Swing Vote

  • 2008


MOVIE IS awesome predictable intentioned uninspired unique
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36 %
38 % Rotten
$ 17 Million
See Where to Watch Swing Vote
Positive Reviews 39
Negative reviews 46
Average Rating 2.5/5
awesome predictable intentioned uninspired unique

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
2.2
Under the direction of co writer Joshua Michael Stern, it emerges as third rate Capracorn, leaden and lumpy where it should be swift and pointed. Av Club
2.5
But the movies queasy garble of soft core satire and rote idealism, as well as its uninspired reworking of old ruts in political comedy, becomes weari .. EW
3.8
This works, because if theres one thing Bud Johnson doesnt want to do, its embarrass Molly. Rogerebert
1.7
He shoots simultaneously for wake up, America! inspiration and good ol boy charm but ends up putting both barrels through his own cowboy booted foot. Time Out
1.3
Which isnt to say that we dont form a relationship with these creatures.
1.5
The ridiculous setup is just the skeleton for something more substantial; the flesh of the movie is made of the funny, tender interactions between Bud ..
1.5
This film packed with political cliches is unlikely to make a difference to American political culture or its distributors bottom line, despite a depe .. Screen Daily
1.5
Swing Vote may muster a few easy laughs, but the film is no contender.
1.5
Although it preaches political engagement, it hopes very much to have an audience full of Buds who wont mind when it ambles lazily into the closing cr .. Paste Magazine
2.0
Its the sort of bite less parody that sticks to safe punchlines and goes out of its way to insult no one. You know, like a JibJab cartoon. E Film Critic
4.0
It almost manages to restore (at least temporarily) ones faith in both the democratic process and Kevin Costners career. E Film Critic
3.0
Its as if Stern were asked to make one of three films, but made the mistake of choosing All of the Above instead. E Film Critic
3.8
The movies real interest isnt in political issues so much as in presenting Bud as an archetype of a certain kind of American, living on the fringes, w .. San Francisco Chronicle
3.0
This light satire is unlikely to influence the forthcoming election, but Costners in fine fettle.
2.5
Its good to see Costner doing comedy again, but hell need a better vehicle before he stages a real comeback. Cinema Blend
2.5
The lightweight Swing Vote is a good ol boy civics lesson thats too scattered to achieve its predictable goals. Ny Daily News
2.5
Wright secured the rights to the songs before he started production, then shot and edited the sequences to match the rhythm and energy of the tunes, t .. Philly
3.8
A disarming political satire perfectly calibrated to the national mood and to its revitalized star. Philly
2.2
Even Frank himself would blanch at this serving of stale, sodden Capracorn. One Guys Opinion
3.8
Swing Vote marries mild satire with Capra esque melodrama in a formula that works surprisingly well. ReelViews
1.9
Ostensibly a political satire with a heart of mush, Joshua Michael Stern hopelessly muddled film cries out for the firm hand of either a dyed in the w .. Tv Guide
1.5
The undertones of Frank Capra come bubbling to the surface in a smarmy finale complete with French horn and bags of mail from the common folk. Chicago Reader
2.8
The pictures message is admirable and young Madeline Carroll exhibits real acting chops, but the film itself is overlong, horrendously lit, cliched an ..
3.1
And although it clocks in at exactly two hours, Swing Votes bloated running time doesnt become a problem until around the 90 minute mark after which p .. Reel Film Reviews
2.8
I just wish there hadnt been so many sidetracks and tonal shifts leading up to it. Eric Ds Nider
2.0
John Debneys heartstring yanking score doesnt help the clunky pacing. News Review
2.0
What starts out as a hokey satire on electioneering and spin becomes a hokey lesson on civic responsibility, with a catch in the throat and a tear in .. Independent
2.0
Watchable, well acted satirical drama that starts well but quickly loses its bite and tails off into sentimentality and a cop out ending. View London
3.8
Smartly written by Jason Richman and Joshua Michael Stern (who also directed), Swing Vote isnt a realistic film it veers off course with a subplot inv .. News Day
2.5
He doesnt follow politics and doesnt much care who wins the presidency, but Molly makes it her business to see that he votes it doesnt even matter for .. Cs Monitor
0.0
If you ask me, Costners charm disappeared in a puff of smoke long ago, but that doesnt discourage him and director Joshua Michael Stern from indulging .. New York Post
2.5
But thanks to a momentary power outage, Buds supposed ballot isnt counted. Deseret News (Salt Lake Ci ..
3.1
Swing Vote almost got my vote until its long and treacly last act. Internet Reviews
3.5
After years of misfires, Kevin Costner has hit upon a strategy to make himself likable in a movie: by playing someone completely unlikable. Az Central
1.9
The folks running the respective campaigns Nathan Lane (blue) and Stanley Tucci (red); neither in top form dont understand Bud, and Bud doesnt underst .. Boston
2.5
Ironically, The Great Man Votesfrom nearly 70 years agohas a lot more edge than Swing Vote. Mountain X
4.5
ou almost want to hug Swing Vote... its so cute in how it thinks... that one man one vote really is something akin to, well, maybe nine innings of bas ..
2.5
There are some genuinely funny moments and a lesson about what happens when power lust obscures all. Toronto Star
2.8
Well intentioned, this is yet another failed attempt to update the Capraesque (and Capracorn) political comedies of the Depression. Do American films .. Emanuellevy
2.0
But away from the cutesy stuff there are some surprisingly sharp digs at the political process. Guardian
4.5
Who answers those letters Molly, naturally, even though shes unhappy with Buds frivolous reaction to all the attention hes getting. Reel Talk Reviews
1.5
Their relationshiphes a low functioning drunk; shes a hectoring enableris depressing to a near tragic degree, though the filmmakers seem convinced of .. Slate
4.5
Its a predictable, feel good fantasy in the mould of a political satire and the result is a good one.
4.5
Funny, animated, appealing in an aw shucks sort of way, the star milks maximum impact from a unique body language that is refreshingly knock kneed and .. Observer
2.5
It doesnt matter in the least who Bud ultimately votes for because neither one appears to be worthy of the task. The Movie Boy
2.0
Election year pertinence turns to mush in a winsome feel gooder that wastes no time ramming its wholesome message down our throats. Oh, and did we men .. Total Film
4.4
If you want to cast your vote for smart, witty and irreverent filmmaking, this is the movie youve been waiting for. Hollywood
3.5
Unfortunately, unlike Frank Capra at his best, novice director Joshua Michael Stern (who co wrote the film with Jason Richman) simply doesnt have the .. Seattle Pi
1.5
A great cast but its tough for actors to create laughs when the lines arent funny, the leading man is miscast, the direction is hardly Capraesque, and .. Tony Medley
3.1
Worse, with so much going on in the background Bud and Mollys foreground saga never grows the emotional wings it needs to soar, their journey of recon .. Movie Freak
2.8
Mixing messages with broad comedy isnt a particularly good idea, and it doesnt really work here either.
1.3
I wont tell you exactly what happens at the end (not much), but Ill tell you what doesnt happen. Groucho Reviews
1.5
In point of fact Bud doesnt have much of a position on anything, unless its live and let live. Cnn
0.6
Swing Vote suggests that a few hours of cramming is enough our brief run in with Palin confirms that its not. Film Freak Central
2.8
These few moments dont make up for other obvious and maudlin ones, but its a start. Oregon Live
4.0
Newcomer Joshua Michael Stern directs his own screenplay (co scripted by Jason Richman) with great confidence and a solid flair for biting political h .. Boxoffice Magazine
2.2
Like so many presidential candidates, Swing Vote falls victim to unfulfilled promises, wasted opportunities and smug self satisfaction. E Online
1.8
This is one film that Larry the Cable Guy could have improved in the leading role. Film School Rejects
1.5
Swing Vote swings wildly between spot on satire and bold faced parody without ever quite striking a comfortable balance, and its nothing if not overst .. La Weekly
2.0
While not without its charms, and aiming a well placed dig at American voter apathy, the jokes dont work, Costner looks hungover for real and the corn .. Mirror
3.5
Its one that fully justifies seeing a film with more faults than votes. Varia Gate
4.5
But Carroll is awesome as the keyed in 12 year old: Even when shes squeezing out crocodile tears like shes in some middle school play, shes immensely .. The Stranger
1.5
Hayseed nonsense, folksily scripted. Whenever it becomes too much or too little close your eyes and think of Frank Capra. Ft
3.1
Near the end, Bud admits that his situation used to be funny, but now it isnt any more. The same, alas, can be said of the movie as a whole. Christianity Today
3.5
With Costners yokel having a decided preference for being handed a beer rather than a ballot, he does a pretty darn good job of exposing the phony pla .. News Blaze
0.0
A string of shameless sales pitches sans the rudiments of a major motion picture. Next time, how about including an ending if youre going to ask us to .. News Blaze
3.1
Actually, I think hes a very good actor, its just that audiences wont completely buy him in the role. Ross Anthony
4.0
Smart, sharp, and savvy while still being eminently likaeable, this is a film that doesnt create stock villains and heroes. Killer Movie Reviews
1.5
All the great intentions and surefire casting cant save this tedious, heavy handed, and exceedingly condescending film from assured screen death. Brian Or Ndorf
2.5
When it was funny, I had a good time. When it tried to be serious and high minded, I fell asleep. Waffle Movies
2.0
The cynical vote chasing ploys of the political machines are cheekily spoofed....and then the grand conceit is deserted and the whole caboodle slides .. Sky
1.0
Its like a party political broadcast brought to you by the Idiot Party. Entertainment Times Online ..
3.0
The blend between surreal satire and sentiment isnt always comfortable but the set up is intriguing and Costner nails the part. Metro
2.5
Jolly enough but far, far too nice. A satire with no bite that seems much more like a chance to preach at an apathetic electorate. Film4
2.5
The movie is very funny, but I was disapointed the movie plays up Buds drinking and excessive use of profanity throughout the movie Review Express
1.0
Not counting Costners cliche ridden speech, the movie has a great make you think ending. If only the beginning, the middle and the basic premise were .. Tri City Herald
1.9
Overall Swing Vote was left unresolved in the end and could not sustain a viewing audience for the 100 minute run time. It would be much better viewed .. Entertainment Spectrum
4.5
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, cas ..
3.8
A surprisingly funny and astute satire of the two party political system. Aisle Seat
1.5
If your perfect weekend is Nascar and country music, with barely any political discussion, then this is your cup of tea ... I mean bottle of beer. The Scorecard Review
1.5
Carroll turns Costner into her comic foil, effectively relegating the Oscar winner to giving a supporting sidekick performance in his own film. IGN Movies
3.2
Swing Vote is an amiable lug of a movie, part public service announcement, part political satire and part good old boy comedy with a spritz of sentime .. Detroit News
2.5
Confirms Platos view that the head of state should be a philosopher king, not someone chosen by people from small towns like Texaco, NM. Compuserve
2.5
The film eventually bogs down in drama, with an unnecessary subplot involving Buds estranged wife and an ethical dilemma for a local news reporter (Pa .. Miami
1.5
But what keeps Swing Vote from being good isnt politics, its lazy plot devices. World Wng
1.5
One of the most idiotic movies about the American political process ever made. Metromix.com
3.0
Swing Vote isnt going to be remembered as the best political comedy of our time, but its not a bad showcase for Costner, and its heart and brain are b .. Cinematical
2.5
Kevin Costner the producer severely underestimates the ability of Kevin Costner the actor to win over the audience in this tepid satire of electoral p .. Movie Mom
2.0
You can smell the inauthenticity and condescension Swing Vote seems like it was written by the kind of guy who talks about Applebees salad bar. Web Archive
2.5
As in so many essentially childish movies, its an actual child whos always the smartest pants in the room. Globe and Mail
4.0
Swing Vote, to sound as cliche as possible, is a heartwarming film that is smart and laugh out loud funny. Believe it or not, the flick sends an impor ..
1.5
Costner does what he can with a role that is described as lovable, but I didnt find him so. Buds a loser, nearly a bum, and even the expected turn aro .. San Diego Metropolitan
1.0
As for the political commentary ... its as toothless as a Disney Channel movie. MSNBC
2.5
In the end, Swing Vote isnt sure what kind of film it wants to be. Washington Times
3.8
Getting an A for whimsy, Swing Vote might strike a chord with viewers who want a little light humor with their political discourse.
1.5
This politically driven writer wants to like any film where the basic message is pay attention, people, but the critic in me cant give a movie with al .. Movie Retriever
1.5
It is neither appreciably better nor dramatically worse than its hokey, please describe me as Capraesque premise. Tnr
2.5
If Barry Levinsons Wag the Dog serves as the gold standard for political satire, then Swing Vote has got a bad case of fleas. Houston Community Newspape ..
2.0
Disneys valiant attempt at making politics even more excruciating than they already are. Reelz Channel
3.5
If Swing Vote seems ridiculously improbable (and it is), then it might be best to remind yourself that the presidency coming down to the votes of just .. Colorado Springs Gazette
1.9
A usually reliable indicator of a bad movie is this: It contains the credit Larry King as himself.
3.8
Its with that speech that Costner swung me over to his side with his silly throwback political satire.
1.5
Does anyone really want to sit through the campaigning, scheming, and dissecting of fictional candidates when were drowning in the minutiae of real on ..



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