Swing Vote (1999 TV Movie) User Reviews (9)

The story has its weaknesses, but overall it is quite good

[philip_vanderveken · 6/10 · 10 December 2004]

A movie about the arguments pro and contra abortion isn't something you see every week. And when such a movie doesn't even make a statement in favor of one the two that's even more rare. This movie is one of this kind. It gives you all the arguments pro and contra but doesn't make a decision for you, which is a good thing.

Everybody who hopes to see a court thriller will be very disappointed. All you get to see are the judges trying to come to a compromise and some lobbyists trying to influence their opinions in function of their own cause. The story has its weaknesses, but overall it is quite good. Same for the acting. Most of the time this is more than just "TV-quality".

This isn't a bad movie, but I do understand why this went straight to video. It wouldn't stand a chance in the multiplex because it isn't a brilliant and gripping story that stands out above the average. In the end this movie may not be the best you've ever seen but it will not be a complete waste of your time either. I reward it with a 6.5/10.

Great idea, weak execution

[Rodrigo_Amaro · 6/10 · 28 August 2010]

A movie that discusses about abortion and the decisions made by the Supreme Court of Justice was a excellent subject but in the case of "Swing Vote" was a poor execution, very similar to a staged play with some inauthentic lines and a melancholic, poor and cheesy soundtrack. But it was a nice film though.

Andy Garcia plays the young Judge Kirkland, a newcomer into the Supreme Court after the retirement of other judge (Milo O'Shea). Kirkland is the responsible for the Swing Vote in the difficult case of creating the laws over abortion. He's pressured by the other members of the court to make up his mind quickly, even though we already know (in some moments) his position on the subject but he wants to hear all sides of the story, including met a reporter who is totally against it, and a woman defender of abortion and the women's rights.

The religion discussion, the women's right issues, the law issues, all the sides of this controversial subject was showed; Garcia's character wants to make up his mind on the issue but he must consider all the aspects and all the pros and cons. The text is overwritten, has many gasps, weak and boring in many points.

Andy Garcia is quite bad in some scenes and that's something rare to say about him or his performances. The scene where he shouts at Harry Belafonte is a terrible example of an actor trying to rise above the other but with no trace of skills. In other moments he is decent but for the most part of the story it was a poor character for him to play. The supporting cast is good, including names like Robert Prosky, Kate Nelligan, Ray Walston, Bob Balaban, James Whitmore, John Aylward, Lisa Gay Hamilton and Michael O'Keefe. But what amazed me was that none of them exceed the other, nothing was so fantastic that could earn an Emmy nomination, and the movie wasn't nominated for one actually. They're good, but not that much.

It is a good film in the sense that it impels the viewer with some moralistic opinion or politically incorrect views on the controversial subject; it shows the different aspects and points of view and who's behind of such opinions. Well made but not much as I expected. 6/10

Bad Legal Analysis

[jgain · 6/10 · 22 July 2022]

So many legal issues that the movie just gets dead wrong. First, the woman who is convicted of first degree murder would be in prison awaiting her appeal, not watching the proceedings in person. Second, there would be no "emergency" appeal. As much as we would like to think that courts rush to free a potentially wrongfully convicted person, the process takes years.

Despite then being told that it was a 6-3 vote to overrule Roe (with one of the three now retired) we soon learn that it was a 3-3-3 decision. Three voted to overturn Roe entirely, 3 would have upheld Roe, and 3 would have overturned Roe so long as only "minor" penalties were given. This last position would never happen in the Supreme Court. It would not have been a question before the Court and in any event, once the Constitutional question was decided, it would be pretty clearly up to the states to set a proper penalty (likely excluding the death penalty).

But it gets worse. The Chief, who was one of the harsh 3 votes, is now sitting with a 3-5 (and the new Andy Garcia undecided) DEFICIT for his upholding the first degree murder conviction, but arrogantly asks for a unanimous opinion upholding the conviction. He is simply in no place to do that as there remains 5 votes, even without Garcia to vacate such a harsh conviction.

Further the final "compromise" decision authored by Garcia looks pretty much like Roe itself. Despite all of the commentary that it was a "balanced view" of the question, the take away was that once you overrule Roe, you see these harsh penalties and must reinstate Roe.

I'm a sucker for legal movies, but far too many unlikely scenarios to fully enjoy this.

engaged attempt

[susi sinz · 7/10 · 1 December 2000]

This film is an engaged attempt to bring the over-emotionalized arguments pro and against abortion to a plausible, well-balanced and very well formulated compromise. The fact that Andy Garcia - especially because he is a man and the father of three children - lent his name and work to this subject makes him very sympathetic to me.

This film is surely not a court thriller as it is indicated on the cover of the video. However, it manages to show the godlike judges of Supreme Court and their work at their human sides. (good actors!) The story - I have to admit - has its weak points (especially the private life of Judge Kirkland really is sob-stuff). The music is rather annoying.

So, if you want to see a brilliant and gripping story do not waste your time by watching "Swing Vote".

But, if you are interested on the legal side of the problem of abortion, if you want to hear Andy Garcia sing, if you want to see him wearing well-cut, but rather conservative suits, if you want to see his marvellous dark eyes watching fatherly over a really sweet girl's sleep or if you just need a good film to watch while ironing or writing your Christmas cards, go for it.

Turgid disappointment

[Eddiejoe · 2/10 · 18 November 2000]

I had hoped for much more. With the cast it should have been great. With the topic of the story (abortion) it should have been great. Instead it became a scene tearing, over done, over emotional, ultimately boring movie. Talk about waste, this is a good example. In addition, it was unrealistic, not believable, i.e: the most junior justice, only on the court 3 days, delivering one of the most important decisions in years. A dying man singing Danny Boy to change his friend's vote. I could go on. Fortunately, I dozed through parts of the movie so was spared the full disaster this movie represents.

Admirable, but inconsistent and unrealistic

[PaulusLoZebra · 5/10 · 1 July 2022]

I truly admire Bruckheimer, Anspaugh, Garcia and the writing duo of Bass and Rusconi for making this movie. They did so in 1999, and 23 years later, Roe vs. Wade has been overturned and the film has suddenly become timely and relevant. In addition to admiring their ambition in tackling such a complicated, political, difficult and worthy subject, there are many fine moments in the film. That said, the overall experience was ruined for me by many unrealistic, unbelievable scenes and some very clumsy dialogue. This subject would have been much better served by a multi-part mini series than a 90 minute feature. With more time it could have been told in a realistic and nuanced way.

Watch in 2022

[rachelaumack · 10/10 · 9 May 2022]

It's incredible how this movie really understands and articulates the issues at hand. In 2022 we are here. I appreciate the perspective that both arguments have integrity and it is really hard to be an outsider (justice) who must decide what the rules are. It's harder to be a woman faced with this decision. Regardless of how I feel about the outcome I applaud the writers, actors and director for making this film.

A highly insightful perspective on the judicial system and how it affects us all

[MdMMC · 10/10 · 22 July 2009]

Since the day I saw this movie several years ago, I have been trying to obtain a copy of it. That it has not received better reviews surprises me. The movie captured my interest on multiple levels……the insight one gains into the behind the scene politics of the judiciary, the fallible human element of judicial decisions, the ludicrousness and simultaneous pragmatism of the law and the influence of personal politics and values on judicial opinion were fascinating. The astounding reality of our times that could put a woman on trial for exerting control over her own body rightly or wrongly, and ultimately (and the clincher for me) the human face of judicial decisions…..the considerations and final balance of judgment we see applied in Andy Garcia's brilliant closing argument are very moving. I highly recommend it.

Excellent & riveting movie !!

[pcmgsb · 10/10 · 25 August 2005]

This movie was EXCELLENT......of course I am a woman with a thankful knowing that we need a pro-choice court system.......to protect womens health rights. This movie is an excellent depiction of the grim possibilities without such protection. The closing speech Any Garcia makes is remarkable & TRUE!! Our country is in a sad state when the Catholic idea logy seeks to control and deprive women of their right to their own choice about their health and child bearing. Our country is founded on FREEDOMS.of speech.and our right to our own personal choice to bear or not bear children would remain our personal right. Other are not forced to have an abortion...why do they seek to stop those who do??? I'm looking to by a copy !!