Swing Vote is a masterpiece of American cinema! Truly there are so few weak links in this film that I was astonished. An all-star cast, amazing writing, fantastic premise, and a message every American needs to hear.
When I saw who would be appearing in this movie I had some expectations: That this would be an amazing cast with one notable exception. Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Judge Reinhold, newcomer Madeline Carroll, and Kevin Costner. Like with the great film Thirteen Days I expected that the cast would shine and Kevin Costner would be beyond annoying. I am happy to say that I was very surprised to have been wrong in the case of Swing Vote. Kevin may have been the best of the bunch (which is a great compliment considering the performances given by Nathan, Stanley, and Kelsey.)
One of the reasons I thoroughly enjoyed this movie is that it managed to succeed in the very place that Recount failed. This movie completely avoided any kind of bias. While I believe it was written with a shred of the common Hollywood bias: The Republican incumbent may have been a little on the soft side intellectually. But Kelsey turned him into someone very honest, genuine and likable. Kelsey's performance thankfully removed the last bit of bias.
A brief plot synopsis: The election comes down to the electoral votes from New Mexico. The election in New Mexico comes down to one small town. That one small town was an exact tie with the exception of one voter whose vote wasn't counted due to a computer malfunction. That person will be allowed to recast their vote deciding the winner of the town, state, and election.
The best part of this movie is how it handles politics as a whole and politics individually. The two candidates repeatedly change their stances in order to woo Kevin Costner's character's vote. One of the candidates even complains that the other "stole his platform" because they both are dancing across the political aisle based on what this one man says he wants. The Republican candidate announces a large environmental conservation plan. The Democrat goes Pro-Life and references our Intelligent Designer. The exposure of the fact that a politician will do or say anything for a vote is both believable, realistic, and disturbing.
Our individual political responsibility is a parallel message of Swing Vote. Eugene "Bud" Johnson (Costner) comes to learn that he'd been neglecting this responsibility. He gives a rousing speech that's impassioned and honest enough to spur any complacent American into the voting booth. You can watch the beginning of that speech here.
If the film exhibits any weak points, it's two fold. The movie went a little long. Secondarily, a journalist has an opportunity to break the scope of a lifetime and she chooses not to. Sorry, I don't buy that!
The strengths of the film by far outweighs its weaknesses. Overall: 4.5 out of 5!
5 comments:
I saw Swing Vote this summer... very cute, but no masterpiece of Cinema. Only 2 movies fall under that category: Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Hot Rod. Just my opinion, though...
Also, do you read the onion? There are some hilarious articles on Biden that crack me up!
Ok, "Masterpiece of Cinema" may have been a bit hyperbolic. I guess I was just so impressed by a political movie that displayed no political bias. That is as difficult as having a war movie where the audience has no one side to pull for (Only Shakespeare has succeeded in this with one of his Henry plays). The message was excellent and necessary. The medium in which the message was told was difficult yet excellently executed!
That's all. :)
That movie looks really good. I too feel that I often watch a movie with many great characters and then the ever constant Kevin Costner walks from scene to scene being his old self. This one looks like a good addition for netflix. Thanks.
Also your cubs fan photo is great.
Check out the "Porpoise driven life" on youtube. Very funny.
Marc,
I'm taking us back to health care...I would have commented on that post, but wasn't sure if you would see it. I'd be interested in your thought on this article.
http://blog.sojo.net/2009/08/11/an-open-letter-to-conservative-christians-in-the-us-on-health-care/
:)
ps: what's with no posts on the Red Sox/Big Papi. You are unusually quiet on this matter. . .
Marc,
Whats up man? Just checked out your site after over two months of not seeing it. Looks good. Looking forward to your pre-season NFL post. Should be another great NFL season this year. (Remember Marc, Guns don't kill people, NFL players do).
Bill
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