Swing Vote - 2 1/2 smiles

“Swing Vote” is a gentle (perhaps too gentle) political satire and heartwarming family drama. However, these two elements don’t always mesh and I wanted Kevin Costner’s slacker dad character to grow up sooner than he does. Costner plays beer-swilling single dad Bud and it’s clear from the beginning that his daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll) is the adult in this family. When Bud fails to show up to vote, Molly sneaks in to vote in his place. However, the voting machine malfunctions and Bud’s vote is not counted. The presidential election results in a tie and the single vote yet to be cast, the swing vote, is, you guessed it, Bud’s. The situation is now ripe for satire from political ads to the candidates themselves doing whatever they must to win Bud’s vote. Suddenly the Republicans favor gay marriage and the Democrats reject abortion. And at the heart of the movie is Bud’s relationship with Molly, who wants her father to act like a responsible adult. When Molly’s embarrassment and distress finally registers with Bud, he decides to change. The supporting cast, which includes Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, Paula Patton, is solid, but it’s 12-year old Madeline Carroll who shines. “Swing Vote” is likable enough with a good message (every vote counts), some meaningful family drama, and occasional political barb. 8/3/08