indieWIRE

It is hard not to make a personal favorite out of "Run Granny Run", the incredibly loveable tale of the 97–year–old woman who walked across the country and then ran for Congress, one of the most inspiring true stories of our time. In a sea of terribly constructed political documentaries, "Run Granny Run" is a breath of fresh air.
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Cinema For All

Packed full of insight into the US electoral system and a perfect tonic to any feeling of being ‘past it’, Run Granny Run is a joy to watch.
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Eye For Film

It’s genuinely thrilling to see someone who is willing to go to such lengths to stand up to the corruption of high stakes US politics, especially to see an elderly woman – a demographic that society largely sees as harmless, ineffectual and even comical – entering a world traditionally dominated by young and middle-aged men.
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The Boston Phoenix

Poras’s grandly entertaining, genuinely feel–great Run Granny Run brings to life the heroic 2004 New Hampshire Senate campaign of 94–year–old Doris “Granny D” Haddock to unseat smug Bushite Judd Gregg. A SxSW bonus: I got to hang out with the charming, sprightly old lady, now 97, and she’s a swell hugger and kisser! Granny D for president! As she told me: “Though I lost, I helped turn New Hampshire from a red state to a blue one!”
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Film Threat

For the most part, I could care less about politically themed documentaries since I tend to think that they all have the same message and tend to preach to one side too much. This documentary, however, focused more on the spirit of one tough woman who truly refuses to let her age be an issue, and I enjoyed this documentary quite a bit…Doris may be ninety–four but she possesses a wit and humor that can rival that of any Hollywood screenwriter…an amazing look into the life of Doris Haddock…This film has even given me a new outlook on democracy in America…one of those great underdog stories. To see a woman of such advanced years still have a fighting spirit inspires a young person such as myself…a truly heartfelt film.
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The Austin Chronicle

Long before Carole Keeton Strayhorn proclaimed herself "One Tough Grandma," Doris "Granny D" Haddock captured the nation's attention in 1999 when she walked 3,200 miles from California to Washington, D.C., to support campaign finance reform. Granny D will make her big-screen debut next week at SXSW in the documentary Run Granny Run, which chronicles her 2004 bid for the New Hampshire seat in U.S. Senate against popular incumbent Republican Judd Gregg. Granny D will appear in person along with the film's director, Marlo Poras, whose first documentary, Mai's America, won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at SXSW in 2002.
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Chlotrudis Mewsings

One of the better political docs that I’ve seen and another example of the difference that one person can make. (4 cats)
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The New Zealand Herald

Finally – a documentary that sticks to the point. Timing in at a very reasonable 76 minutes, Run Granny Run was long enough to discuss the subject matter in full but without straying into superfluous, repetitive territory.
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Matt Dentler, SXSW Film Festival

Well into her nineties, Doris "Granny D" Haddock could spend the twilight of her long life relaxing with her children and friends. Fortunately for us, Haddock was never one to sit still. Which is why, at the age of 94, she embarks on an unpredictable campaign for the U.S. Senate. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Marlo Poras follows Granny D and her motley crew, for the spirited and engaging film, "Run Granny Run."

Already beloved for a cross-country walk to spotlight campaign finance reform, Haddock’s bid for U.S. Senate seems like a natural fit. But, can a 94-year-old woman with no recent political experience manage to lead a successful run without depending on big-business financial support? The rollercoaster ride of staff turnover, door-to-door lobbying, and underhanded opponents makes for one of the most captivating election documentaries in recent memory.

Haddock’s story is not only vastly entertaining, but she herself is a memorable and outspoken character. Granting Poras and her crew seemingly unlimited access, the film unfolds with a powerful and universal story about a citizen’s love for her country. "Run Granny Run" should be required viewing for anyone between the ages of 4 and 94, whether you can vote or not.

Village Voice

An early review from when the film was still called The Candidate.
Marlo Poras's "The Candidate" offered the most appealing radical: "Granny D" Haddock, the 94–year–old activist who ran a guerrilla–style New Hampshire senate race against a wealthy Republican incumbent in '04. Winner of the Market's documentary prize (and a completion grant worth $31,500), the campaign doc delivers an infectious portrait of the nonagenarian troublemaker that avoids glib simplification–in addition to hearing and breathing challenges, Haddock must contend with a daughter suffering from Alzheimer's.