With the 2012 election just months away, all eyes are on the presidential race, and a couple of Hollywood’s funniest actors hope that means they’ll get plenty of butts in the seats for their timely new political comedy “The Campaign.”
Will Ferrell stars as long-time incumbent Congressman Cam Brady, never rivaled until the director of a local tourism center is coaxed into the race. Enter Zach Galifianakis. The new competition combined with an unfortunate incident we won't give away forces Brady to actually campaign. The two candidates square off for control over their North Carolina district with unique attempts at tough talk and plays for the public’s affection that all add up to plenty of over the top, R-rated comedy.
Ferrell told FOX411the movie was made to provide comic relief in an election year.
“A lot of political, satirical movies in the past have been, they're heavier on the message," he said. "This is, I think, fun and not so serious, but has a little point of view as well.”
Director Jay Roach, whose credits range from HBO’s “Recount” and “Game Change” to “Austin Powers” and “Meet the Parents” installments, said he“always knew it would be an election year, and we knew that we could count on real politicians to be great warm-up acts for Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis.”
Ferrell and Galifianakis got a taste of what life is like for a politician on the road, as the project had them doing their own kind of whistle stop tour: “We’re only doing a fraction of what it's probably like to be on the real campaign trail. It can be grueling, but you know what, we are meeting some great people. Zach has kissed a couple babies… doing a lot of showing up at iconic places and shaking hands."
And with "Anchorman 2" also in the works, Ferrell sahres the campaign slogan for his other alter ego, Ron Burgundy.
“Scotch, Short Skirts, and Chili."
Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis go for your vote at the box office with “The Campaign” in theaters August 10th.
Click the video above for our full interview with both stars.
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