User Reviews

Kevin Costner is adorable as the slacker father of a overachieving, 12-year-old daughter. The kid-as-parent/parent-as-kid premise wouldn't have worked nearly as well if Costner's character, Bud Johnson, weren't so darn lovable. If you're looking for perfectly coiffed, cleaned up Costner, you won't find him here. He mostly looks like your husband first thing in the morning -- you know, the scruffy hair, unshaven face, and glazed over, half-asleep look where you wonder what you ever saw in him? But inside is a heart of gold? He pulls this role off to perfection. He's the lovable underachiever always with a clueless grin.

When the attorney general shows up at his door to tell him basically that he has the deciding vote, Bud's only comment, in a half-whisper is, "Does this mean I'm going to have to do jury duty?" The movie is good -- in fact if you like Dave with Kevin Kline, you'll like Swing Vote.

However, it tried to combine two movies. One was the comedy with Bud being the ONLY voting demographic needing to be catered to -- hence, personal appearances by Richard Petty and Willie Nelson -- the other was a sometimes hard-to-watch story of a daughter, played by Madeline Carroll, caring for her alcoholic father.

Carroll is a wonderful actress, and would be stellar in a drama. Her wistful, knowing looks at her father's helplessness, and her astute understanding of her mother's inability to be a mother were heart-wrenching. That could have been an entire story in itself and often took away from the comic elements. Mare Winningham was fantastic as the mother who ran away. She, Costner and Carroll really clicked on screen in their one scene together as a family torn apart by the selfish indulgence of the parents to the detriment of the child who deserves more. I marveled at that scene until I remembered that Winningham and Costner were in the movie "The War" as parents torn apart by Vietnam to the detriment of their son, young Elijah Wood. Costner and Winningham should get together again in a more upbeat film. Their relationship is very natural.

But in spite of the sad, child-having-to-be-the-adult part of Swing Vote, it was 80% comedy, and Costner's antics made it laugh out loud funny at times. It didn't seem to be politically bent one way or the other. It was patriotic and commented on immigrants from Mexico taking away jobs from Americans. But it was also pro-environment and touched on lack of health care for the many. The end was pure feel-good. Everyone changed appropriately, realizing the true (Hollywood) meaning of voting in America.

It sounds implausible and impossible—that a man's accidental flub-up in the voting booth causes his vote to stall the election and coincidentally determine the next U.S. President. But Swing Vote has a great time using that as a platform to tell a really cool tale.

Besides, the movie wants to move past that impossibility anyway (suspension of disbelief, right?), and into the fun stuff. Swing Vote isn't necessarily about the likelihood of the above-mentioned phenomenon occurring; it's about bigger things, things like the nature of freedom in America, the right to vote, politicians and their campaigns, and various issues that unite and divide America as a nation.

Ernest "Bud" Johnson (Kevin Costner) is a beer-drinking, blue-collar simpleton whose wife left both him and his daughter, Molly, for a Nashville singing career. Molly (Madeline Carroll), a precocious little girl who is passionate about politics and the preservation of her country, and unfortunately for her, Bud couldn't care less, even if her were sober. Molly seems to be the parent in the relationship, taking care of Bud's daily hangovers and prodding him to get up for work.

Molly is in constant frustration with her father's apathy toward life and her interests, and is perturbed when Bud seemingly sets in motion an ironic, history-making turn of events where his vote actually ends up being the deciding factor in the election. This forces the Presidential candidates to campaign only to win Bud's vote. Along the way we are treated to a satirical look at the lengths campaign managers and the candidates will go simply to get a vote.

How this plays out is both hilarious and sobering, as well as inspiring and totally enjoyable—thanks to some good storytelling and direction, as well as an excellent cast of talented actors who make this movie shine. The brightest stars on the screen, however, are Kevin Costner and Madeline Carroll as Bud and Molly. Costner has found a perfect role in the dimwitted Bud, and Carroll as Molly is a brilliant young actor whose performance almost brought me to tears at one point.

Like I mentioned before, though, Swing Vote is not a simple "voting is your civic duty" story. While the importance of voting is emphasized as both a privilege and a blessing in a great country, Swing Vote goes over the issues that affect daily life in America, and through the story reminds us how we can take some sort of action to better that life.

However, Swing Vote is careful not to play too much on the emotional arguments regarding various issues like abortion, immigration and gay marriage, making the movie all the more charming. There are a few emotionally charged scenes in the movie that give weight to the hilarity throughout, but within the context of the film, the story never speaks in self-righteousness.

At one point, Molly makes a simple yet convicting commentary about how much she appreciates her father at a "Bring Your Father to School" Day. Without giving too much away, Molly's emotional message about her father is a hopeful and heart-wrenching commentary about the beauty and freedom of America, along with the tragic complacency and apathy of its people.

And rather than going down the typical Hollywood route and picking a more liberal stance, Swing Vote instead manages to poke fun at everyone on both "sides" of various issues. It carefully gives respect to all Americans, while pointing out absurdities in America's political process. Although the mockery is at times absolutely hilarious, the film's humor never ventures into the vile and mean-spirited. There is purpose behind all the fun, and it is carefully crafted into the story, with the goal of giving a message of hope and focusing on the (hopefully) common goal of compassion, care, peace, and freedom to all people (to all Americans, anyway).

In that sense, Swing Vote could almost be seen as patriotic (even the movie's production design seems to have red, white, and blue hues throughout). There are many inspiring moments that make you think, "Wow, America is a great country," and "Shame on me for taking my freedom for granted." Okay, well, that's a little simplistic; but you'll understand what I mean: Swing Vote is an American story with a clear and powerful message.

It may be convicting in its truthful satire and simple wit, but it is also encouraging in that it promotes the hope that we can make a better country by actively changing (ourselves and our country) and refusing to passively observe our nation's future unfold... not only for us, but for generations to come.

If the 2000 Presidential election could be decided by a single county in Florida (with a little help from the United States Supreme Court, of course), imagine what it would be like if the decision ever came down to a single individual voter! That's the scenario put forth by "Swing Vote," a political fantasy that will probably be remembered more for launching the career of a talented young actress than for any insight it might offer into the political process.

Bud Johnson is a working-class divorced dad who lives in a broken-down trailer with his bright, twelve-year-old daughter, Molly - a youngster who is as astute and savvy about real world issues and politics as her father is ignorant and apathetic. Through a complicated fluke of fate, Bud finds himself in the unenviable position of being the sole swing vote in an otherwise deadlocked presidential contest. Suddenly, Bud is living in the glare of the media spotlight, besieged by candidates, campaign managers, handlers, celebrities and various special interest groups all vying for his vote.

Political satire rarely works on screen for the simple reason that it is either so slanted (usually towards the liberal side) that it winds up preaching mainly to the converted, or it's kept so inoffensive and generic that it loses any edge it might have had and becomes an exercise in watered-down, self-congratulatory Capraesque populism. "Swing Vote," oddly enough, falls into both categories at once - with conservatives likely to view it as little more than a two-hour commercial for the Democratic Party (or at least the issues they stand for) and move on. In strictly cinematic terms, "Swing Vote," co-written by Jason Richman and Joshua Michael Stern and directed by Stern, is really two movies folded into one. The first is a sometimes touching story of a father/daughter relationship in which the child is parent to the father. Kevin Costner (who pretty much financed the project himself) pours on the charm as a boozy, irresponsible slacker who's more interested in popping open a beer can and plopping down in front of the TV set than in actively rearing his daughter. Relative newcomer Madeline Carroll is a real find as the no-nonsense, wise-beyond-her-years Molly who takes care of her dad and isn't afraid to speak truth to power when the situation calls for it. Whenever the film is concentrating on the interplay between these two characters, it hits a responsive chord in the viewer. In fact, the scene in which Molly confronts the alcoholic mother who abandoned her (wonderfully played by Mare Winningham) makes for some genuinely powerful and gripping human drama.

Unfortunately, the second and much larger portion of the film (that is to say, the political part) doesn't fare nearly so well. Its revelation that politics is a dirty business - i.e. that it often prizes empty platitudes and sound bites over exploring issues of substance, and that it appeals to voters' greed, fears, ignorance and prejudices to win votes - is hardly an earth-shattering one at this late stage of the game, true though it may be. The film has lots of big-name stars - Kelsey Grammar, Dennis Harper, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, George Lopez, Judge Reinhold - and a number of actual TV pundits and commentators throwing themselves into their roles with admirable aplomb, but the material isn't clever or sharp enough to really deliver the goods. Everyone, except for the two main characters, is quickly reduced to a "type" and the attempts at political parody are fairly obvious and lightweight compared to what we find in venues like "The Daily Show" or "The Colbert Report."

"Swing Vote"'s clarion call for all individuals to take their responsibility as citizens seriously and to become actively involved in the political process can't help but be uplifting and inspiring, especially in a presidential election year. The filmmakers just needed a bolder, more sophisticated vehicle from which to sound that call.

My advice is to look past all the political nonsense and concentrate on the beautiful performance by the young Ms. Carroll instead - and be present at the birth of a brand new star.

Kevin Costner was actually in another decent movie. His last movie I saw, Mr. Brooks, was pretty good also. I would call this movie a political satire, that tries to be a little funny at times. However, the idea that one guy determines the presidential election is absurd, but if you can get past that, then the plot is OK. It was funny how the movie had the political parties doing adds for things they oppose. Example, the democrats supporting pro life because Bud says he's pro life.

The plot is struggling, every day man, Bud Johnson, just got laid off. He has a very smart daughter and she cares about the presidential election. Bud promises to vote since Molly thinks it's important. But, when he doesn't show, Molly votes in his place but the power goes out and the vote didn't count. The election comes down to New Mexico and for some reason, not told in the movie, Bud's vote will decide the electoral votes. I mean, how could the votes be even for each side and even if they were very close, how many months would it take for all the recounts that would take place. But any way, it's up to Bud, whom doesn't care about politics. He becomes an instant celebrity and is courted by both candidates. By the end of the film, Bud grows an appreciation for the political scene and realizes that it is important to care about social issues.

FINAL VERDICT: Funnier than I thought and provides a message. Plus, the movie doesn't try to say that one party is better than the other.

I'm going to go ahead and assume that it's not an easy task to make a crowd-pleasing movie centered on politics that goes to such strenuous efforts to be non-partisan and maybe chalk up my dissatisfaction with the movie to that. Then again, it might also have something to do with a critical decision that they made in how to end the movie, which is sure to make every single solitary person who watches it throw up their arms in disgust.

But the movie is not about who wins the presidency, it's about the pure chaos of the American political system and its millions of weaknesses and faults. Sure, the premise of a presidential election coming down to a single vote is as preposterous as they come, but man if this movie doesn't get you thinking critically about the electoral process then it's safe to assume that probably nothing ever will.

Kevin Costner plays Bud, an American nobody from New Mexico who has never done anything with his life except have a daughter with a delusional drug addict who thinks she has a big singing career in her near future. He works as an egg inspector at an egg packaging plant, and he and his co-workers mourn the loss of their friends' (and soon, their own) jobs to "insourcing," the process of bringing Mexicans in to take their jobs rather than ship the factory and all those egg-laying chickens to Mexico.

Bud staggers through life in a drunken daze most of the time, routinely letting down his daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll), who raises him like a child. She gets him out of bed in the morning, criticizes his laziness and irresponsibility, reminds him to vote because it's part of a school project that she has to do, and through sighs of exasperation attempts to keep him at least a little bit in line. And of course it's the only thing in life that she fails at. When Bud gets drunk rather than show up to vote, she manages to almost cast his vote herself due to the sleepy voting booth security of beautiful Texico, New Mexico, which Google Earth has just informed me is a real place. Population 1,065.

In a clever plot development, it turns out that Bud's vote didn't go completely through but it appeared that he was there, so he is given another opportunity to cast his vote. Not right away, mind you, even though he evidently already tried to vote and thus probably had his mind made up. No, he is given ten days before he has to vote, thus providing plenty of time for a movie to happen.

Young Madeline Carroll steals most of the scenes that she's in as Bud's daughter, so it's interesting that her character is one of the biggest weak points in the movie, the other one being her dad. Bud is supposed to be a typical American, but I just saw a drifting drunk who never did anything with his life and never would have had he not been forced to. It's true that the vast majority of Americans live lives that are closer to Bud's than President Boone's (Kelsey Grammar), but does he have to be a TOTAL loser? How about just making him be a likable, regular guy? Like the guy he played in Field of Dreams? When I imagine the average American, I imagine something like Ray Kinsella. Although maybe with a slightly smaller house and less whispering from the sky.

The other problem is that the screenwriters overshot the character of Molly by about 160 IQ points. So much for the average American, right? This girl writes a school essay that doesn't merit a special award from the principal to show her dad, it grants her NATIONAL TELEVISED RECOGNITION. But to be honest, I had more of a problem with the fact that not only does she wake her deadbeat dad up in the morning so he could take her to school, she also treks to the bar and, finding him passed out in his truck when he should have been voting, she pushes him over and then drives him home herself. She's about 11 years old.

But where the movie succeeds is as a scathing revelation about certain realities of the American electoral process, such as the electoral college, which simplifies the vote-counting process even while massively distorting the actual numbers of who voted for who. The whole movie is about how one man's vote really does matter, but it leaves you with the feeling that you are supposed to forget that once he votes, every single vote in his state for the other candidate WON'T matter anymore, because they'll be switched to the other candidate. Isn't it interesting how that works? Can't we just count every single vote and award each candidate one huge number of individual votes? Seems a little more accurate to me.

Anyway, I do appreciate the way the movie highlights the fact that both sides, Republican and Democrat, are equally willing to stoop to any level and do absolutely whatever it takes to win, and that no one is above hitting below the belt and making hugely unethical decisions. There is a lot that needs to be changed in American politics, and even while clearly being based on the Election of 2000, one of the most controversial in American history, it calls those things to attention without ever even hinting that either side is right or wrong. The movie insists that America is the greatest country in the world but that in some ways, we're doing it all wrong, but the fact that a movie like this has the freedom to get made proves that even though we haven't reached a level of pure cohesive harmony, underneath all of our imperfections is a clear desire to get there.

In every election year, the biggest topic of discussion comes over who is the most responsible to hold the position the President of the United States. Should the Commander-in-Chief be the aging war veteran or the new fellow pleading for change? Swing Vote does not try to answer this question and it certainly will not change who the public will vote for in the upcoming election. That is part of what makes the film almost work as it tries to not tag on a political statement and in a rarity for a Hollywood film about a presidential election, both candidates are portrayed equally. In Swing Vote, it is not about the political party, but rather the man who wants to run the country. In its heart, the film is simply a comedy about a beer-drinking New Mexican chap who is given the chance to actually make his vote count and not just be one in a million ballots. The film only start to falter when it forgets this and begins to take itself much too seriously.

Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) lives alone with his clever daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll) in a small New Mexican town and trying to make ends meet, despite his major drinking problem and tendency to go fishing rather than work. When he falls asleep drunk in his car on election day, his daughter goes to the booth and votes for him. However, after a computer error, the vote is not counted and Bud is given ten days to re-vote: the catch being that his one vote which choose the American President for the next four years. Suddenly, the media starts to invade his small town and the two competing Presidents (played by Kelsey Grammar and Dennis Hopper) along with their campaign managers (Stanley Tucci and Nathan Lane, respectively) arrive to get Bud to vote their party. This causes much confusion as Bud becomes media-obsessed, the two candidates start changing their stances on issues to please Bud and Molly must get her father to make the right choice and not blow this one-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Swing Vote is a flawed film, but the film definitely succeeds in getting some good performances out of its cast of talented actors. Kevin Costner is his usual charming self, while also going for a more gruff and slightly head-in-the-clouds approach than previously shown in work like Bull Durham. While another actor might have made Bud too un-sympathetic, Costner succeeds in making us care for the character. Madeline Carroll is the starlet of the film, allowing Molly to be more charming than annoying as often plagues young actresses who play smart-aleck characters. She also manages to deliver the one truly emotional scene in which she stands up for her father. Nathan Lane is also a stand-out providing his usual perfect comedic timing and one particular dramatic moment that proves even moreso than he is one of the most talented actors of stage and screen. As for the rest of the cast, Kelsey Grammar and Dennis Hopper both appear to be having fun in their roles, while Stanley Tucci and Judge Reinhold are both criminally underused.

Along with the actors, one of the best aspect of the film comes in how it does not lean politically all the way to the right or to the left, providing a more neutral approach while still managing to satirise both sides. In the end, it is the campaign managers who are squandered the most rather than the candidates, who are portrayed in a fair manner. The Republican and Democratic labels are also not hammered into the ground, as the film shows that Bud is voting for the person rather than the political party. The way the film takes a look at the media's spin doctor approach as well as presidential candidates "flip-flopping" to win votes is done in a funny way as well. When Swing Vote stays firmly in the comedy arena, it proves to be a genuine winner. However, there is a shift in the second act where it starts to take itself too seriously and begins to forget that it is a comedic Frank Capra-esquire fantasy and it certainly lacks the subtlety of Capra's finest. In addition, subplots are added that do not add much to the story and questions are left un-answered. Where are the vice-presidential candidates and why are they never mentioned? Why spend so much money on television advertisements for only one person? Ultimately, Swing Vote is a fantasy and while it starts to drag in the final act, it still manages to at least provide a great cast with some topical material.

SWING VOTE pretty much got slammed by the critics when it came out and it ended up doing OK at the box office - not great, not horrible - just a flatline somewhat. So very low expectations when we checked this out from the library recently and was pleasantly surprised. Costner has had the typical roller-coaster ride of many male movie stars - after Bull Durham, No Way Out, Dances With Wolves - he was on fire and then the infamous Waterworld and The Postman sunk his career - he smartly went away and then tried to reinvent himself as a character actor - he did some nice work with Joanj Allen in an uneven film Upside Of Anger and I actually am in the minority because I loved his serial killer movie Mr. Brooks - and here he is perfect as Bud Johnson, a beer swilling loser who can barely get up in the morning and he constantly lets down his daughter - a civic minded, A student kid. Carroll gives a terrific performance as Molly - it is multi-layered and she and Costner have a wonderful rapport - Costner looks like crap throughout most of the film and its one of the things that makes the movie work - he looks his age, wrinkled, bags under his eyes, his hair always a mess, a bit of a gut - he seems comfortable int he skin of his small town guy. Yes, the plot takes some swallowing but overall - a nice political comedy with some nice supporting work from stalwarts like Nathan Lane, Kelsey Grammar, George Lopez and Stanley Tucci = this is a smart, funny comedy worth seeking out.

Even for a movie Swing Vote has a absurd premise. The idea that our democratic voting system can be founded on one man voting is incredibly ludicrous even for the plot line of a movie. Thankfully the movie decides to try and be more then just Kevin Costner (ugh) farting around talking with politicians. The movie instead focuses on his relationship with his daughter. It tries to show the common man's focus on politics. Despite this idea though the movie still doesn't work. The family moments come across as being too cheesy and the movie isn't able to get across it's bizarre premise. Although the movie was better then I expected it to be (which isn't saying much) it's not worth watching. It's a mediocre Costner movie but if you are a fan of his then you've seen worse by him (like The Postman)

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.

"Swing Vote" is a good movie. It could have been great, but it isn't, but it is still good. At its best, it invokes Frank Capra's classic films on politics, including "Meet John Doe" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." It never reaches their level, though, and that failure to hit the top is a bit frustrating.

An older, dumpier, and shabbier Kevin Costner is the best part of the film. Costner is a star and that shows here. Even the grunge that is his costume in almost every scene can't disguise his charisma. Costner's voice has not aged and he uses it to great effect, especially in a final speech.

The film draws laughs by parodying our two major political parties, with a Democratic presidential candidate starring in the funniest anti-abortion TV commercial ever made (no doubt its competition was slim, but it is very funny) and a Republican presidential candidate touting his party's tender concern for the environment.

These excellent scenes make you wish that the movie had gone deeper. It doesn't, though. It veers off into dead-end soap opera subplots about Costner's daughter's boyfriend from school and her attempt to live with her estranged mother (Mare Winningham, in a role that should have ended up on the editing room floor, as it contributes nothing to the film.) The casting wasn't great. The two presidential candidates and their aids end up being cardboard cut-out stereotypes of Machiavellian evil (Stanley Tucci) and compromise (Nathan Lane). Kelsey Grammar and Dennis Hopper, as the candidates, never transcend their "Frasier" and "Easy Rider" personas. Other actors, perhaps unknowns, should have been cast in these two key roles.

Paula Patton, the woman who played what would have been the Barbara Stanwyck role in the Frank Capra movie, was pretty as a little doll and a complete bore. This is part of a pattern in today's Hollywood; female leads must have the perfectly perky looks of a plastic doll; there's no need for them to be talented. Male leads, like Costner, can be beat-up, and slovenly, but must be talented. Patton's role, that of the desperate, sharp, female reporter who gains inside knowledge of a national story, is underwritten, and she does nothing with it. It's a dead-end, and that's a shame. It makes me want to rewatch "Meet John Doe" in which Stanwyck worked so well as the female reporter.

Overall, though, this movie is better than much else at the multiplex, and it at least ventures into the world of ideas.

"Swing Vote" tells the story of an unemployed father of one who controls the deciding vote in the U.S. presidential election. A technical glitch nullified his original vote so he has to recast his ballot ten days later, leaving the presidential hopefuls ample opportunity to sway his decision.

The film has a vague sort of Capra-esque feel and the premise, while far-fetched, is intriguing. Some of the script's statements feel like a civics lesson but the film isn't so preachy that it overwhelms the story. The satire could have been a bit bolder as well. The script doesn't deliver any pointed observations, if that's what you're expecting.

I feel pretty confident in saying that in the hands of a lesser cast this movie would be nigh unwatchable. Instead, Kevin Costner delivers a charismatic performance that reminds us of how good he can be in the right role. Meanwhile, the actress who played his daughter, twelve year old Madeline Carroll, should have a bright future in front of her. Then there's the impressive supporting cast that features Kelsey Grammar, Stanley Tucci, Nathan Lane & Dennis Hopper, among others.

On the technical front, the film shows nice production values but doesn't do anything well enough to stand out from the pack. That being said, it was nice to hear the Marshall Tucker Band's "Can't You See" over the opening and closing credits even though it's questionable as a sort of 'theme' for the movie.

In the end, "Swing Vote" is a perfectly passable piece of entertainment but one can't help but feel that it doesn't come close to realizing the full potential of its premise. Nevertheless, what made it to the screen is a pretty decent comedy-drama with uniformly good performances.

I can understand fully why this Kevin Costner movie fell so far under the radar, if the man has any sense he put it there!

It's not that it's a bad film, it's just a mediocre one with one of the most offensively ridiculous concepts of all time.

So we have Bud, a redneck and all round failure at life (Especially to his daughter). His daughter registers him to vote but then due to a fault with the voting booth he becomes the "Swing" voter. Namely this hick has the single handed decision who becomes the President of the United States.

Yep, THAT dumb.

Despite a great cast including Costner, Patton, Tucci, Hopper & Grammer this is a foolish movie.

Yes it is highly accurate in it's presentation of politics but lacks in the comedy and simply isn't as dramatic as it aims to be.

One for hardcore Costner fans only.

The Good:

Bill Maher

Solid cast

The Bad:

Laughable representation of the Republican party

Concept is ridiculous

Too much FOX "News"

Things I Learnt From This Movie:

The writers were high on weed when writing the script and somewhere along the way someone was high on crack for giving it the green light!

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

Would you believe that Hollywood could take one really stupid idea, fifteen minutes of plot time, add in a good young actress and after a moderately slow start, jump into thirty minutes of absolutely hilarious comedy parodying almost all the political sacred cows of the day? Just when you think you've settled into a comedy they transition to drama with excellent human and family interest issues that tug at your heart strings and bring a tear to the eye.

Then boom - they have you softened up and the movie finishes very strong on principle, drama and a high note.

Swing Vote - whether you wait for DVD or swing by your locally cold theater and partake of outrageously priced popcorn with slabs of butter and a Diet Coke - don't miss it.

This is Kevin Costner's best work by far since Dancing With Wolves. He will get some buzz as a nominee for actor and producer. If the young woman who plays his daughter (Madeline Carroll) doesn't get a nomination I'm going to boycott the Awards Program. Wait - I already boycott the program. Don't you just hate a veiled threat? Larry

I really didn't think of watching this movie. I planned on renting it on DVD because I was at the filming of one of the scenes. But I read a positive review this afternoon and decided to try it. And I'm glad I did.

This was a very intelligent movie, despite the unlikely premise. If you get past that, the movie is wonderfully acted, well written and beautifully filmed. What an amazing cast! Kevin Costner, Dennis Hopper, Kelsey Grammar, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, George Lopez...but probably the most impressive was Madeline Carroll. She stole the show.

This movie makes you realize the utter stupidity of the campaign process in this country, yet how important it is that we vote and take part on the process.

Swing Vote was an average movie. The movie was not amazing by any means. I did like the story a lot though. It was one of the bright spots of the movie along with the acting and meaning between Kevin Costner and his daughter. Her and him both played very good parts. Kevin Costner was especially funny. I think the movie could have been a lot better. It was mostly just the same stuff. It mostly all took place in the same places. It wasn't very entertaining which wasn't a good thing. I think they could have done a lot more with this movie. It wasn't to long or to short. I think it did have a lot of heart warming scenes. A couple scenes might get some people to have tears in their eyes. It did have a few good moments with the presidents. The story is explained very well. The ending definitely wasn't very good either. It really left it up in the air. Overall don't go spending big money on this movie. I think there are many other good movies out that are better than this. All and all an average movie.

"Swing Vote" is one of the rarities of the summer season, a comedy trying to reach an adult audience. How will it ever make money? There is an election coming up in November, usually a dreary time filled with untrustworthy people and empty promises, and I'm sure screenwriters Josh Michael Stern and Jason Richman are hoping people are still ready to believe one man can still shake up American politics. Personally I'd like to watch a political movie about a guy who shakes up Washington by coming in with a baseball bat like Morgan Freeman did with the school in "Lean on Me", but hey you take what you can get. So the question remains, can an adult political comedy contend with all the superheroes, mummies, and teen comedies swirling around movie theaters now? Costner plays Bud, a trailer park bum and single father who spends his days in an uninformed, drunken stupor. Election day is coming up and he doesn't even know who's running, but his daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll) is very keen on him voting, even to the point of submitting the ballot for him herself. Only a problem occurs and Bud suddenly become the deciding vote in the election between republican President Andrew Boone (Kelsey Grammar) and incumbent democrat Donald Greenleaf (Dennis Hopper). It doesn't take long before the small New Mexican town Bud lives in is swarming with reporters, including one who actually has integrity and a gorgeous body (Paula Patton), and the candidates themselves trying to get Bud's vote.

Every once in a while a movie comes along that is such a waste of time and talent that it should be put up on charges. "Swing Vote" is that movie. The circumstances that bring Bud to be the deciding vote are ridiculously contrived but the idea is actually fairly interesting. The execution is anything but though. Bud soon has both politicians changing their views in order to sway him. The conservative switches his view on gay people and the environment, the liberal switches his view on deporting illegal immigrants. That's the closest the movie comes to smart political satire and it's really such a lazy, simplistic view of politicians selling out that it's the farthest thing from being funny. Their political ads also look intentionally farcical and the whole "wink, wink" vibe just makes them look stupid. The point the movie tries to make that every vote counts is also annoying, considering its telling us that uninformed boobs should be voting just like the rest of us. The "South Park" election episode between the big fat turd and giant douche did a much better job of analyzing the responsibility and education involved in the role of the voters instead of just brow beating them into forced voting.

Of course Bud gradually changes his tune by the end of the movie but we know that's the contrived Hollywood ending. The real message here is between the lines- who cares if you're an idiot, get out and vote. And the other problem with the movie is Bud is clearly an idiot, an irresponsible, selfish, neglectful drunk of a father who is just unlikable in every way, despite Costner's best efforts to give him some easy-going charm. Madeline Carroll is given the thankless task of playing a smart-ass 12 year old, a role that usually leads to just a flat-out annoying child. The father daughter relationship they create is phony and sentimental and reminded me of any episode of "Full House. You would think with a comic cast like Kelsey Grammar, Dennis Hopper, Stanley Tucci, and Nathan Lane someone could find a laugh in this movie but this is how bad the script is, even they can't find a way to make this funny.

"Swing Vote" held itself out as being a smart political comedy but it doesn't take long to realize that it's actually one of the worst and laziest movies of the year. There isn't a laugh to be had in its entire 1 hour and 40 minutes and what it says about politics and voting are just half-assed clichés.

It's not a perfect film. But Kevin Costner is just likable. The script needed a rewrite but overall I liked this flawed flick.

It didn't try to be heavy handed and have a right wing or left wing point of view. It was a more apolitical political film. Like Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. But not as good.

Swing Vote will probably have a second life on video and could be a hit there.

The movie cost only around $20 million to make and who knows how much in marketing. So it won't have to gross too much to make it's money back.

The cast adds a lot to the film as well. The always watchable Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammar, an eternally svelte and young looking (for his age) Dennis Hopper and newcomer Madeline Carroll as Costner's daughter.

It's a sweet imperfect movie about trying to get ordinary Americans involved in the political process.

Swing Vote is an inspiring drama with some humor thanks due to the great performances by Kevin Costner and most of the cast some aren't given much to do but they make the best of their limited screen time. Director Joshua Michael Stern has done an admirable job of making this movie thats a story about an ordinary guy whose one vote will decide the next President Of The United States. Costner turns in a very believable performance as Bud Johnson a lazy beer slinging father whose one bright light in his mundane existence is his daughter Molly. Madeline Carroll who plays Molly is just as impressive she more than holds her own against Costner on the screen. They both have good chemistry together which made their father and daughter relationship believable. Costner and Carroll also brought much comic relief to the film as his character who starts off a nobody becomes an overnight celebrity because somehow his one vote will decide the next president. The supporting cast are admirable in their roles too including Paula Patton, Kelsey Grammar, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, and Stanley Tucci. Some of them don't have much to do and aren't given a lot screen time because most of the focus is on Costner and his daughter but they still are effective supporting characters. George Lopez and Judge Reinhold even show up for brief appearances who are humorous in their roles but they like some other characters lack screen time. All of them however do bring some comic relief to the movie (like Costner and Carroll) because of things some of them are willing to do to get that one vote from Costner's character. The pacing of the movie was a little slow but once things started to get going it moved at a steady pace from there. Despite some flaws with character development and the pacing Swing Vote was still much better than expected. I thought I wasn't going to like this movie and I ended up enjoying it. Swing Vote may not be a masterpiece or class but it's still an above average comedy drama with terrific performances by most of the cast who make it an enjoyable film to watch.

I like Kevin Costrner as a human, and have admired many of his movies. But this one was painfully stupid to me. He played a self-absorbed drunk who trivialised everything and everyone around him. He spoilt everything he touched. He made the world a mean and nasty place. And he committed all those offenses whilst caring for an innocent daughter. CreepY!

How is that kind of personality disorder even remotely funny? To tell it straight, the guy was a complete --- and depending on what continent you're on --- jerk, tw*t, a**hole--- he was destructive and passively cruel. Please forgive my strong language, but that's how sleazy and despicable that character was. What he stood for, even in a fantasy, an entertainment, was SOOOO unworthy of any us, the filmmakers should feel ashamed.

It reminded me, in an uglier sense, of course, of the wooden and artificial 1941 movie with Gary Cooper: "Meet John Doe." I liked that as a child, but when I saw it a year or so ago on telly, I cringed, it was so fake and contrived. And that's the definition of what's NOT a classic--- when it is applauded when new, but looks like crap a few years later.

This movie, "Swing Vote," does not fail because it is illogical or silly. It is. But so are many wonderfully entertaining films. This fails because it displays a destructive and callous personality type that poops on everything, like a harpy.

Despite the real "stretch" it would take to accept the plot--- and hey, I was willing!--- underneath the camera work and the brilliant new-comer young actress who played his daughter, and Kelsey Grammar and Dennis Hopper, etc.--- underneath it all was a vile cess-pit of pure ugliness.

If you watch this, be prepared to feel like bathing right after. BTW- there are plenty of goofy and implausible political movies that are pretty good in their own right. Eddie Murphy played a US Congressman in one, Michael Douglas the President in another. James Garner, Lauren Bacall, and Jack Lemon in another--- those were all silly, too, but they also had some charm and some beauty, and they entertained. Even "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo" was at least funny.

My son tells me that I don't understand what young people think is funny. And he's right. I'm not into cringe comedies like Borat or teen sex comedies like Superbad. So when I give Swing Vote 9 out of 10, I guess I have to limit my recommendation to those over 50. If you're too young to remember Kevin Costner's last great movie, I'm not so sure you'll like this one. You see, no one gets humiliated and you don't hear any jokes about sex or bodily functions. It's an old-fashioned comedy that my wife, my cousin and I, all near 60, loved. If you are in that age range, ignore the critics and the IMDb rating. We laughed all the way through. The editing is fast paced so that you never get bored. Some critics have criticized Swing Vote for being lightweight, but it is really more dramedy than straight comedy. There are several serious themes including divorce and civic responsibility. This is Costner's best performance in many years. And Madeline Carroll, who plays his daughter, is amazing. Watch out, Dakota Fanning and Abigail Breslin. This girl can play comedy and drama with equal aplomb. The scene where she cries in front of her class brought many to tears in our audience.

This movie was not only unrealistic, but a use of immature democratic propaganda. I went into the movie hoping to see the hilarious Kevin Costner live up to the legacy he left behind with Bull Durham and Water World. I left the movie not only angry, but fed up. Political films like this are an example of the negative slope modern films are slipping down. At no point during the film could I get into it. This could be from the obvious left wing bias or from the incredibly unrealistic plot line. It also may have been from Kevin Costner giving one of the worst performances of his career or from the dull script. There were a few moments during the film that were amusing, but on the whole I would recommend this film to no one. Hollywood, you should be ashamed of yourself.