title: Grassroots (film)
text: # Grassroots (film)
  
  Grassroots is a 2012 American political dark comedy film directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal, based on the book Zioncheck for President by Phil Campbell.
  
  Shot in Seattle, the film revolves around a grassroots campaign for Seattle City Council and explores what happens when a dedicated activist tries to realize a vision by seeking political office.
  
  ## Plot
  
  The film tells the story of Phil Campbell (Jason Biggs), a journalist who has just lost his job and gets roped into leading Grant Cogswell's political campaign. Grant, played by Joel David Moore, is Phil's enthusiastic and eccentric friend whose passion for the Seattle Monorail Project inspires him to run for Seattle City Council. Grant is running against Richard McIver, played by Cedric the Entertainer, although McIver has more money and more supporters, Grant's blind passion paired with Phil's strategy makes Grant a contender.
  
  ## Cast
  
  * Jason Biggs as Phil Campbell
  * Joel David Moore as Grant Cogswell
  * Lauren Ambrose as Emily Bowen
  * Cobie Smulders as Clair
  * Tom Arnold as Tommy
  * Emily Bergl as Theresa Glendon
  * Todd Stashwick as Nick Ricochet
  * Cedric the Entertainer as Richard McIver
  * DC Pierson as Wayne
  * Christopher McDonald as Jim Tripp
  