Swing Vote

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Swing Vote

PG-13

Released Aug 1, 2008

1h 59m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

38%

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150 Reviews

41%

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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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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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Joshua Rothkopf

Time Out

Rated: 3/5

Nov 17, 2011

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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

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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Rated: B-

Oct 18, 2008

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Audience Member

The funniest voting comedy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

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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

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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

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Joshua Michael Stern

Director

Kevin Costner

Bud Johnson

Madeline Carroll

Molly Johnson

Paula Patton

Kate Madison

Kelsey Grammer

President Andrew Boone

Dennis Hopper

Donald Greenleaf

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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: Treehouse Films, Touchstone Pictures
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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