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Swing Vote

Play trailer Poster for Swing Vote PG-13 Released Aug 1, 2008 1h 59m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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38% Tomatometer 150 Reviews 41% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner), a beer-slinging loser, has one bright spot in his life: his precocious daughter, Molly (Madeline Carroll), who takes care of them both. However, on Election Day, Molly sets off an unforeseen chain of events that results in the race for the presidency coming down to just one vote: her father's.
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Swing Vote

Swing Vote

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Critics Consensus

Despite Kevin Costner providing his most charismatic performance in years, Swing Vote fails to find the right mix of political satire and heartfelt drama.

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Critics Reviews

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Joshua Rothkopf Time Out Rated: 3/5 Nov 17, 2011 Full Review Tom Charity CNN.com It's a sentiment Capra might well have echoed, though he would surely have punched up the gags while he was at it. Oct 18, 2008 Full Review St. Louis Post-Dispatch Rated: B- Oct 18, 2008 Full Review Jason Best What's On TV Swing Vote, like Costner's protagonist, is too benign to go for the jugular and settles instead for tickling us gently in the ribs. Nov 13, 2020 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Madeline Carroll offers one of 2008's best performances by a young actress in a film not featuring Abigail Breslin. Rated: 2.5/4.0 Sep 24, 2020 Full Review Debbie Lynn Elias Behind The Lens Costner himself believes that Swing Vote echoes the emotion and sentiments of Bull Durham and Field of Dreams. I have to agree. So, come August 1, cast your vote for Swing Vote. It's a winner! Nov 15, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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007tribefan B Costner was magnificent. Many chuckles. Watched this to reduce my anxiety of REAL elections. Exposed the nasty business of politics. WHY DO WE ELECT FRAUDS?? Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/06/24 Full Review Daniel B "Swing Vote" is a thought-provoking political satire that skillfully blends humor and heartfelt drama. Kevin Costner delivers a standout performance as Bud Johnson, an apathetic everyman who unexpectedly finds himself holding the deciding vote in a presidential election. His portrayal is both charming and authentic, capturing the essence of an ordinary individual thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Madeline Carroll shines as his precocious daughter, Molly, bringing depth and warmth to their father-daughter relationship. The film offers a balanced critique of the political system, highlighting the lengths to which candidates will go to secure a single vote. Director Joshua Michael Stern adeptly navigates the narrative, ensuring that the satire remains sharp without overshadowing the emotional core of the story. "Swing Vote" is a timely and engaging film that encourages viewers to reflect on the power and responsibility of their own vote. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/05/24 Full Review Audience Member It was hilarious they had a routine for child services 2.8. Don’t get me wrong it’s completely unbeleivable but a nice escape Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/21/21 Full Review Audience Member The funniest voting comedy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Would have been better if Kevin Costner's character had voted third party and caused a bigger issue with the election. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review steve d Nothing interesting, funny, or insightful. The film also fails to resolve in any meaningful way. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Swing Vote

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner), a beer-slinging loser, has one bright spot in his life: his precocious daughter, Molly (Madeline Carroll), who takes care of them both. However, on Election Day, Molly sets off an unforeseen chain of events that results in the race for the presidency coming down to just one vote: her father's.
Director
Joshua Michael Stern
Producer
Jim Wilson, Kevin Costner
Screenwriter
Joshua Michael Stern, Jason Richman
Distributor
Walt Disney
Production Co
Touchstone Pictures, Treehouse Films
Rating
PG-13 (Language)
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 1, 2008, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$16.3M
Runtime
1h 59m
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