Dave (1993)

I love this movie so much

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Ivan Reitman's "Dave" is reminiscent of the old-school charm of Capra classics, but there's also something of the Jewish Barber from "The Great Dictator" in Dave Kovic, a humble and gentle self-made man coerced into impersonating the President of the United States, victim of a stroke. He doesn't see himself as a leader, yet his earnest and powerful messages generate such genuinely enthusiastic cheers from people that you wonder who's the real fraud.I'm naturally not comparing President Bill Mitchell to Adenoid Hynkel, but the same defiance towards men of power is expressed through a seemingly gentle script that doesn't lack sharpness. Neither did Capra movies and just like all these "Mr. Smith" and "Meet John Doe", "Dave" explores the potential efficiency of a man from the people as a charismatic figure, rather than exploits a comical gimmick. The film also features Kevin Kline in one of the best performances of his career, playing the likable Dave; hired to replace the not-so likable Mitchell. Naturally, Kline plays both characters and deserves twice more praise for his acting.It's all in the mimics, speech mannerisms, confidence not just oozing from the body but the eye language too. In the pivotal scene where the somewhat arrogant President meets his lookalike for the first (and last) time, the interaction is nothing but juxtaposition of close-ups and in each one, you can tell who's who. Same haircut, same glasses, but Dave always lets a little smirk slip in his face and an innocent look that is totally contrasting with the cocky counterpart. We believe these two men are different despite their resemblance and this is crucial for the suspension of disbelief.Gary Ross was Oscar-nominated for the script and deservedly so, he masters his set-ups with the same delicacy the White House cook probably handles his mimosa eggs. And all the little contrivances that could have made the plot implausible are thoughtfully dodged. For instance, the First Lady, played with firm confidence by Sigourney Weaver, could have spotted very easily that he's not her husband. There's even a scene where she confronts him in the shower and Dave is afraid to turn, I was wondering whether it was out of shame or because he wasn't sure President Mitchell had a similarly hairy chest. But the script avoids these complexities by choosing to show a couple in the midst of a marital crisis, Helen strongly disapproves her husband's infidelity (in fact, she hates him) and they're only seen together during official ceremonies. We knew Presidents were womanizers but the unintentional foreshadowing of the Monica-Gate gave a nice, extra, prophetic taste to the film. And it even works as a set-up, because this is exactly why Mitchell needs his lookalike, to have a rendezvous with one of his young secretaries, played by Laura Linney. And after what was a delightful night, he ends up in a coma that extends Dave's contract. And this is where it gets tricky, the White House Chief of Staff Bob Alexander sees there an opportunity to frame honest Vice President (Ben Kingsley) by mixing him with a Saving & Loans scandal, with the help of Communication Manager (Kevin Dunn) so he can replace the VP and ultimately become President after the death of Mitchell, which is only a question of time. Dave becomes the puppet of a scheme perfectly oiled by an intimidating mastermind played by a Frank Langella, as cunning as ever. Kevin Judd's character is more ambiguous, he sides with Alexander but he finds something fresh and genuinely appealing in Dave.And so do we. This Capraesque hero does hit a sensitive chord, as a man who doesn't belong to his world but that's probably his best quality. He visits the home shelters; he talks to the kids, interacts with the workers, speaks with journalists and people with the every-man's words and even manages to cut 650 Millions of the federal budget to finance the building of new home shelters, with the help of his accountant (Charles Grodin). And his popularity doesn't only grow within the American people but the First Lady, who was intelligent enough to lure him into a revelation, starts to see in this fake husband the husband she really needed.Yes, this is all a fable, subtly tainted with romantic undertones, but that's the power of "Dave", it asks this question: can someone be a good guy and become a President? We're inclined to say 'yes' because no one wants to have a bad guy, like Bob Alexander, as a President, but the fact is Mitchell was elected and he wasn't a model: he cheated on his wife, he cheated the system and he was just a puppet. Dave literally redeemed him by taking the wrong decisions from Mitchell's perspective but the right ones for America. Still, there's no way a lamb like Dave, a nice person, would've swum over such a lake of sharks to become a President.Two days ago, Donald Trump became the 45th President of United States and although I'm not among those who predict the Apocalypse just because he's the President, I'm not sure either that's what the country needs, but a man like Dave Kovic would easily be branded as weak and liable and destroyed by Trump's populist rhetoric, or the elitist intelligentsia that supports the other party. See, it's weird how the 90's were still innocent by today's standards, but that was before politics would depend on Internet and social networks to touch the people, today's battles are nasty, ugly, and people don't vote for the best candidate but the perhaps least loathsome, the lesser of the two evils or the better communicator.Now, movies like "Dave", "Wag the Dog" or "The American President" would feel totally unrealistic today, but at least they remind us that the 90's was quite a decade for President- themed films, charming, fun, witty and satirical enough to stand the test of time.

From The Director of Ghostbusters I & II, Kindergarten Cop, Twins and Junior and if that didn't sold you at first then i don't know what it will cause this movie was amazing. I'm not the biggest fan of Kevin Kline or movies about politics but this was a great film both funny and a little bit sad. The movie has a pack of talented actors such as Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley, Kevin Dunn, Ving Rhames, Frank Langella and some great cameos from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jay Leno, Oliver Stone and Larry King. If you love this kind of movies and Ivan Reitman films in general then this is another hit from a great director and filmmaker.

This film is so delicious we can eat it, and eat it over and over again in all these years. It is not possible to catch any part of this film and not to continue watching some more or until the end. This is a storytelling of great entertaining value. More importantly, it does not play one wrong note as a political plotting, which is rare, considering how diluted it is as a hardcore political story. I believe Ivan Reitman's touch is essentially behind the successful combination. He casts, interprets the story and script, and directs quite appropriately. Kevin Kline's little reactions mean a lot to the plausibility of the story. His character is playful, delightful, and yet respectful to the presidency. A scene when he must be convinced to continue with "the act", which takes place in the Oval Office, is subtle and telling. It reveals in depth the characters of Kline's, of Frank Langella's, and of Kevin Dunn's with minimal dialogue. Sigourney Weaver's role as the First Lady is another great contribution to the story's dramatic effect. Both Kline and Weaver portray the real people behind the caricature and totally sell us as a convincing first couple and a political marriage. Even the actors of minor role are wonderfully complimentary. Charles Grodin, Ben Kingsley, Ving Rhames, Laura Linney, and Faith Prince show us that smaller roles can't limit any good actors. But the scriptwriter Gary Ross should be praised the highest. He exhibits the dramatic restraint throughout. Such restraint truly contributes to the believability of the entire story. Not too much, and quite enough. "Dave"'s script is one good piece of writing. Film students can learn a lot studying it. "Dave", all in all, is indeed the right movie at the right time, and a political parody done just right.

I really can't express how much I like this movie.Forget about the exceptional cast and acting. Forget Ivan Reitman's great direction and the highly suitable music of James Newton Howard. Even the notable guest appearances from senators, journalists etc.That makes it for me one of my all time favorite movies, is the heart of its characters, especially Dave.It's all about doing the right thing.Unfortunately almost never good people reach the highest offices. You need to be a politician. To sell yourself bit by bit, to compromise, to lie or even worst.But what if? What if purely by chance or because the universe wanted it, a good, honest, caring man becomes the most powerful man in the world? This is the main theme of this great movie and you surely wont give it justice if you see it as a farce or a comedy.For me this movie is a 10. I really think writers and directors should make more movies like this, instead of writing about lunatics and serial killers.