The supremely improbable notion that one middle-aged slacker might hold the supreme say in who will become the next president of the United States is basic premise of this film. Yet, once you accept this far-fetched situation, Swing Vote becomes a comedy that has its poignant moments and contains a message.
Kevin Costner turns a great performance as Bud, a single father who has trouble getting up in the morning, let alone keep a job or take care of his young daughter. Madeline Carroll plays his daughter Molly, who has been forced to grow up to take care of herself and her dad. She's idealistic, engaged yet fragile due to the insecurity of having a difficult home situation.
What makes Swing Vote work is that, much like a modern day Fairy Tale, it is at time funny, at times intensely dramatic. The situation is implausible but the problems are real. Bud shows signs of alcoholism and we clearly sense that Molly doesn't always get even the basics of three healthy meals and a minimum of parental supervision.
The swing vote situation serves as the catalyst for Bud to be confronted with himself and his ways. He has 10 days before voting and deciding single-handedly who will be the next President. The two candidates fly in with an army of advisors, security and transform the small southern town Bud lives in into a circus under heavy media presence.
There are scenes in Swing vote that are rather sad. The film doesn't hold anything when it comes to Molly's difficult situation with her parents for instance. Yet the film contains a few laugh-out loud moment when both republicans and democrats are willing to turn their traditional platforms totally upside down to please Bud and get his vote. It's just hilarious seeing the republican president putting the environment as a priority, and watching the democrat candidate turn pro-life.
Many social issues are mentioned, but always brushed over. The writing and direction making sure not to take too much of a stance on the issues and simply recognizing they are meaningful and relevant.
If Swing Vote has a fault, it is perhaps to push too far and make us believe everybody involved, not just Bud, is transformed by this experience. On top of bud, several politicians and journalists also begin to act in ways that demand you suspend disbelief and it all wraps up a little too nicely.
At its heart, Swing Vote is about looking beyond your selfish needs and caring. Caring for others around you, caring about issues and recognizing that, although you may only be one person, you can make a difference. The movie is certainly not meant to be taken literally but the metaphor is valid.
This is an enjoyable film and young actress Madeline Carroll is somewhat of a revelation. She probably has a bright future in Hollywood should she improve on that. As for Costner, after the amazing Mr. Brooks, this is a second film that may signal a genuine comeback for this actor who was once synonymous with quality projects.
Kevin Costner turns a great performance as Bud, a single father who has trouble getting up in the morning, let alone keep a job or take care of his young daughter. Madeline Carroll plays his daughter Molly, who has been forced to grow up to take care of herself and her dad. She's idealistic, engaged yet fragile due to the insecurity of having a difficult home situation.
What makes Swing Vote work is that, much like a modern day Fairy Tale, it is at time funny, at times intensely dramatic. The situation is implausible but the problems are real. Bud shows signs of alcoholism and we clearly sense that Molly doesn't always get even the basics of three healthy meals and a minimum of parental supervision.
The swing vote situation serves as the catalyst for Bud to be confronted with himself and his ways. He has 10 days before voting and deciding single-handedly who will be the next President. The two candidates fly in with an army of advisors, security and transform the small southern town Bud lives in into a circus under heavy media presence.
There are scenes in Swing vote that are rather sad. The film doesn't hold anything when it comes to Molly's difficult situation with her parents for instance. Yet the film contains a few laugh-out loud moment when both republicans and democrats are willing to turn their traditional platforms totally upside down to please Bud and get his vote. It's just hilarious seeing the republican president putting the environment as a priority, and watching the democrat candidate turn pro-life.
Many social issues are mentioned, but always brushed over. The writing and direction making sure not to take too much of a stance on the issues and simply recognizing they are meaningful and relevant.
If Swing Vote has a fault, it is perhaps to push too far and make us believe everybody involved, not just Bud, is transformed by this experience. On top of bud, several politicians and journalists also begin to act in ways that demand you suspend disbelief and it all wraps up a little too nicely.
At its heart, Swing Vote is about looking beyond your selfish needs and caring. Caring for others around you, caring about issues and recognizing that, although you may only be one person, you can make a difference. The movie is certainly not meant to be taken literally but the metaphor is valid.
This is an enjoyable film and young actress Madeline Carroll is somewhat of a revelation. She probably has a bright future in Hollywood should she improve on that. As for Costner, after the amazing Mr. Brooks, this is a second film that may signal a genuine comeback for this actor who was once synonymous with quality projects.