slightlymad22
Continuing my plan to watch every movie in Kevin Costner's filmography in order, I come to Swing Vote (2008)Plot In A Paragraph: In an unbelievable and remarkable turn-of-events, the result of the presidential election comes down to one man's vote.I will admit from the off, I have never taken to this movie, this was only the third time I have watched it. Along with Rumour Has It and The Upside Of Anger, this is a movie I never take off the shelf. The concept is ridiculous, and I have just never got it. But given what is going on in the world at the moment, it became an interesting time to watch it. There are two sides to KC's performance, he is quirky when drunk, however before his deciding vote. KC delivers a Capraesque speech, with dignity. KC has always made a convincing everyman, and here is no different. Young Madeline Carroll is simply superb, she is heartbreaking as she tearfully defends her father to her classmates, it's one of the most powerful scenes in the movie. In fact the whole movie is well cast. I like all of the supporting cast of Kelsey Grammar, Stanley Tucci, Nathan Lane and Dennis Hopper.If Swing Vote has a message, it's that "every vote counts," but it also has quite a bit to say about what both parties will do to get that vote. In these current times, it is interesting to see that both candidates would sell their mothers to win the election. (I found myself wondering what Trump and Clinton would do in this situation) It also makes it clear the politicians don't tell the truth, but say what they think voters want to hear. And the press helps them a great deal. The movie also gives a realistic view of reporters on the campaign trail. They're not nice people who will do anything for a story. Except of course the one who gives up the story because she has a good heart (as unrealistic as how the actual vote comes down to Bud) For a movie about politics, Swing Vote is careful not to take one side or the other. The movie is neither anti-Democrat nor anti-Republican. Before watching this today I'd have said it was a 6/10, but today I found a slightly newer appreciation for it. 7/10
muvi-fan-73
Swing vote is a movie about a person who because of some reason comes last in casting his vote. The result is his vote is considered precious and chains of people are involved in influencing his vote. The attentive daughter and a lazy father who changes for good are nicely executed.The guy's daughter plays an important and this is what I like in the movie. She guides him through thick and thin to address various issues to the people in charge. She is the reason why he changes for good and at last what we have a fine movie with a very possible ending.The reason why this movie is rated so much by me is because even I have got someone to help in my decisions. Cheers to that!
Python Hyena
Swing Vote (2008): Dir: Joshua Micahel Stern / Cast: Kevin Costner, Madeline Carroll, Kelsey Grammar, Dennis Hopper, Paula Patton: Drama comedy about our importance as individuals. Plot regards an election whereas the elected President rests upon a vote that didn't register. Kevin Costner plays Bud, a single parent whose daughter casts his vote when he is too drunk. Due to complications with the voting machine his vote becomes the deciding factor. This is an intriguing concept and director Joshua Micahel Stern does a fine job blending comedy and drama. Often contrived and the ending may disappoint viewers. Costner is charming in his portrayal of a father who is suddenly swept from his ordinary lifestyle and given a spotlight that will strike him as flattering and an opportunity to take advantage of its benefits. Madeline Carroll is a gem as his daughter who seems to be bright beyond her years. Kelsey Grammar and Dennis Hopper are superb as candidates who both attempt to bend Costner's vote to their favor. Paula Patton is featured as a news reporter after the insight details of this media story. The film never attempts to paint either candidate as a villain, which allows the film an honest edge. While Costner has had his share of career duds, this presents one of his more engaging performances. It has a great theme regarding our place in our country. Score: 8 / 10
Rich Wright
It takes real guts to mock something, and simultaneously celebrate it. In this 'ere movie, we have spoofy election broadcasts that rip on political correctness: immigration, gay rights, abortion... that kind of thing. But on the other hand, Costner's daughter's boyfriend is black. His love interest is a Latino. And as for the slushfest finale when both presidential candidates discover their conscience, and Costner becomes 'the voice of the people' with bags and bags of mail from disadvantaged Americans, YERK is all I can say. That's the sound of me with my hand down my throat trying to stop breakfast from making an unwelcome reappearance. If you must know.Still, I don't wanna rag too much on Swing Vote... It's pleasant to watch, with a big cast giving it their all, and some shreds of intelligent humour poking out from the foliage. Don't expect any big guffaws, but we are occasionally reminded of the levels of desperation parties will resort to just to get a seat in power. This isn't exactly big news though, so if you're looking for sparkling political repartee along the lines of Yes Minister, go elsewhere. If you fancy a relatively heartwarming (if somewhat predictable) almost two hours in the company of a good ol' boy and his charming daughter, then step right up. 6/10
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