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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Grassroots (2012). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


There’s no family dog perched on the roof, but political candidate Grant Cogswell, portrayed by Joel Moore, certainly faces his share of image dilemmas. Currently an unemployed music critic and someone who relishes dressing up as a polar bear, Grant embarks on a uniquely challenging journey. In Stephen Gyllenhaal’s bittersweet and uplifting comedy GRASSROOTS, which draws inspiration from the true story of the 2001 Seattle City Council election, Cogswell transforms into a monomaniacal advocate for the people. He assembles an eclectic group of misfits, slackers, and outcasts to join him in his seemingly impossible battle against a deeply entrenched incumbent.

Long before the Occupy Movement emerged, Grant passionately rallied Seattle’s disenchanted hipsters and idealists. He urged them to rise for their beliefs, reclaim their city government, and envision a vibrant future built on his audacious proposal to construct a stunning monorail. His call to action implored them to be part of something grander than themselves. GRASSROOTS provides an exhilarating, hilarious, and unpredictable journey through the roller coaster of politics at a time when such messages resonate deeply. At its heart, what propels this quirky optimist is his unwavering conviction that his efforts genuinely matter.

Based on Phil Campbell’s book, “Zioncheck for President,” which recounts the experiences of Cogswell’s reluctant campaign manager, GRASSROOTS showcases a star-studded cast. Jason Biggs takes on the role of Phil, while Grant is captured by the talent of Joel Moore. The backdrop of Seattle is showcased in all its splendor, as the city appears more beautiful and filled with potential for change than ever. Other notable performances include Cobie Smulders, Lauren Ambrose, Cedric the Entertainer, Tom Arnold, Christopher McDonald, DC Pierson, and Emily Bergl. GRASSROOTS is distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films.

Timeline

Track the key events of Grassroots (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Grant Cogswell's Journey Begins

The story unfolds with Grant Cogswell, an unemployed music critic, who is facing personal and professional challenges. He is characterized by his quirky decision to dress as a polar bear, representing his unique but troubled persona.

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The Call to Action

Grant begins to rally the disenchanted youth of Seattle, calling on them to take a stand against the political status quo. His impassioned speeches resonate with hipsters and idealists who are eager for change.

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Assembling the Team

To support his campaign, Grant forms a diverse team made up of misfits, slackers, and community outcasts. This eclectic group reflects the very spirit of his desire to bring change to the city council.

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The Incumbent Challenge

Grant sets his sights on defeating the entrenched incumbent in the Seattle City Council election. This presents a significant challenge, as he must overcome not only political barriers but also the skepticism of the electorate.

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Proposal for a Monorail

Amidst the campaign chaos, Grant proposes a grand vision of constructing a stunning monorail. This audacious idea captures the imagination of many and serves as a centerpiece of his campaign to transform the city.

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Grant's Unique Style

As he navigates through the political landscape, Grant’s unusual style and personality become both a strength and a liability. His dedication to dressing up as a polar bear becomes a metaphor for his fight against conventional norms.

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Building Community Support

Grant works tirelessly to build support from local communities, turning his campaign into a grassroots movement. His ability to connect with voters on a personal level starts to galvanize people in Seattle.

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The Political Roller Coaster

As the campaign progresses, Grant encounters unexpected challenges, filled with ups and downs that highlight the unpredictable nature of politics. His resilience is tested as he faces opposition from established political powers.

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Cogswell's Growth

Throughout the election process, Grant evolves as a character, revealing a deeper understanding of his community’s issues and needs. His passion drives not just his campaign but also his personal growth.

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Victory and Reflection

As election day approaches, the outcome remains uncertain, creating tension within Grant's team. Regardless of the result, the journey has profoundly transformed the participants, leaving them to reflect on their impact.

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The Election Results

When the votes are finally counted, the results of the election reveal whether Grant’s efforts have paid off. This moment serves as a culmination of all his hard work and dedication throughout the campaign.

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Aftermath and New Beginnings

Following the election, the story explores the aftermath of Grant’s campaign, regardless of the results. It highlights the changes in the community and the new avenues open for engagement among the city's residents.

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Legacy of Change

The film concludes by reflecting on the impact Grant's campaign had on the grassroots movement in Seattle. It emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and how one person's vision can inspire others to take action.

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Characters

Meet the characters that bring Grassroots (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Grant Cogswell (Joel Moore)

Grant Cogswell is an unemployed music critic whose determination and quirky personality make him an unlikely political candidate. His enthusiasm for engaging the city's disenchanted citizens showcases his passion for change. Despite the challenges he faces, Grant’s optimistic outlook drives his mission to advocate for the people.

⚙️ Politics 🎤 Music ✨ Quirky

Phil (Jason Biggs)

Phil serves as Grant's reluctant campaign manager, navigating the chaos of the grassroots movement alongside his friend. Though initially hesitant, Phil's character evolves as he becomes more invested in Grant's journey. His comedic approach highlights the absurdity of politics and the struggle to balance practicality with idealism.

📊 Campaign 😂 Comedy 🤨 Reluctant

Setting

Uncover the settings of Grassroots (2012), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

2001

The early 2000s were characterized by political activism and a growing desire for change among young people. This period saw the rise of grassroots movements as citizens sought to reclaim their local governments. The Seattle City Council election of 2001 acts as a significant backdrop, reflecting the sentiments of disenchanted voters.

Location

Seattle

Seattle is known for its picturesque skyline, iconic Space Needle, and vibrant music scene. The city serves as a backdrop for Grant Cogswell's political journey, showcasing its unique culture and discontent among the youth. With its rich history and potential for change, Seattle embodies the spirit of activism and community engagement.

🏙️ City

Themes

Explore the core themes of Grassroots (2012). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


Activism

Grassroots activism is a central theme of the film, encapsulated in Grant’s fervent call for change. He rallies discontented citizens to stand up for their beliefs and actively participate in the political process. The film emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the power of collective action.

🎭

Identity

The theme of identity plays a prominent role as Grant grapples with his public persona and the expectations of the political arena. His unique style, from dressing as a polar bear to his determination, showcases the struggle between authenticity and societal norms. This theme resonates as he champions his vision against an established incumbent.

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