Features actors:Kevin Costner, Madeline Carroll, Kelsey Grammar, Dennis Hopper, George Lopez, Paula Patton,Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, Richard Petty, Willie Nelson,Mare Winningham, Mark Moses & Nana Visitor Running time:120 Min Rating:PG-13 Costner plays Ernest "Bud" Johnson, a divorced southwestern father to one extremely precocious preteen girl named Molly (Madeline Carroll). Though she reminds him of his important civic duty, Election Day arrives and he's too drunk and forgetful to vote. Taking matters into her own hands, Molly manages to sneak into the polling place and cast a ballot in her father's name. Or at least, she starts to, until a glitch prevents the session from going through. As luck would have it, it is established that New Mexico's five electoral votes will determine the new president emerging from a practically deadlocked race. Rather than dramatizing the endless recounts and legal wrangling that would really ensue, the film opts for a fantastical scenario in which Bud's uncast vote quickly becomes the single one which will choose the next commander in chief. Once this news leaks out, the nation's eyes turn to the small city of Texico, where Bud Johnson becomes the center of attention. A simple, unmotivated type, Bud is an unlikely emblem for democracy. He swears, guzzles beer, likes to fish, has a wardrobe marked by cut-off sleeves, and barely makes ends meet as a bottom-rung egg factory worker. Bud's nature poses a bit of a curveball for the competing campaigns, both of whom promptly show up in town as part of an intense media circus that will last the ten days Bud has until revoting. Ignoring the ethical questions, incumbent Republican Andrew Boone (Kelsey Grammer) and popular Democratic hopeful Donald Greenleaf (Dennis Hopper) both embrace schmoozing the swing voter at the encouragement of their respective, determined campaign managers (Stanley Tucci, Nathan Lane). At Bud's slightest hint of a preference, Boone and Greenleaf are eager to change their stances on issues like the environment, abortion, and gay marriage. Meanwhile, an ambitious local reporter (Paula Patton) sees the story as her big break and Molly tries to keep her father from being superficially swayed. Hope this helps you decide.Thanks for reading!Please click YES at the bottom. :)Read full review
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. Kevin Costner is adorable as the slacker father of a overachieving, 12-year-old daughter. Costner's antics made it laugh out loud funny at times. Overall a good movie.
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.
Movies about politics should not have surprising insights into their subject. Any effort towards building a better society should be actualized in real life, not squandered on frivolous entertainment. Don't expect any revealed truths, its just a movie, a good story and entertaining, not perfect, but worth a watch.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Bud Johnson's(Kevin Costner)an ordinary dad drifting through life, caring about nothing except his overachieving daughter Molly(Madeline Carrol), Trying to encourage him to get involved, Molly accidentally sets off a chain of events on Election Day that ends with the presidential race coming down to one vote-Bud's. This movie has outstanding actors, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci and George Lopez.
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