Media Maven: “Swing Vote” Movie Review

“Swing Vote”
Kevin Costner, Madeline Carroll, Paula Patton, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, George Lopez

Given that this is the year of a Presidential election for our country, then it should be your patriotic duty to go see the movie “Swing Vote.” “Swing Vote” is an entertaining film that reminds the audience (Americans in particular) of the power of having the privilege to vote in our country.

Main character Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) is a single father and down on his luck. Madeline Carroll is His daughter, Molly Johnson, (Madeline Carroll)plays the part that many children play in many real-life families — caregiver. Molly, plays the responsible one who has to wake her father to get him out of bed to give her a ride to school before he goes to work at the egg factory.

It is always a pleasure watching the handsome Costner on the big screen, either playing the dashing “Mr. Brooks,” or as the good ole boy he portrays in this film. Either way, the man is talented and easy on the eyes. Perhaps what is so appealing in this story is the metamorphosis his character experiences in the film.

With a supporting cast of Hollywood heavyweights, this film had a powerhouse of talent all performing to say one thing: VOTE! The amusing way in which it was done will entertain. Dennis Hopper and Nathan Lane represent the Liberal party. Kelsey Grammer and Stanley Tucci represent the Conservative party. Both political parties are represented as the media driven entities that let news polls stymie any attempt for integrity in their campaigns and to giving voters credit for having some amount of intelligence.

Newcomers shine as Paula Patton plays the young television reporter who discovers the real truth about Bud and Molly’s patriotic duty. A breakout performance by the young Carroll will have you convinced that she not only looks like the fresh-faced Ellen Page (“Juno”) but also possesses her acting abilities. Mare Winningham rounds off the cast to give a solid performance as a mother who is despondent and coping with life.

All of the characters in this ensemble piece serve to illustrate the different backgrounds and cultural status of many Americans. To give respect and honor to our freedom of speech, James Carville, Campbell Brown, Chris Matthews and Arianna Huffington are among the many political pundits making cameos and joining this patriotic bandwagon.

It may well be worth the cost of the movie ticket to be reminded that the right to vote is a privilege. I hope you join the bandwagon, too.

Chic Stars: Three Chic Stars

Jan’s Movie Rating System:

5 – Top notch entertainment
4 – Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 – The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 – If you are bored, watch it, or wait for DVD
1 – Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasè, an enigma.

PHOTO CREDITS:
PHOTO: Courtesy of IMDB