Disney’s Swing Vote is mediocre, though it has an upside. As a politically-themed comedy, the Kevin Costner vehicle tries too hard, oversimplifies and dodges important questions—such as which candidate gets the Costner character’s vote. The upside in this splotchy, overly sentimental picture—which rates a TV or DVD viewing—is the cast.
Mr. Costner—who shines in the sardonic The Upside of Anger and the heroic The Guardian—fits the bill. But the girl who plays his daughter, Madeline Carroll, steals the spotlight, carrying the movie, which pitches the traditional line that helping others is the point of political involvement through Mr. Costner’s apathetic single dad. It is always good to see the underused Kelsey Grammer as the President and Mare Winningham—who caught my eye with a powerful lead role in ABC’s TV movie Freedom decades ago—as the girl’s mother. Also appearing: Stanley Tucci, Nathan Lane, and beautiful Paula Patton. Each does their best with a mixed script.
Thoughts on other summer movies: Disney/Pixar’s WALL-E left me unimpressed. Though it had nice moments, a bleak undertone dominates the movie and WALL-E strikes me as another departure, like Enchanted, from Disney’s brand of depicting a knowable, benevolent world. I also did not care for Wanted, an assault on the senses. Mid-range movies with positive aspects: the occasionally witty Kung Fu Panda, which was fun to see with friends, and the bizarre French murder mystery, Tell No One.
Surprisingly, I was moved by most of the interesting Hancock, which I think deserves more credit for Will Smith’s multi-dimensional performance than his role in the disgusting I Am Legend. Mr. Smith’s transformation from hardened alcoholic to hero is quite good. I enjoyed Hancock. For top quality entertainment, catch Mamma Mia! (again, if you’ve already seen it).
I extend Get Well wishes to a great American actor, Morgan Freeman, who, as this goes to print, is apparently in serious condition after a car crash, according to CNN. The forementioned and recuperating Kelsey Grammer, whose work has given me countless hours of laughter and joy, is hopefully also on the mend. Get well wishes also go to actor Shia LaBeouf, who was injured in a car crash in which he was cited for drunken driving, and to actress Christina Applegate, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. They’re both young, hard-working artists who have what it takes to overcome.
I’m hearing from readers about my decision to leave Box Office Mojo and, while I am unable to respond to everyone, I read every letter. I must say I am grateful to have readers of your caliber. Thank you.
