance. She's so annoying you can't help but hate her, and yet, what does she do that's so wrong?

Certainly director Alexander Payne enjoys messing with Tracy. An early narrative voice-over is accompanied by two most unflattering stills of Tracy with her mouth and eyes caught half open and half closed.

But the real strength of the hinges on Matthew Broderick, who plays the government teacher, Jim McAllister. Casting Broderick is perfect, since not only does he have the skill to carry of the ordinariness of the character to perfection, but, as the opening shot shows so painfully, he is a painful reminder that Ferris Bueller has grown up. 13 years ago, Broderick captured the essence of youthful spirit and 80s Reagenesque optimism in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Now he even more poignantly shows that free spirits like Bueller grow up, get plump, and discover that the world is, in fact, not their oyster.

I love the poster for this movie. Broderick's face is captured inside Witherspoon's mouth. Almost as if he is complaining that this is not what he meant at all and he should not be held responsible for the thoughts running around in this head.

The focal event of the movie is the election. An election that Tracy Flick, with the slogan Pick Flick, is poised to win. After all she is the only candidate. Until McAllister prompts Paul Metzler, a jock with a bad leg, to run against her. Now, Paul is a really nice guy. He doesn't want much from life and can't believe all the good things that happen to him. He runs for President in good sportsmanship--kinda like the way his whole life goes. He's such a good guy that he To add fuel to this confusion, Paul's sister also decides to run for President, with the express goal to debunk the whole thing.

There's much more to the movie, but I won't spoil it but unfolding too much of the plot. Suffice it to say that there's many a jibe in this movie, a smart sassy satire that keeps the viewer amused and pondering the issues, long after the final frame.

I wholeheartedly enjoyed "Election" and recommend it.