Synopsis
Grant Cogswell, a liberal music critic decides to run for city council against a popular black incumbent and is assisted by a reporter who recently lost his job. Initially given no chance, things turn dark when Cogswell makes it into the general election. Based on a true story.
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Cast
- Jason BiggsPhil Campbell
- Joel David MooreGrant Cogswell
- Lauren AmbroseEmily Bowen
- Cobie SmuldersClair
- Tom ArnoldTommy
- Todd StashwickNick Ricochet
- D.C. PiersonWayne
- Emily BerglTheresa Glendon
- Christopher McDonaldJim Tripp
- Cedric the EntertainerRichard McIver
Recommendations
- 70
The New York Times
Although it only glosses the mechanics of local politics, it exudes an endearingly scruffy charm. - 58
Portland Oregonian
Perhaps the most curious omission from the movie Grassroots is that there's no mention at all of the classic "Simpsons" episode "Marge vs. the Monorail." - 55
NPR
Grassroots is a movie where bad ideas, because they're the ones championed by the "correct" side, are king. It never acknowledges that sometimes idealism is just another kind of manipulation. - 50
The Hollywood Reporter
A campaign movie for viewers who, if they care about politics at all, certainly don't require the full Sorkin treatment. - 50
Variety
Registers like a quaint display of local color. - 40
Time Out
Factor in a questionable use of 9/11 footage, and this is one film as misguided as the business-as-usual subject it aims to critique. - 30
Village Voice
By ultimately softening its stance toward McIver, Grassroots disingenuously has it both ways, reducing politics first to a David-versus-Goliath adventure, and then to an everyone-is-cool bowl of mush. - 25
New York Post
At first glance, Grassroots doesn't seem like much of an idea for a movie. Nor at second, third or fourth glance. Your fifth glance will be at your watch, and at sixth glance your eyelids will be getting very, very heavy.