Watch Swing Vote

Swing Vote is an American comedy-drama movie released in 2008 starring Kevin Costner, Paula Patton, and Kelsey Grammer amongst others. The movie narrates a fascinating tale of a downcast, alcoholic man named Bud Johnson, who turns into the only vote to decide the next US president. Bud Johnson is a former factory worker who is living a miserable life with his 12-year-old daughter Molly, played by Madeline Carroll. Despite his daughter's efforts to keep him stable, he remains an irresponsible father and is not interested in modern technological advancements like cell phones, TV, or the internet. He tries to inject some sense of responsibility into his life by letting his daughter stay with her mother, who is not too keen on raising her either. It's the day of the presidential election, and Molly convinces her father to go to the polling booth to cast his vote, but Bud is too drunk and ends up sleeping on a floor in the booth.

A voting machine malfunction leads to his ballot not being counted, resulting in Bud becoming the only citizen of Texico County who has not voted in the election. As a result, the entire election comes down to his vote. With the media, the candidates, and the whole nation trying to persuade him, Bud becomes an overnight celebrity. Both candidates' campaigns are trying to sway him to vote for their party, which results in Bud's life being transformed from obscurity to the limelight.

Bud learns about the significance of his vote and makes a conscious effort to understand the policies of both campaigners before deciding which way he will vote. The candidates, Donald Greenleaf, played by Kelsey Grammer, and Andrew Boone, played by Dennis Hopper, are desperate to win the election, and they both try to win Bud's vote. To make his decision, Bud gets behind the wheel of his 1966 Ford pickup truck, which he uses to visit schools, factories, and dairy farms, where he speaks with average Americans about their views of the election. During his conversations, he slowly begins to understand the critical role his vote plays in deciding the country's next leader.

The movie masterfully captures the emotions and motivations behind US elections, and the political campaigning tactics that candidates use at a local and national level. It's touching to watch Bud and his daughter bond over trying to make sense of the political stakes that his vote carries. Kevin Costner delivers a touching and emotional performance, portraying Bud as a relatable character who is trying to do his best despite his flaws.

The movie showcases the significance of every vote in a democracy and how each person's voice counts. It also gives a glimpse into the complexities of running an election campaign and encourages viewers to be informed about the policies of their chosen candidates. The director, Joshua Michael Stern, creates a perfect blend of humor and emotions that keeps the audience engaged throughout the movie.

In conclusion, Swing Vote is a highly recommended movie for anyone interested in politics, social issues, or a feel-good movie that shows how even the smallest actions can have a significant impact. The strong performances by the leading actors and the creative narrative ensure that viewers have a great time watching this film. Swing Vote is a must-watch movie for anyone who loves political drama and is looking for a movie that delivers an inspiring message with humor and heart.

Swing Vote is a 2008 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 47.