Review: ‘Swing Vote’

‘Swing Vote’ is the story of Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner), an alcoholic, out-of-work father living in Texico, New Mexico with his precocious daughter, Molly, adeptly played by Madeline Carroll. Sadly, she takes on the part of adult in their daily lives and even more so by casting Bud’s vote in the upcoming Presidential Election after he passes out in a drunken stupor. Nice. Unbelievably, after an equipment malfunction, the election all comes down to Bud’s vote and he and Molly garner the unwelcomed attention of the world. Then we have to watch the supposed comedic spectacle of both candidates, over and over and over again, bearing gifts and favors. Director Joshua Michael Stern belabors the point to no end. The incumbent Republican president (Kelsey Grammer) and the Democratic nominee (Dennis Hopper), followed by their respective, sly aides Fox (Stanley Tucci) and Crumb (Nathan Lane), are on the warpath for Bud’s precious vote.

The trailer campaigned with the promise of a smart, political fun-fest. Alas, Swing Vote drags throughout and is sorely missing the right mix of emotional drama and political comedy. Just because its an election year, the writers felt compelled to stand on their soap-boxes and make the movie a message of “one man’s vote can change the world.” Uh-huh. I threw my arms up with this kind of condescension. As to Kevin Costner’s performance, I had trouble buyin it and definitely wasn’t lovin’ it. If you want a lesson in civics, watch Frank Capra’s ‘Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.’

[rating: 1/5]