Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- warm
- satirical
- lazy sunday
- political movie night
What critics said
Critics found Kevin Costner's charismatic performance and the comedy-drama blend appealing, but broadly felt the political satire and heartfelt elements never fully cohered.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Both presidential campaigns repeatedly reshape their appeals around Bud's decisive vote and personal preferences.
Bud's single revote determines which candidate will receive New Mexico's electoral votes, drawing national attention to him.
Bud's relationship with Molly motivates his growth and supplies the film's central emotional counterpoint to the media circus.
National media organizations and campaign operatives descend on Bud before his revote, transforming him into a public spectacle.
Films like Swing Vote, and why
Wag the Dog
Shares political satire, election-centered comedy, and an ordinary citizen caught in national power struggles.
The Distinguished Gentleman
Shares a populist political premise, accessible comedy-drama tone, and critique of campaign manipulation.
Dave
Shares warm political comedy, media spectacle, and an idealistic examination of democratic responsibility.
Being There
Shares an everyman protagonist thrust into an absurd political system and a blend of humor with civic themes.
Movie Details
- Director
- Joshua Michael Stern
- Release Date
- 2008-08-01
- Runtime
- 120 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (287)
Cast
- Kevin Costner
- Madeline Carroll
- Paula Patton
- Kelsey Grammer
- Dennis Hopper
- Nathan Lane
- Stanley Tucci
- George López
- Judge Reinhold
- Charles Esten
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Swing Vote about?
- A New Mexico slacker becomes the accidental deciding voter in a presidential election and must survive an all-out campaign to win his conscience.
- What is Swing Vote like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Swing Vote as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Swing Vote violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Swing Vote.
- What did critics think of Swing Vote?
- Critics found Kevin Costner's charismatic performance and the comedy-drama blend appealing, but broadly felt the political satire and heartfelt elements never fully cohered.
- Which films are like Swing Vote?
- Films with a similar feel include Wag the Dog, The Distinguished Gentleman, Dave, and Being There.
- How long is Swing Vote?
- Swing Vote runs 120 minutes.
- Where can I watch Swing Vote?
- In United States, Swing Vote streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
