Swing Vote Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
One ordinary guy is giving the candidates a reason to run.
In a remarkable turn-of-events, the result of the presidential election comes down to one man's vote.
| Kevin Costner | Bud Johnson |
| Madeline Carroll | Molly Johnson |
| Paula Patton | Kate Madison |
| Kelsey Grammer | President Andrew Boone |
| Dennis Hopper | Donald Greenleaf |
| Nathan Lane | Art Crumb |
| Stanley Tucci | Martin Fox |
| George Lopez | John Sweeney |
| Judge Reinhold | Walter |
| Charles Esten | Lewis |
| Willie Nelson | Himself |
| Mare Winningham | Larissa Johnson |
| Mark Moses | Attorney General Wyatt |
| Nana Visitor | Galena Greenleaf |
| Joshua Michael Stern |
6.10 out of 10 (3243 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Swing Vote Is A Good Movie
posted on 25 Aug 2009Voters in the United States are generally closed-minded, lazy and uninformed, though we have a tradition of embracing movies that say otherwise. Since the common-man glorifications of Frank Capra 75 years ago, we've believed the average Joe requires only a spark of curiosity and decency to become a protector of America's democratic heritage, and the beguiling "Swing Vote" plays smoothly to that expectation.Kevin Costner, always at his best when playing amiable rogues, embodies 50-ish Bud Johnson, an alcoholic and soon-to-be-unemployed single dad in a rural New Mexico county. By a process that's too silly to be believed (but easy enough to ignore), he's responsible for casting the final vote in an election. As the county results are tied – and the outcome will tip New Mexico's electoral votes toward one party in the presidential race, which also happens to be virtually tied – Bud becomes the guy who'll elect the next U.S. president 10 days later.Director Joshua Michael Stern, who wrote the script with Jason Richman, finds a lot of humor in the dignified sucking-up of the Republican and Democratic candidates (Kelsey Grammar and Dennis Hopper), who fly to Bud's town to woo him. His whims and offhand pronouncements perversely influence national policy: The development-mad Republican proclaims a national park so Bud will have a place to fish, while the Democrat announces a crackdown on immigrants after learning Bud lost his job at the egg-packing plant to a Latino. (He lost it for being drunk, but….) The film seems like a loose and uncredited updating of "The Great Man Votes," a more serious 1939 entry in which an alcoholic widower with kids turns out to be the only registered voter in a precinct. Yet "Swing Vote" isn't full-blown political satire, because the filmmakers want to inspire rather than depress us.As in so many Capra films, a savvy female shapes up the hero, alerting him to responsibilities and helping him prepare for his civic duty. (Well, some of it: Bud knows nothing about candidates for other offices or issues on the ballot.) Here she's an elementary schooler: Madeline Carroll, who plays Bud's daughter with a sweet mixture of exasperation and undying hope.When the candidates agree to a debate where Bud asks the questions, the film suggests she'll transform him overnight into a citizen capable of speaking for thousands of people who've written him plaintive letters. That's a fantasy lazy voters would love to believe, though it's as likely as training for a marathon by running a 5-K the day before.
Great Fun
posted on 23 Aug 2009Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner), an apathetic, beer-slinging, lovable loser, is coasting through a life that has passed him by. The one bright spot is his precocious, over-achieving 12-year-old daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll). She takes care of both of them, until one mischievous moment on Election Day, when she accidentally sets off a chain of events that culminate in the election coming down to one vote... her dad's. This movie was great fun and i really enjoyed it. but what ate me up inside was the fact we don't get to find out who won the presidential election. that was the down side of this movie but it was still funny. Swing Vote 7/10
excellent movie on many levels!
posted on 21 Aug 2009I took my politically informed 13 year old son (he actually chose this over seeing the new Mummy movie)to see this film, and we both enjoyed it totally. My son is much like the daughter in this movie (although he leans the opposite direction politically). We both found it funny, regardless of which side was being poked fun of. The thing I liked about it was that even though a comedy, it was filled with a multitude thought-provoking themes (the general state of politicians,politics,the media and even the often forgotten or under-appreciated members of our society, our children). Contrary to some of the reviews, I found the last 15 minutes of the movie very smart and well thought out. The cast was great, and aside from some fowl language from Costner's character (mostly in the first 30 minutes), i would recommend this movie to anyone.
A great movie worth everyone's time!
posted on 07 Aug 2009First off, i sincerely enjoyed this movie! It has a little bit of everything in it. Its comedy it gets from Kevin Costner's extraordinary well played character Bud Johnson and the drama it gets from the little girl always trying her best to take care of her semi-alcoholic father, played by Madeline Carroll(I think she will have a great future in acting/movies).When I first started watching I didn't have too high hopes. I thought: "well I'm sick and don't have anything to do why don't get a good laugh from watching some comedy" so I picked Swing vote and thought that okay this looks fine, haven't seen it so let's give it a shot. It didn't look too good. But having seen the movie I don't regret it in any way!The plot was great and it had a little twist that made it superb. The movie was well directed and produced, not like an ordinary comedy but like a drama or something like that. The ending was really good since they didn't show how won, but left it kind of up to everyone to decide them self. I think it would have ruined the movie a bit if they would have shown a winner, it would have made Bud less interesting. The only thing else I would have wanted to know was how Bud and Molly continued their life. Did Bud get some fancy job? Did he get to gather with Kate? Or did their life just continue like normal?Overall it was a great movie worth my time and I recommend it to everyone who has a little spare time and want to watch a warm, funny and GREAT movie!I gave it a 9 out of 10
A little Lebowski
posted on 03 Aug 2009Entertaining enough but this could have been much better. The uneven first half doesn't set up the ending well and Costner is too far removed from poor trailer park folks to be believable in his role. Much of the acting seemed contrived.Grammar is good as the president and Hopper plays a believable ex-hippy challenger, although the character changes in both were poorly written or poorly edited (or both) so that the transformations are too abrupt - seemingly pasted in to fulfill audience expectations.The film tried to be a comedy, a political satire and a drama -- too much for one movie. Didn't quite make it it any of the genres.
I have like many viewers here, mixed feelings.
posted on 12 Jun 2009Jason Richman directed this political comedy on the importance of the vote of one person.He also co-wrote this somewhat confusing satire of the American political system with Joshua Micheal SternIts been mentioned that no plot or story is new. Swing Vote is reminiscent in many ways to a 1939 film starring John Barrymore (he was Drew Barrymore's Grandfather).THE GREAT MAN VOTES .this b-movie was directed by Garson Kanin & was John's last major role.)Similarities to our film are as follows, like Kevin Costner in Swing Vote (our film), He gets drunk at the wrong times. & he has a daughter who is vital to both films. The need for his vote is somewhat similar.In both films the out come of his vote is vital, In John's film it was a simple minor tale taking under 75 minutes or so. In Swing Vote it becomes a major media event & a 2 hour running time.In both films our star has a teen aged daughter. Virginua Weidler was the lass in Barrymore film, she was a rival to Shirley Temple back in 1939. We have a new face (with an old name in Swing Vote) Madeline Carroll.(there was a major star in 1939 with same name) (39 Steps--My Favorite Blonde --were only 2 of her many films). Here this young girl does a nice job,There is also a large supporting cast, to name just a few, Nathan Lane, Kelsey Grammar, Dennis Hopper, Stanley Tucci, & Paula Patten.At times the film is very silly, at times quite enjoyable, as stated before its also too long.Ratings: **1/2 (out of 4) 72 points (out of 100) IMDb 6 (out of 10)
As if they'd really care
posted on 10 Jun 2009This is a classic, already.It's a funny thought that the whole world and all those highly educated people would come down to this very, very small town to talk to that one lost voter. Pretending they'd really care about a less-than-average guy's view on "deciding issues". And Costner, he couldn't care less for a stance, waiting for them to trip over their own feet. How far do politicians go to grab your attention? Which obvious and which not so obvious stunts are they pulling this year? From the moment the candidates arrive in town (and his house becomes a metaphoric stage), it got me laughing through-out, and got straight to my heart in the end. This movie is here to stay right between The American President (1995) and Speechless (1994), between Tin Cup (1996) and Open Range (2003).Madeline Carroll did a fine job as a young version of Juno. I can't believe seeing Dennis Hopper (Easy Rider) being told "You used to stand for something," after he just reversed all his political statements. Stanley Tucci! I love this guy since he threw away his wig as Latin dancer. He is as well cast and unobtrusive as the whole rest of the crew. In particular Paula Patton as the loveliest last resort for hope on classic American values.
Dramatic Comedy that seems uninspired
posted on 10 Jun 2009I can't bash "Swing Vote" entirely and be honest about it. The movie was bad to mediocre. It sort of works as a comedy, it sorts of works as a drama. But it suffers from a number of flaws, notably its inability to make a non-partisan political movie. It's efforts to try to remain politically neutral only furthers to obscure what simple message it does have: that people should at least be somewhat aware of the issues and vote, because even one person can make a difference.Most of the jokes are, of course, political in nature, and they tend to make fun of pandering politicians, and partisan ideas. Of course, the ultimate fault here is that they round up Republican and Democratic platforms to their lowest common denominator, which of course makes it seem like they are advocating a moderate position. Or are they? A few times I thought they might make universal health care a real issue, but they continued to avoid commitment. Basically what I am saying is that the neutral political balancing act they try to maintain makes the movie feel rather silly and causes their single punch line to fall a little flat.I can't complain about the acting nor the plot, nor the statements it makes about the human condition. After all is said and done, the movie kept me engrossed for its duration. But, overall, the movie did not tie together well and fell a bit flat for me.
hilarious
posted on 31 May 2009This was obviously meant to remind you of the 2000 election fiasco in Florida. The film basically centers around Kevin Costner's character, who is lazy, irresponsible, and a mess-but he's lovable and fun. His vote will make the difference in giving either candidate (Kelsey Grammar or Dennis Hopper) New Mexico's five electoral votes, which will push him over the limit to win. Both candidates then devise a series of ads pitched specifically at him. There were themes about responsibility, being informed, and hogging your time in the limelight during your 15 minutes of fame during this film. I think it was hilarious and was truly surprised by the ending. See it!!! *** out of ****
Democratic hog wash
posted on 31 May 2009This 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.
Kevin Costner is hilarious!
posted on 29 May 2009I received free tickets to see a screening of Swing Vote, so I decided to give it a shot. Having seen it, I would definitely recommend it to anyone. This is a movie that will have you laughing for the first hour and a half, and then switches gears to a more serious note and leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling in the last half hour.Kevin Costner plays a lovable loser and is just so funny! Throughout most of the movie, he didn't deliver a single line without leaving me giggling. I was watching his performance and thinking that he may just deserve an Oscar for this role. (It could happen. Johnny Depp was nominated for Pirates.) Besides Kevin Costner; Kelsey Grammar, Stanley Tucci, Dennis Hopper, and Nathan Lane will also have you rolling with laughter. Whoever came up with the idea to put all of these funny men into one movie was brilliant. And the two presidential candidates played by Grammar and Hopper seem very true to life and likable. But I think the 2nd best performance in the movie goes to Madeline Carroll who plays Kevin Costner's daughter Molly. She does a great job in this role and brings a lot of heart to the movie.The message in this movie is also very powerful. Yes, it seems silly that one man could decide the next president. But it does strike a cord in that every person who votes can make a difference. Voting is our chance for our voice to be heard and to get the people in office that will speak for us.But that message aside, if you go see a movie that will put a smile on your face for 2 hours, go see Swing Vote.
Does each presidential election vote really count??
posted on 27 May 2009On the surface this movie is about one man having the vote which will decide the presidential election, days after all the other results are in. And it is about that, but only as a bridge to the bigger picture.Kevin Costner is slacker superb Bud Johnson. He is a single parent of a cute, smart, and wise 11-year-old girl, only because her mother got into substance abuse and had to leave. They live in New Mexico and Bud works as an egg inspector, but has trouble staying straight and staying sober.His daughter is Madeline Carroll as Molly Johnson. We see early that theirs is a classic parent-child relationship. Except, she is in the parental role and he is in the child role. She has to get him out of bed, fix his lunch, and generally be responsible to remind him of things he needs to remember.On this November election day Molly has told Bud she expects him to vote. He counters with, "I'm not even registered." But she explains that she took care of that, by mail. His reply, "Darn that means I might have to do jury duty now." But Bud loses his job, goes drinking with his buddies, and loses track of his commitment to vote. So Molly tries to do it for him, there is a brief power failure at the booth, the vote does not get cast. But when it is found out, and New Mexico ends up in a dead even vote count for the Democrat and Republican candidates, and the nationwide electoral totals are almost even, the authorities find Bud and inform that he will be allowed to vote in exactly 10 days (necessary for story development) and his vote will decide the election! The movie is a bit tedious in parts, it often seemed to me they had a good 60-minute movie that was stretched to 120 minutes. But in the end it was about Bud finding himself, taking personal responsibility, and beginning to live his life with integrity. And of course be a good dad to an exceptional daughter.The cast is full of good actors. Kelsey Grammar is incumbent president President Andrew Boone, Dennis Hopper is presidential candidate Donald Greenleaf. Nathan Lane is his campaign manager Art Crumb. The other campaign manager is Stanley Tucci as Martin Fox. Also George Lopez, Judge Reinhold, Richard Petty, and Willie Nelson.SPOILERS: The movie became about a very focused campaign by the two parties. They had exactly one vote to win, and they both went after Bud. But through this Bud realized how cheap it was for people to be selling their principles just to get elected, and that made him wake up to his own abdication of his responsibilities to himself and those around him. The movie ends with him sober now, and drawing the curtain to cast his vote. Fittingly the movie did not try to determine how he would vote, that was not the point.
An average movie with a heart warming story
posted on 23 May 2009Swing 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.
If you buy into it, you'll love it.
posted on 17 May 2009Yes, the whole concept is absurd, and as a result the film will probably take a lot of criticism, but I really enjoyed every minute of it at an early screening this evening. I enjoy Kevin Costner's work except when he tries to go action hero and he is thankfully getting too old for that unless he decides to buy growth hormone from Stallone or something. He was terrific in Mr. Brooks and he excels once again in a totally different role. It is the sort of character that he does best, more akin to his "Bull Durham" role.The real find of the film was Madeline Carrol who played his daughter. She joins Abagail Breslin, Dakota Fanning , and Anna Sophia Robb in a current crop of extremely talented tweeners.I enjoyed the entire cast and it was great to see Judge Reinhold for the first time in awhile.The whole concept of how Costner's vote becomes so important is one that is hard to swallow, but if you go along for the ride I promise that you will have a great time.Late in the film Mare Winningham appears in perhaps the films most powerful though least appropriate scene. It is her only scene. I believe it was used to hammer in a serious message though the scene had little to do with the message of the film other than shift to a more sober mood. Sober may not have been the best choice of words to describe the scene though.One of the nicer aspects of the film is its terrific music. A mix of tunes from several decades centered around Marshall Tucker's "Can't You See" really makes for a nice soundtrack.Ultimately the film has a great message about the importance of one person, one vote. And if it gets a lot more democrats(whoops I mean Americans) to vote this year, then in my opinion it will have done a great public service in addition to being solidly entertaining. And no, it does not have a liberal agenda, so all you Rush fans need to hold judgment before slamming the film. Unlike this reviewer, the film is really good at not taking a political stance. The film depicts all politicians as if they would stoop to anything to get elected, and garners a lot of laughs with that premise.I want to add one last thing. I would call this a family movie except for the profanity. I took my 9 year old precocious daughter and she loved it, but there was actually a running joke about Costner's character's love of swearing. So if a little swearing and some references to controversial issues (abortion, gay marriage, legal pot) are OK with you, bring the kids. Like I said, it does have a good message.
A good effort at political satire
posted on 15 May 2009I found this to be an excellent political satire, with the message that politicians will do anything to get votes. But the actual presidential candidates, incumbent Republic president (Kelsey Grammar) and democratic challenger are both good men who don't like the ridiculous pandering that goes on. Kevin Costner does a good job as near-do-well Bud, and Medeline Carroll is excellent as 12-year old whiz kid Molly, who tries to respond to people's letters that are written to her father when it turns out that he is the one man who will decide the presidential election. She is the one who actually votes and then has a stricken conscience about it, but in the end, she lets her father decide who will be president. Her scene with her absentee mother is heart-rendering too. The political advertising that goes on according to Bud's every off-hand comment is hilarious, as are cameos by Richard Petty and Willy Nelson. I enjoyed this movie, a movie without any of the violence that mars most movies today.
A Fairly Amusing Satire
posted on 11 May 2009Swing Vote was released in the heat of the 2008 election. It attempts to show the naivety of many voters, and how politicians want to talk about everything but the issues. It is a partial success in this field.Kevin Costner is solid in the lead role, but I found him slightly annoying, and did not identify with him at all. Kelsey Grammar and Dennis Hopper are okay in over the top roles as the two candidates. Stanley Tucci is funny as a diabolical, Rove-esquire Republican strategist. But the young Madeline Carroll, playing Costner's daughter is the best thing about the movie. She has a great career ahead of her. Also,Swing Vote's dialog is fairly witty, but sometimes drifts into typical political humor that has been heard a million times.Swing Vote is more about its humor than story. But it still has a decently structured plot. Most scenes have an obvious point, and nothing is random.If one is politically minded, this is a very funny movie. It takes jabs at both sides(but it is obvious the writers are liberal)ans makes both candidates look dumb. Fake political ads pandering to Costner's opinions are the highlight of the movie. The writers go for a non-partisan ending, and succeed at this, but I still found Costner's closing monologue overly preachy.Swing Vote will appeal to political junkies looking for laughs. Others will not find this witty or well-made enough to be worth their time. This could've been a lot better, but is still decent.
One clever idea turned into a long, predictable movie.
posted on 03 May 2009If you enjoy 2 hours of Kevin Costner acting like a slob and 2 minutes (at the very end) of his heroic customary speeches in which his voice cracks down while defending his less fortunate fellow men, well, this is the movie for you. Personally I found this movie similar to ARTHUR in which the prospect of watching the part of a stupid drunk for a long time gets more and more annoying. I also had a hard time buying his wholesome daughter and after watching her Mom and Dad it becomes impossible to understand how she could turn out that wonderful. The movie itself is all one clever idea with very mediocre dialogue, flat jokes and lacking any surprises.
Kevin Costner, believable at last
posted on 23 Apr 2009First I have to say this is the first movie I've seen Kevin Costner play a believable role in, getting there at last. I have to say I expected Molly to come through to take full advantage of the 'bribes' angle, but then as the movie enfolded, that wasn't really what the writer had in mind. The send up of the US political system was subtle and poignant without resorting to overt cynicism. All in all a surprisingly watchable and enjoyable movie.Bud's final speech to both candidates, and to the (real) American public at large was what the whole movie is about, re-wind and watch that bit again. In this year of banker induced financial misery, the question cannot be asked enough times. Just why is it that here in the 21st century many ordinary hard working Americans cannot feed their family, pay their mortgage and generally make ends meet?7 out of 10 for the movie and the very promising beginning for Mr Costner.
Swing vote a swing in the right direction
posted on 21 Apr 2009I remember back last fall while I was watching the hour on CBC, George Stroumboulopoulos did an interview with Kevin Costner about his new movie, Swing Vote. As you can probably guess, the film is about one man who is given the fate of the US presidency because of a miss vote. Well when I heard what he said about the film I was expecting it to be a very simple predictable film. Well, on the outside it was. It was very predictable, and very funny. But the writing was absolutely fantastic. The dialogue was witty, and characters delivered it well, and overall the film showed some really great values about what is wrong with politics in the states.Kevin Costner played Ernest "Bud" Johnson, an alcoholic, single father with a 10 year old daughter who is much, much smarter then her father. Being so politically apathetic, when Bud gets laid off on election day, he goes to the neighborhood bar and gets completely wasted while forgetting about his promise to his daughter to vote. This causes a bit of a dilemma for Molly (his daughter). She, being so politically minded, makes a stupid move and tries to vote for her father. While in the voting booth, a freak accident causes the computer to be reset and the vote to not be counted. In the mean time, the election gets to be very close. So close that Buds county becomes the one that will decide the election. During a moment of panic Bud and Molly lie and say that Bud voted instead of Molly and gave Bud the chance to re cast his vote.There were a couple of reasons that this movie was as good as it was. One was the acting, Kevin Costner took a very simple character (Joe the Plumber meets Bill Engvall kind of guy) and made you care about him. He had all the faults you could expect and still came out looking good. His daughter, played by Madeline Carrol, was just as good if not better then the rest of the cast. She was very reminiscent of Abigail Breslin in Little Miss Sunshine. The rest of cast were great as well with the standouts being the presidential candidates, played by Kelsey Grammar and Dennis Hopper.The other thing that made this movie great was its political satire. Throughout the movie, there were interviews done with Bud to see what mattered to him. Along with each interview a new political add was unveiled. For instance, when Bud said that he was pro gay rights, Kelsey Grammar and the Republicans made an add supporting gay rights. Then Bud inadvertently implies that he is pro life, the Democrats make an anti abortion add. The satire (although completely predictable) shows exactly what is wrong with politics. To much focus on PR and not enough on what will actually help the world. It really says something about our political situation and it is perfectly summed up in Bud's final speech. He says, "America needs someone who is bigger then their speeches." Overall the film was really great, and despite its predictability it was a good feel good movie. I warn any parents who want their kids to see the film to watch out for the language cause Bud can be a bit fowl. 8/10 stars.
Politics and promises.
posted on 31 Aug 2009Political satire and down-home situations mix in this ever so clever flick starring Kevin Costner. Twelve year old Molly(Madeline Carroll)is precocious, ambitious and caring as she takes care of her apathetic and slacking father, Bud Johnson(Costner). A simple and loving father, but not much else. On election day he gets fired from his job at the egg packing plant, gets so drunk he can't meet his daughter at the polling booth and thanks to an urgent and concerned Molly, a situation develops where the fate of the nation falls on Bud's shoulders. The Presidential election is in a deadlock tie and Bud's vote must be recast to decide who wins the election. The candidates are Dennis Hopper as Donald Greenleaf trying to dethrone the current pompous President Andrew Boone(Kelsey Grammar). It is comedic chaos as both try to influence Bud's vote.Not drop in the isles funny, but charming and at times touching. The only real bright spot in the movie is the young Carroll. Costner's constant foul language makes him appear natural, but little else. At times he even seems likable; but otherwise you want him to get a damn life. All sorts of talent rounds out the cast: Nathan Lane, Paula Patton, Stanley Tucci and George Lopez while Richard Petty and Willie Nelson appear as themselves.