Grassroots

After years of working in television, Stephen Gyllenhaal (father of Jake and Maggie) returns to directing movies with this quirky true-life comedy about US local politics. Jason Biggs (of American Pie fame) stars as Phil Campbell, an out-of-work journalist-turned-campaign manager to best friend Grant Cogswell (Joel David Moore), who's determined to oust a local councillor (Cedric the Entertainer) for failing to expand Seattle's congestion-busting monorail system. Cogswell, whose political platform is based entirely on a single issue, is the sort of kook who wears polar-bear suits. He's an underdog, but not really one you feel like rooting for, especially against an opponent who you suspect would probably do a better job. The movie is a decently made and amiably acted David-and Goliath tale, but drifts along without really registering.