Costner's comic 'Swing Vote' a lesson in citizenship
"Swing Vote" never quite achieves the high level of convincing schmaltz of a Frank Capra classic - "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" becomes the obvious example - but in these testy times of political strife and deep divisions, reminds us all of what it really means to be an American citizen.
You gotta be responsible.
That's it.
"Swing Vote" doesn't lecture us about our "social contract" to vote and vote intelligently after knowing the issues. It doesn't come out and say we should be the best American citizens we can be. It doesn't point wagging fingers at parents and candidates and political consultants for dodging their basic responsibilities for the sake of convenience and getting what they want.
Yet, those are all critical points underscored in "Swing Vote," a surprisingly gentle political comedy that trades quiet epiphanies for bullish arguments, and a child's optimism for worldly cynicism.
The story pivots on the relationship between a fired, blue-collar alcoholic named Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) and his bright, idealistic 12-year-old daughter Molly (newcomer Madeline Carroll). They live in a trailer in a tiny New Mexico town called Texico where Bud used to work at a local egg factory and Molly goes to school.
Through a twist of highly improbable but amusing events, the current presidential election between Republican President Andrew Boone (Kelsey Grammer) and Democratic contender Donald Greenleaf (Dennis Hopper, yes, the Dennis Hopper!) has achieved a perfect stalemate. Bud's ballot was not properly counted, so under New Mexico law, he must revote in 10 days. In effect, his single vote will determine who sits in Oval Office.
Only we know that Bud didn't really vote. He was so drunk on election night, he passed out in his truck. Molly, who truly believes in the American system, tries to cast her father's ballot, leading him to become the most important person in the free world for a week.
The international news media descend on Texico. So do President Boone's campaign boss (Stanley Tucci) and Greenleaf's campaign boss (Nathan Lane), ruthless men pulling out the stops to snare Bud's vote.
This leads to the most inspired comic moments in "Swing Vote" as each presidential candidate completely turns against his political beliefs to cater to Bud's beer-swilling view of the world. GOP's Boone launches a campaign to accept gays and give them marriage rights. The Dem's Greenleaf takes a hard stand against lax immigration laws and, in the film's most outrageous comic bit, shows the liberal candidate in an anti-abortion TV commercial where playing children suddenly evaporate in puffs of smoke.
Both sides gleefully abandon convictions for political expediency, leaving little Molly as the moral center of her universe. Yes, she's another one of those typical kid characters wiser than the adults, but Carroll's sincerity and charm work magic, and her transparent performance here puts her in the same league with other popular stars such as Dakota Fanning and Abigail Breslin.
In expected Capra style, "Swing Vote" finishes with a big, heartfelt speech, this one delivered by Bud, who apologizes for being an ignorant doofus and talks about the importance of being a worthy American. As written by Jason Richman and director Joshua Michael Stern, the speech reeks of corniness. But Costner's effortless delivery, direct and from the heart, turns the too-polished words into an authentic message of hope by an ignorant rube who now yearns to be a better citizen, and a better dad.
"Swing Vote" saves its only severe slam for the news media, personified here by Fox TV reporter Kate Madison (Paula Patton), who appears to be a possible romantic foil for Bud, although that development never occurs. Kate violates her trust with little Molly by secretly recording a private conversation with her. Later, Kate tries to make amends by trashing her Paula Zahn-level integrity, disregarding the truth and covering up the biggest news story of the year.
What was that stuff in "Swing Vote" about being responsible?
'Swing Vote'
Three stars (out of four)
Starring: Kevin Costner, Madeline Carroll, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, Judge Reinhold, George Lopez
Directed by: Joshua Michael Stern
Other: A Walt Disney Pictures release. Rated PG-13 for language. 119 minutes.