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.
This is one film as misguided as the business-as-usual subject it aims to critique.
– Andrew Schenker,
Time Out New York,
10 Jul 2012
fresh:
Although it only glosses the mechanics of local politics, it exudes an endearingly scruffy charm.
– Stephen Holden,
New York Times,
12 Jul 2012
rotten:
At first glance, "Grassroots" doesn't seem like much of an idea for a movie. Nor at second, third or fourth glance.
– Kyle Smith,
New York Post,
13 Jul 2012
rotten:
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.
– Stephanie Zacharek,
NPR,
19 Jul 2012
fresh:
An enjoyable, fitfully engaging but ever-so-slightly forgettable minor-key political comedy.