Swing Vote

2008 PG-13 1h 59m Blu-ray / DVD

Swing Vote

2008 PG-13 1h 59m Blu-ray / DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
On Election Day, the eyes of the nation fall on a beer-swigging couch potato named Bud Johnson, who -- through a quirk of fate -- finds himself in the position of being able to single-handedly choose the next American president.
Cast
Kevin Costner, Madeline Carroll, Paula Patton, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, George Lopez, Judge Reinhold, Charles Esten
Director
Joshua Michael Stern
Format
Blu-ray DVD
Screen
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.40:1
Subtitles
Spanish (Neutral)
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish (Neutral): Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Screen
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.40:1
Subtitles
Spanish (Neutral), English SDH
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish (Neutral): Dolby Digital 5.1, English: Dolby True HD
Rating
PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers. PG-13 - Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.
age 14+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 14+
age 14+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that although this comedy has a young protagonist and could serve as an entertaining -- if superficial -- introduction to the political process, most kids probably won't be that interested. Maybe just as well, since the central character is a booze-guzzling loser who's downright neglectful of his 12-year-old daughter, especially in the beginning of the movie. There's also an allusion to drug use, lots of strong language ("s--t" and the like), and some stereotypes.

Sexual Content

A few allusions to Bud having fun with women as he becomes more high-profile. Some mild flirtation.

Violence

A man kicks an empty beer can in frustration; he also yells at a stranger leaning on his car. His neighbors jeer at him and make fun of him, as do TV pundits, but it's a war of words, not violent actions.

Language

Runs almost the full gamut, from the arguably mild "damn," "crap," and "hell" to stronger words like "s--t" and "son of a bitch."

Social Behavior

A father neglects his daughter because he drinks way too much and appears unaware of how his boozing is hurting her. He's also apathetic and irresponsible, taking his daughter out of school because he wants to spend time with her -- even if she doesn't want to. He makes promises he can't keep. But in the end, he seems to have seen the light. A mother appears to not want to have anything to do with her daughter because she'd rather work on her music and has a drug problem. A teenager takes on way too many grown-up responsibilities because neither one of her parents is stepping up to the plate. Another young teen drives his father's car when the older man is passed out drunk. Some stereotyping, particularly involving political parties and politicians.

Consumerism

Frequent and notable, from TV network logos (CNN, MSNBC, BBC, and more) to Bud's favorite drink (Bud Light, of course), as well as other beer brands (Michelob), UPS, Dodge, and Old Spice. Cameo appearances by many well-known celebs and politicos, from race car driver Richard Petty to Arianna Huffington.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Lots of beer swilling at all hours of the day, and allusions to one character's drug addiction. Alcohol affects Bud's behavior and his abilities as a parent. A character passes out drunk.

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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