More below the fold on this week's new film release "Swing Vote" . . .
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"Swing Vote" flops
Kevin Costner's new release "Swing Vote" is a pathetic waste of time. It was apparent when upon entry into the theatre during upcoming movie trailers, the only theatre screen with "Swing Vote" during the 7:15 pm spot on a Friday night was half empty. Sometimes it's cool when that happens, and you'll discover a hidden cinematographic treasure, but it wasn't the case this time.
Fellow blogger Mark Rhoads saw Swing Vote earlier this week and recommended it ("Swing Vote" is a funny satire worth seeing). I trust Mark's judgment when it comes to politics, but gosh, Mark, you've shaken me in recommending "Swing Vote." The movie was awful.
It's about an election that came down to one man's vote. But it really wasn't his.
There were three -- and only three -- moments that provoked reactions during the 1 hour 50 minutes we sat in the theatre. Those short scenes weren't worth the $9.25. Let's just say if you can watch "Swing Vote's" trailer, you've seen it all.
Those three rare spots that caused any reaction at all? Two were during ads the presidential candidates' campaigns came up with responding to comments from the worthless, ambitionless lush Bud Johnson's (played by Kevin Costner).
I'll not even mention this one below, it's so stupid. But the formerly pro-traditional marriage GOP president flip-flops to get one vote:
Johnson's quoted once as being "for life," so the Democrat candidate Donald Greeleaf (Dennis Hopper) panders by making a jaw-dropping ad warning about what would happen to a playground of children if they had all been aborted. It's a sick political joke, with a poof! in a cloud of smoke as children disappear off the slides, swings and tunnels. It's such a ludicrous mockery, you have to chuckle, but it's really not funny. (Ad is featured above)
The second was the casting of Latinos for another ad with illegals running across the border while the former pro-immigrant Democrats warns about America being invaded by non-citizens is another awkward moment. What you see is funny, but the topic itself isn't at all.
Which, I'm sure, is the filmmakers' point -- not only are the voters ridiculous, so are those seeking their votes.
The third reaction-causing scene is during a Costner monologue when he's opening his own personal debate between the candidates vying for his vote. The movie's most notable line goes something like this: "If America has an enemy, I guess it's me. . ." Bud Johnson said, speaking for the apathetic, uninformed, self-consumed average American.
"Swing Vote" wasn't funny. It could have been if it would have pointed out how ridiculous it is not to be engaged in the world around us, and how foolish it is not to pay attention to those who are making decisions that affect our lives without our even knowing.
Actually, Swing Vote made that point -- we should be ashamed of ourselves for not caring more than we do..
Nothing's more frustrating when it comes to politics -- and there's nothing more cynical and sadistic than a political campaign that is never concluded. When you walk out of Swing Vote, you don't know who he chose or who won. That's not funny.
Do something else with your weekend. Don't waste your time Swing Votin'.
