Election (1999)

Strong bones - based on the suburban scare novel by Tom Perotta and directed by Alexander Payne, who also can create drama out of rather ordinary people.

Jim (Matthew Broderick) is a high school teacher who's best friend Dave has recently been fired.  His offense- having an affair with a student Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon).  While this may look like a sad drama, it becomes a dark comedy as the overachiever Tracy seeks to become student council president and Jim, seeking to avenge his friend Dave, tries to prevent Tracy from achieving her goal.

The resulting madcap events become somewhat reminiscent of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but it is now Matthew Broderick's turn as the teacher.  There are no real winners here, except maybe Tracy who shows herself to be somewhat ruthless in her goals.    Thereby bringing the name "Tracy Flick" into the lexicon as a  passive-aggressive force, angelic on the outside, dark on the inside.

* * * * * - highest rating

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