Swing Vote (2008)

In a remarkable turn-of-events, the result of the presidential election comes down to one man's vote.

Director:

Joshua Michael Stern

Writers:

Jason Richman, Joshua Michael Stern

Stars:

Kevin Costner, Paula Patton, Kelsey Grammer

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kevin Costner	...	Bud Johnson
Madeline Carroll	...	Molly Johnson
Paula Patton	...	Kate Madison
Kelsey Grammer	...	President Andrew Boone
Dennis Hopper	...	Donald Greenleaf
Nathan Lane	...	Art Crumb
Stanley Tucci	...	Martin Fox
George Lopez	...	John Sweeney
Judge Reinhold	...	Walter
Charles Esten	...	Lewis (as Charles 'Chip' Esten)
Richard Petty	...	Richard Petty
Willie Nelson	...	Willie Nelson
Mare Winningham	...	Larissa Johnson
Mark Moses	...	Attorney General Wyatt
Nana Visitor	...	Galena Greenleaf

Storyline

November, 2004, New Mexico. Bud is a slacker with one good thing in his life, his engaging fifth-grade daughter Molly. On election day, Bud is supposed to meet her at the polling place. When he doesn't show, she sneaks a ballot and is about to vote when the power goes off. It turns out that New Mexico's electoral votes will decide the contest, and there it's tied with one vote needing recasting - Bud's. The world's media and both presidential candidates, including the current President, descend on Bud in anticipation of his re-vote in two weeks. Can the clueless Bud, even with the help of Molly and a local TV reporter, handle this responsibility?

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Plot Keywords:

presidential candidate | election returns | election coverage | election night | voting results | 

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Taglines:

A nobody becomes the voice of everybody.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 August 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Un papá muy poderoso

Filming Locations:

New Mexico, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$21,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,230,669, 3 August 2008, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$16,284,360, 12 October 2008

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Pictures,Radar Pictures,1821 Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to co-screenwriter Jason Richman, the picture was inspired by the close result of the 2000 U.S. American Presidential election between Democrat Vice President Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush where the result came down to the southern American U.S. state of Florida and only around 500 votes.

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Goofs

The film's plot is not impossible under the United States Constitution. Regardless of the circumstances relating to a particular state's electoral votes, if following a presidential election no candidate has a majority of the Electoral College votes the election is decided by the House of Representatives. However, the electors don't vote until December 15. Before the electoral college vote, states may take steps to ensure that their votes are being recorded correctly, which may entail a recount or door-to-door campaigning, as provided by state law. Federal law provides such votes will have safe haven if completed by December 12 using procedures that were in place as of election day.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Radio Announcer: After a hotly contested race Americans go to the polls today for what promises to be a very close election. The Republican incumbent Andrew Carrington is hoping to hold on to the Oval Office, taking on Democratic challenger...

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Crazy Credits

"and introducing Madeline Carroll"

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Connections

References The Mummy (1999)

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Soundtracks

Whole Lotta People
Written by D. O'Connell
Performed by The Thurston Revival

User Reviews

hilarious

This was obviously meant to remind you of the 2000 election fiasco in Florida. The film basically centers around Kevin Costner's character, who is lazy, irresponsible, and a mess-but he's lovable and fun. His vote will make the difference in giving either candidate (Kelsey Grammar or Dennis Hopper) New Mexico's five electoral votes, which will push him over the limit to win. Both candidates then devise a series of ads pitched specifically at him. There were themes about responsibility, being informed, and hogging your time in the limelight during your 15 minutes of fame during this film. I think it was hilarious and was truly surprised by the ending. See it!!! *** out of ****