Rated PG-13 for language.
Directed by John Michael Stern (King Lear)
Starring: Kevin Costner, Dennis Hopper, Kelsey Grammer, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci and George Lopez.
This film has our vote. A fun family film with a fist full of fervor (okay… maybe not fervor… but it went really well with my alliteration).
Bud Johnson (Costner) is your typical American – a simple man and loving father who never would have thought he had the power to change the world. Though when Election Day finally arrives and Bud prepares to cast his ballot, his overachieving daughter Molly proves to be the catalyst for a stunning series of events that place the fate of the free world in the hands of a man more comfortable slinging cases of beer – her father.
Jonathan’s Word: This film really surprised me. I thought the previews looked good, and this film still exceeded my expectations.
Todd’s Word: I agree. I was surprised how much I enjoyed Swing Vote. Since I’m not a huge fan of Kevin Costner or political movies, I was skeptical at best going into it. But with a huge (and funny) supporting cast, great story and a powerful message, Swing Vote proved to be a pretty entertaining movie.
Jonathan’s Word: I agree on all fronts. Although Costner has had a few good ones (especially Open Range), his lack of range usually lands him mediocre at best. Not in Swing Vote. He nailed it. What can I say? He really molded with the role of white trailer trash.
And the rest of the cast was equally brilliant. From Stanley Tucci (almost always good), to Nathan Lane. Not a bad pick in the litter.
Todd’s Word: And as absurd as the story might have been, the point was clear, your vote counts. And this past election was no different. I kept trying to imagine this scenario really happening. One man, one vote for the most powerful office in the world. I know it’s ridiculous, but it made me appreciate my right to vote a little more this past November.
Jonathan’s Word: I agree. It would have been fun if the rental release had timed itself a little before the November elections.
Todd’s Word: The movie also takes a good jab at our nation’s integrity, introducing flawed characters throughout… with the exception of one little girl. The entire cast is consumed with getting what they want- and most of the time- sacrificing all kinds of morals along the way. Whether it’s Bud getting all the gifts, the candidates getting the vote, or the reporters getting the story, we see them justify every wrong with an ends-justify-the-means approach. Then there is Molly- the bright spot of the movie in more ways than one. All she wants is for her dad to do the right thing (even though it is her wrong that gets the ball rolling).
Jonathan’s Word: With a good pace, great cast and even better story, Swing Vote is definitely Theater Worthy.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
The language is a little too rough for the little ones, but most teenagers should see it and hopefully learn some valuable lessons.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
