In a country where anybody can be president...anybody just did.
Dave is a 1993 political comedy-drama film directed by Ivan Reitman, written by Gary Ross, produced by Northern Lights Entertainment and Donner/Shuler-Donner, and distributed by Warner Bros. The film stars Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver. It was nominated for Best Original Screenplay, but did not win.
"Let's get back to work." - Dave Kovic
Plot
When the President of the United States suffers a very serious stroke, his body double and look-alike, Dave Kovic, secretly takes over as the President under the supervision of his chief of staff. As Dave spends more time in office, he tries to fix a fractured relationship with the first lady, all while unaware of the sinister plans of Bob Alexander, the chief of staff.
My Favorite Part of Dave
Dave is a rare political comedy that doesn't step on toes. It's a pretty funny situation that they put this character in, and it makes for some pretty funny moments throughout the film. This movie is not a social commentary on the wrong-doings of our government. It's a fun what if scenario that plays out in a nice way. This movie has some legitimate laughs, and I was honestly really surprised by that.
My Least Favorite Part of Dave
Unfortunately for me, all of those laughs came with a grain of salt. I just could not get behind the concept that a body double could take over the presidency and run the country perfectly without anyone noticing that something is off. It causes me to suspend way too much disbelief, so that was always looming in the back of my mind throughout the entire runtime of the film.
Why Dave Works
This is a fun nineties comedy that has laughs but also has heart. The ending of this film is extremely wholesome and heart-warming. The central character is just really likable and chill. Even though the concept is a hard one to stay with, it executes all of the individual moments very well. Ivan Reitman has a way of giving you likable characters in odd situations and then injects tons of heart into it, whether it's this film or Ghostbusters or Kindergarten Cop. This is a good movie, and I kind of wish we had more films like it.
Final Thoughts and Score
Dave is a great little political comedy with an ultra-dumb concept, but the heart and humor make up for that.
I will go Savory here. Age range is 8+.
SWEET N' SOUR SCALE
Sweet (Great) Savory (Good) Sour (Bad)
Moldy (Terrible)
"Dave"
Fun Factor: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Story: 7.5/10
Characters: 8.5/10
Quality: 8/10
Directed by Ivan Reitman
Rated PG-13 for language, minor sexual content
Released on May 7, 1993
1 hour and 50 minutes
Kevin Kline as Dave Kovic / President Bill Mitchell
Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Mitchell
Frank Langella as Bob Alexander
Kevin Dunn as Alan Reed
Ving Rhames as Duane Stephenson
Ben Kingsley as Vice President Gary Nance
Charles Gordon as Murray Blum Laura Linney as Randi