A lanky, scruffily-dressed twentysomething hipster stamps his foot after a bombastic pseudo-political speech is criticised. “‘Preachy?’” he sulks. “What does it even mean?”
It’s a question facing the audience of Grassroots. A true life David and Goliath tale, Stephen Gyllenhaal’s film may prove painfully earnest for some. But for those willing to embrace the youthful idealism an engaging, smart and emotional political dramedy awaits.
Joel David Moore plays real-life campaigner Grant Cogswell, a slacking music journalist with a penchant for self-indulgent philosophising. Convinced that his development plan for Seattle’s monorail will unite and invigorate the city, he turns his inexperienced but impassioned hand to politics, badgering responsible friend Phil (Jason Biggs) to become his campaign manager.
As the film begins, Cogswell’s immature railing paints him as insufferable and implausible. But when an incredibly moving scene shows Seattle youths watching in horror as the events of 9/11 unfold, Cogswell becomes transformed. A symbol of hope, change and idealism in a land wracked with terror, his passion proves contagious, and a movement is born.
In truth, the film only skims the surface of the intricacies of local politics. An interesting point about reverse discrimination in liberal politics, for example, remains frustratingly unexplored. As an examination of how a candidate can capture the Zeitgeist of a generation, Grassroots oozes enough humour, heart and dressed-down charm to transcend its scope and become something of substance.