 Swing Vote Another Look At Politics Tom Cravens Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) is a down-on–his-luck drunk, living in a small town. His wife Larissa (Mare Winningham) left him years ago. His young daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll), feels obligated to take care of him. Bud lives in fear that Molly will be taken from him.
The planets align to create a situation where the Presidential race comes down to one vote. Bud, who is a registered Independent, is in the unique position to cast the deciding vote. Both the President (Kelsey Grammer) and his opponent (Dennis Hopper) are willing to do anything to get Bud’s vote; befriend him, change their party platform, whatever Bud wants. Molly hoped to see democracy in action; instead she sees the worst of people, news organizations and political parties.
A Mirror
This movie holds a mirror up to the political process, the American people, and our news organizations. The movie is well made and the actors Kevin Costner, Madeline Carroll, Paula Patton, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper and the rest of the cast made the characters very believable. What we hope for and what really happens in life can be so far apart. There will be people who dislike this movie, but everyone should see it. Political Message
Cozette Cravens
 Unlike my husband, who found Swing Vote somewhat emotional, I did not. Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) plays a very believable character in today’s society. He lives in the small town of Texico, New Mexico. He drinks too much, loses his menial job and in general, doesn’t give a hoot about life around him.
Except for his young daughter, Molly (Madeline Carroll); which is questionable. Molly is 10 or 12 years old, and is put in the position of being her father's caretaker. Molly tries to impress upon her father how important it is to vote. Bud just laughs it off.
Too Believable
Up to now, the movie is too believable. Because of the result of Molly’s lack of good judgment, her father gets his 10 days worth of fame. Bud’s vote is the only one that can decide the next U.S. President . It’s easy to guess that both the current Republican President, Andrew Boone (Kelsey Grammer), and the Democrat candidate, Donald Greenleaf (Dennis Hopper), are courting Bud to get his one vote. However, Molly sees right through all this rhetoric. Not surprisingly, Bud hasn’t a clue.
The best part of the movie was the ending and Kevin Costner’s performance; it is something to think about. Who is to say that this situation couldn’t really happen? Swing Vote is worth seeing for the political message it’s trying to convey. However, the movie is not one for my film library. Cast and Credits Cast: Kevin Costner, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, Kelsey Grammer, Stanley Tucci, George Lopez and young newcomer Madeline Carroll. Genre: Comedy MPAA Rating: PG13 Release Date Aug 1, 2008 Swing Vote Trailer Newsletter And, Your Thoughts... | All newsletter recipients are eligible to receive great prizes from our drawings. Click here for privacy policy.
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