SWING VOTE

Directed by Joshua Michael Stern
Touchstone Pictures
PG-13 - language

Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) is a middle-age American who has drifted from one mediocre job to another. His wife left him many years ago to pursue a musical career. All he has to show for his life is a pot belly and Molly (Madeline Carroll), a perky and smart 12 year old who takes care of him. She gets him up in the morning, cooks, and cleans their trailer home. On the day of the Presidential election, she reminds him that she needs to talk to him about voting for a school project. She'll meet him after school at the polling place. When he doesn't quite get it all together for this important civic task, she steps up the plate for him. Imagine her surprise when the machine malfunctions and the ballot has to be recast. It turns out that his one vote will determine the election of the next President of the Unite States.

In this comedy directed by Joshua Michael Stern, this leap is only one we are required to take in a story that has an air of Hollywood unreality about it. The fault is a screenplay by Jason Richman and Joshua Michael Stern that refuses to take sides in its depiction of the Republican incumbent President Andrew Boone (Kelsey Grammer) and the Democratic hopeful Donald Greenleaf (Dennis Hopper). Far too much is made of the media circus surrounding every move Bud makes and every silly comment he utters. As the two candidates try to win his vote, they release over-the-top political ads appealing to pro-lifers (from the Democrat) and gay marriage advocates (from the Republican)

Also featured in this political comedy are Paula Patton as a local reporter, Stanley Tucci as the President's campaign manager, and Nathan Lane as Greenleaf's right hand man who has been involved in seven losing campaigns. Madeline Carroll shines as Molly, a responsible little girl who helps her dad grow up. Sadly, the finale is pure Hollywood and will strike most viewers as a big cheat.


Reviewed by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Rating: 2/5