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Fresh and Exciting

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

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

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

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 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.