Dave (1993) User Reviews

If you could be president for a day.....

[MartianOctocretr5 · 8/10 · 3 October 2009]

An escapist fantasy film, where a Walter Mitty style dream of suddenly being given the chance and the means to heroically make the world a better place for everyone is explored.

When an ordinary every-man look-alike to the president is asked to briefly pose as the chief executive, he reluctantly agrees to the put-on. Things get complicated because the real president suffers a debilitating stroke, and the poser is asked to maintain the deception for national security reasons by a corrupt power mongering chief-of-staff.

Kevin Kline does an excellent job as the innocent who finds he is a modern day Mr. Smith going to Washington, encountering scandals and corruption going on at these levels. The shadow-government conspiracy theory is nothing new, but this film utilizes the idea with an optimistic viewpoint, since the lead character chooses to effect positive changes, rather than exploit the situation. Corruption is seen as the exception rather than the rule, and that honest people can remove this blight from the landscape, if only they had the bravery to do so. Certainly this is a wildly idealistic premise, but it works.

Political insiders are the baddies, the rest of us are the good guys, represented by Dave (a great acting performance by Kevin Kline). Ben Kingsley is great as the sincere and benevolent vice president. Sigourney Weaver is wonderful as the ignored first lady who keys into the deception, and Frank Langella is well cast as the plotting diabolical foe of democracy, Bob Alexander. There are several standouts in the supporting cast, as well.

An entertaining "feel good" movie, certainly worth a watch.

Kevin Kline's Performance Excellently Entertaining

[theseagers · 8/10 · 24 August 2006]

I think the most of the comments about this movie are fair. It is naive, improbable and, at times preachy. However, I disagree with any characterization of Kevin Kline's performance as less than great, whether he is portraying President Mitchell, standing in for him officially or doing an improv'. The segment toward the end of the film, when he and Sigourney Weaver are pulled over for the turn violation, and they do their version of "Tomorrow" from "Annie" is absolutely hilarious. This is one of those films that, for some reason or another, I keep going back to watch every so often, mainly because of its entertainment and values orientation. Our President and Congressional Delegations should care more about us than themselves. I'm still waiting, but I haven't seen that happen yet, nor have I seen a movie about the President of Slovenia. When I do I'll be sure to comment on it.

Dave Steps Up To The Plate

[Snowgo · 8/10 · 23 August 2014]

Historically, I have been very critical of movies that contain events that are logically impossible. Because of the charm, wit and kind heart of this picture, I am willing to dismiss any and all elements that may seem more-than-unlikely in Dave. This is how much I think of this film.

I was introduced to Kevin Kline two years prior, in the excellent romp Soapdish, and to Sigourney Weaver five years prior, in Gorillas In The Mist. Both thespians became favorites because of these movies.

Charles Grodin is my favorite straight man, and I laughed out loud at his scenes. I have been a fan of his since 1987's Ishtar. Kingsley is an actor capable of great depth, and I admired the restraint of great emotion he displayed as V.P.

It was great to see Helen Thomas. We all miss her.

Although Dave is mostly light-hearted and enjoyable, there is a serious aspect to it: It portrays the seedy underside of D.C. politics, in particular, those of the executive branch: Can chiefs-of-staff, prominent aides-de-camp or lobbyists for "foreign" governments really run the show, with the president being just a figure-head? Could a coup take place by events similar to those in Dave?

Not exactly, but it is worth thinking about.

The scene where Klein (as the president) sits and talks with a boy in a homeless shelter was excellent, as was Weaver's well-reserved show of support for it.

The ending is ingenious and unexpected. Brilliant.

Dave is entertaining-yet-inspiring. It is both frightening in its implications and emboldening in the moral capacity and expression there-of shown not only by the pseudo-president, but by most of those in his closest circle.

I think we need something like the events depicted in Dave to happen in real-life. Then again, if we somehow found ourselves in the graces of a moral president, he or she would probably find themself immobilized or worse by pervasive greed, corruption and decay. The movie Dave shows us that there is always hope. Just don't let the light go out.

Kevin Kline Raises the Film to a New Level

[tfrizzell · 19 September 2000]

"Dave" should have been a pure mess of a movie, but instead it is a highly enjoyable film which has great elements of comedy and drama. Kevin Kline stars as the title character who must impersonate the president of the United States after the real president suffers a massive heart attack which has left him in a coma. "Dave" goes for laughs, but also has a great deal of drama which keeps the audience intrigued throughout. Frank Langella does some of the best work of his career. Sigourney Weaver, Ving Rhames, Charles Grodin, and Ben Kingsley are all perfectly cast in supporting roles. The screenplay is smart and the direction never loses its focus. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Funny, sweet, and totally totally feel good

[secondtake · 7/10 · 7 January 2013]

Dave (1993)

A hilarious wishful movie about what we really want our president to be. Kevin Kline is perfect in the role--both roles--a little goofy but totally believable. The rest of the cast doesn't much matter. They are decent if never amazing. It's a lightweight movie and to demand much beyond the gags and feel good qualities isn't fair to it.

Does it hold up twenty years after it was made? Oddly, yes. You might not even notice it's a bit outdated on the fringes. Politics in some ways has not changed a bit. And the idea of body doubles for the U.S. President is still in currency (see "Vantage Point" for starters). Of course the notion of a secretive government that might pull of a huge scam isn't far-fetched at all (except of course that you hope it actually is far-fetched outside of Hollywood--see "Wag the Dog" for starters).

There is also the use of lots of real people to bolster the idea that it's real, or could be real. Some are identified (senators and other celebrities from the era) so if you don't recognize them you should at least trust that these people are not actors.

But there are a number (like 20 or 30) of other "real" people playing themselves, including Oliver Stone. In case you don't know him, Stone is being interviewed on Larry King Live (with the real Larry King) and he says that they've studied photos of the "new" president and that it's a conspiracy. This is really one of the many little hilarious lines because Stone, of course, is famous for hatching or nurturing conspiracy theories for his movies. His "JFK" came out just two years earlier.

The other fun one most people will miss (and this dates me) is running into an unidentified Tip O'Neill on the streets. He was the real speaker of the house, and it's a great little three seconds. He dies the following year.

Okay, the movie isn't brilliant. But it never gets stale, and it's well made enough to survive even a curmudgeon without popcorn. It'll make you laugh.

Politically innocent

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 9 January 2014]

President Bill Mitchell (Kevin Kline) is a hard man who has a disgruntle relationship with his wife Ellen (Sigourney Weaver). Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline) runs a temp agency who also does impersonations of the president. The secret service hires him as the president's double. When the president falls into a coma while sleeping with his assistant (Laura Linney), his chief of staff Bob Alexander (Frank Langella) devises a scheme to replace the president with Dave in a bigger plan to get the presidency for himself.

Director Ivan Reitman has made a charming little rom-com with the presidency. This was when politics still had some likability, and naivety. I doubt this movie would work quite as easily today. Kevin Kline is that charming nice guy who is also gullible enough. There are hurdles of believability to overcome, but it has that Capra feeling to it. It's a political fantasy that works.

Sweet and funny

[ralph_2ndedition · 7/10 · 7 June 2015]

A sweet, funny movie (the kind Douglas Adams would call "mostly harmless"), with a somewhat outlandish plot, that I'm sure is probably not all that far removed from reality - given the circumstances. Definitely one of Kevin Klines best. Sigourney Weaver isn't given much of a chance, what with her role being the lesser of the couple in focus, but she does do well with her part. For obvious reasons 'Dave' gets somewhat political, but all in all it seem to never actually pick sides, not to any greater extent anyway. Instead it rather seem to suggest that bureaucracy in general is an obstacle, a hindrance to really getting something done. Charles Grodin, in a smaller part, does what Charles Grodin always does best - shows up every now and then and brings the Funny.

Put simply: a wonderful movie!

[richsh · 10/10 · 28 December 2002]

I loved this movie. It's just that simple. I've seen it several times and the charm never wears off. Yes, it is a 'feel good movie', but is that so wrong?

As I read some of the other comments about this movie on IMDB, I realize that cynicism can easily get in the way of just enjoying a movie for what it is.

Kevin Kline is terrific and so is the rest of the cast. Also, the insertion of so many real politicians and pundits playing themselves adds a nice touch. I thoroughly recommend this movie! I could give it no less than a 10.

A personal favorite from the 90s.

[dave13-1 · 7/10 · 23 April 2012]

The Prisoner of Zenda. Moon over Parador. The Man in the Iron Mask. A look-alike impersonates a national leader. This idea has been used before. Heck, Robert Heinlein won the Hugo award almost 60 years ago with this old gag in his book Double Star.

But Kevin Kline gives it wide-eyed freshness as a likable nobody who finds himself playing the U.S. president and romancing the first lady. And the audience gets an insider's view of Washington's corridors of power and the schemers who make their living there.

It's a far-fetched piece of whimsy, but the treatment is clever, adult, romantic and sharply satirical and the result is a winning confection of a film with beautiful comedic timing.

One of my favorites of the 1990's

[scott-sw · 9/10 · 7 August 2008]

Of all the movies about the President released in the 1990's, Dave was the first and the best. Kevin Kline plays a dual role. He plays President Bill Mitchell, and Dave Kovic, a look-alike for the chief executive. When he is asked to fill in for him as a decoy, he jumps to serve his nation. However, the real Bill Mitchell suffers a stroke and lays comatose. That's when the White House Chief of Staff, Bob (Frank Langella) and the Press Secretary, Alan (Kevin Dunn) convince Dave to stay on. According to them, the Vice President (Ben Kingsley) is mentally unbalanced. Dave, being naive, falls for it. However, they do not count on a generally nice guy wanting to really play the part of chief executive. He figures out their plan and turns the table, wanting to do real public policy that will make a true difference. Sigourney Weaver plays the estranged First Lady who must be kept in the dark, which is half the battle during this wonderful comedy. I liked this movie on so many levels. The first was that this movie was not silly slapstick humor like First Kid, nor did it resort to preachiness and making a political point in The American President. Dave also did not rely on excessive action in Air Force One. Instead, we have the basic idea that if we get good, honest people elected to office, good things will happen. Almost Capra-esquire, the film is earnest, not wanting to push one political agenda over another. What makes this message work is the restrained direction of Ivan Reitman, and the subtle, yet honest performance of Kevin Kline (one of the best actors ever). One of the most entertaining aspect of this movie is watching actual members of Congress, the Washtingon Press Corps, and popular entertainment making cameos. This is what gave the movie a sense of realism. Finally, Reitman helps the audience fall for the plot. He makes it so believable, honest and true. In the end, the audience will realize that politics will not mend our nation, but rather honest people will. In any case of all the movies about the President, this is the best one.

Easy-Going Fun for All!

[jaddison383 · 7/10 · 10 April 2008]

What can you really say against 'Dave'? This is one of the few films that I can put in any time and always enjoy it. Dave is an average guy who just happens to look exactly like the president of the United States. When the real president falls into a coma, Dave is hired to take his place so as to avoid a potential scandal. As Dave begins to explore his new job, he begins to see some things that need changing... and he begins to change them.

As far as light-hearted comedies go, you can't go wrong here. The cast is all top-notch, particularly Kevin Kline in the Oscar-nominated role of Dave. I'm usually not a huge fan of Mr. Kline, but I truly enjoyed him in this film. His 'president' is nothing short of inspiring. Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley, Frank Langella, Ving Rhames, and Kevin Dunn all provide great support. Check this one out- you might be surprised how much you like it. 7/10 stars!

Jay Addison

A "double" charmer

[benbrae76 · 10/10 · 29 August 2006]

I've recently had the opportunity of viewing "Dave" and thoroughly enjoyed it. As did the whole family. Three of my grandchildren watched it and I didn't have to explain a thing. No sex (well none worth worrying about), no violence, and not too taxing on the brain, a wonderful tonic.

Pre 9/11 it's true, and all to be taken with a pinch of salt, but after all that's gone on in the White House over the years, I found it not totally implausible. Fact is stranger than fiction in that place.

The movie itself was cleverly crafted and didn't get over-bogged down with mush. The multi-talented Kevin Kline was excellent in the "double" role, Sigourney Weaver enchanting as the First Lady, Ben Kingsley reliable as ever as the Vice-President, but it was Frank Langella as the WH Chief of Staff who stole the show. He was superb.

To those who may say that "Dave" doesn't give a true reflection on American politics or make a political statement, I would agree with them, but then it surely didn't mean to. Its just a charming little comedy and/or love story that's easy on mind and eye, and for what its worth I thought it was great...so there!

If you're one of the few Americans who haven't seen "Dave", be sure to check it out.

[=G= · 7/10 · 23 September 2001]

"Dave" spins a clever, funny, and sweetly sentimental tale about a man who is recruited to act as a presidential double only to find himself occupying the oval office when the real president is disabled by a stroke. Of the same ilk as "An American President" though perhaps not quite as poignant or well crafted, this well cast, well acted film with an excellent screenplay is hard to fault. Now on cable, those who haven't seen it should give it a watch.

Kevin Kline is the only reason to watch

[stills-6 · 5/10 · 20 March 2000]

How many implausibilities can you put into one movie? Kevin Kline makes this movie enjoyable only for his charismatic presence. And it was fun picking out real-life politicos of the early 90s. Otherwise, this is pure sugar-coated drivel. It's pretty obvious where the movie's politics lies - there is no ambiguity of purpose, no voice for any other view (except maybe Alan Simpson). I'm an American Liberal of sorts and moments in this movie made me wince because of their obvious propaganda.

But if you put all of that aside and just want to see a sweet and charming but unintelligent and unbelievable romance, then this movie is for you.

One of my all-time favorites.

[Dr_Sagan · 6 October 2014]

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.

Putting Our Brains On Hold

[ccthemovieman-1 · 6/10 · 27 December 2006]

This feel-good political movie is ridiculously preposterous so you have to be ready to go along with the story....knowing it is so far-fetched it's laughable (someone faking being the President of the United States and getting away with it).

There's also the normal Liberal slant, of course. The real-life Democrats in the film are all good guys while the lone real-life Republican pictured, Sen. Alan Simpson, comes on like a bad guy with his comments.

Kevin Kline plays a likable lead character. He's good at that sort of thing. Sigourney Weaver plays a softer-than-normal character, which is good to see (for a change). The story only has a few short lulls. The movie certainly has a good and deep cast - just check the credits.

If you are one of these people who get annoyed at holes in a story, stay away from this film because it's full of them. It is a farce, and you just have to play along with it.

A well-intentioned shot of political idealism

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 13 July 2012]

Ivan Reitman's "Dave" is a movie so idealist and well-meaning that it'll warm the hearts of even the most cynical Americans.

Kevin Kline plays Dave Kovic, a small-town guy with a big heart who runs an employment agency. Dave's also a dead ringer for President Bill Mitchell and finds himself conscripted to stand in for Mitchell after the commander-in-chief suffers a stroke during an extramarital rendezvous. The naive idealist finds himself in an administration entrenched in cronyism and an embittered First Lady (Sigourney Weaver). And it doesn't take long for Washington to notice the changes in the no-longer-a-douche Bill Mitchell, as Dave sets out to use his power to make the country a better place ... while falling in love with Mrs. Mitchell.

"Dave" makes no bones about its politics (which are worn on its sleeve), but ideology in this case is irrelevant. I's a story that puts the non-politician in the shoes of the most powerful position (may as well be a sly nod to Frank Capra's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington"). Such an endeavor (especially with the extreme rhetoric of current politics) is nothing short of refreshing.

Which is no doubt helped by the light-hearted romantic comedy nature of the film. Kline is at his most endearing in this role, Weaver her most charming and the supporting cast (Kevin Dunn, Frank Langella, Ving Rhames and Charles Grodin) is incredible.

It's light and fluffy, but utterly likable in every way.

7/10

a light-hearted film which remains simple but fun.

[TheNorthernMonkee · 7/10 · 16 February 2005]

SPOILERS There's always conspiracy enthusiasts in the world who believe in suspect circumstances involving World leaders. Whether it's the assassination of JFK or the American Government's connections with alien visitors, these people will question anything and everything. In 1993's light-hearted comedy, "Dave", these individuals have just cause for speculation when an on form Kevin Kline goes from nobody to President of the United States and sets about changing the world.

Dave Kovic (Kline) runs a temping office whilst earning a bit of money on the side pretending to be the President of America. One day picked up by members of the CIA, Dave finds himself literally taking over for President Bill Mitchell (also Kline) when a brief presidential liaison goes wrong. Now sat in the most powerful seat in the world, Dave gets to work correcting the problems with the country and winning the heart of the First Lady Ellen (Sigourney Weaver).

Director Ivan Reitman's tenth film is another fine piece of cinematic entertainment. Bringing the style which made both "Ghostbusters" films such a big success, Reitman directs a masterful Kline in the role of Dave, the Presidential stand-in. Using his comic talents to full potential, Kline brings along for the ride as he slowly learns about the true inner workings of the White House and the people involved.

Aided by a strong support cast containing Weaver, Ving Rhames, Ben Kingsley and Charles Grodin, Kline never looses his pace and makes us smile on countless occasions.

It is definitely true that the story, written by "Big" writer Gary Ross, is not the most intricate of plots in regard to political details, but ultimately the film's true aim is to have Dave succeed and win over everyone around him. It might be play it by numbers stuff, but it's still very entertaining and well worth a watch.

"Dave" might not be the most politically detailed story, if you want that then your better with "Mr Smith Goes To Washington" from 1939, but it is still a funny, light-hearted, comedy which leaves you feeling warm and satisfied for hours afterwards.

Great Fun, Great Story!

[LebowskiT1000 · 9/10 · 15 July 2002]

This film just has greatness written all over it! First you have a great director, Ivan Reitman, then you have a slew of great actors: Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella, Kevin Dunn, Ving Rhames, Ben Kinsley, Charles Grodin and Laura Linney. All the actors did a great job in this film. The film is sometimes funny, and sometimes touching. It's all very well done in this film. The story is a very interesting one, and not too terribly far-fetched.

There really isn't much to say other than if you like any of these actors or director above, then you should probably see this film. Or, if you think you'd like a little comedy/drama, then check it out. I really enjoyed this film and I hope you will as well. Thanks for reading,

-Chris

You'd Have to Look Hard to Find a Film with Better Feel Good Bona-fides

[rogerhwerner · 7/10 · 18 July 2021]

Another largely forgotten film and that's too bad because it could put a smile on the most cynical of people. Kevin Kline is perfect in two roles and Sigourney Weaver has never looked more lovely in a roll that transcends pure comedy. This is a film with tons of heart, a touch of the dramatic, and a great deal of hilarity.

Hail to the chief, he's the one we all say hail to!

[cosmorados · 9/10 · 29 June 2008]

Bob Mitchell is the typical US president. Dodgy, rich, adulterous, you know the rest. Whilst he is supposed to attend a function he uses a double, the nice guy Dave Kovic, as a stand-in so he can spend the night with his secretary. However, after he suffers a massive stroke, he lapses into a coma, his chief of staff and chief scriptwriter however are intertwined in a corruption scandal and if the vice president takes over they will be scuppered. So rather than do that they decide to keep using the stand-in to maintain the illusion that the president is just fine.

Not having suffered the rise to power that many politicians go through Dave isn't blinded by just running things the way they always have been and can see the many wrong decisions that politicians make simply to keep the status quo and, after tiring of simply following the orders of the chief of staff, decides to do what so few US presidents do, and make things better for the working man.

To this and the last decade Gary Ross is what Frank Capra was to the thirties and forties, with a variety of feel good films that challenge are ideas about what the world is and what it should be. The script for this film is dynamite with a ton of great touches, including Dave's changing from Presidential script reader to tourist as he spots a souvenir. The film manages to stride in between the dangerous path of a hard right "Eastwood-Esque" take on things and the ultra-liberal path that someone like Redford would focus on. Instead the film manages to put itself in the minds of the ordinary Joe, who watches in disbelief at the stupid things that the powers that be spend money on, when so many problems still go on without being addressed at all, with sound bites like "You can't solve problems by throwing money at them" (How come it's only the wealthy that say that?)

The performances are all first rate with Kevin Kline magnificent as the idealistic Dave Kovic thrown into the deep end after becoming the leader of the free world, Frank Langella and Alan Reed also excel as the Chief of staff and Chief scriptwriter, with Charles Grodin stealing the scene as the put upon Murray who takes on various people from Dave's temp agency when he is stuck finding work for people elsewhere. The direction is nothing special but succeeds in telling the story with humour and sadness that very often the people who get the top job have so little knowledge of the people at the bottom to make any significant change in society.

First rate, and far better than the IMDb rating suggests. Also watch out for a great end gag. Top drawer.

A sweet fairy tale based on The Prince & the Pauper

[Phoenix-36 · 7/10 · 26 January 1999]

This a sweet, if disposable, film. Kevin Kline plays Dave, owner of a temp agency with a very close resemblance to the President (also played by Kline). It's the good twin / evil twin version of The American President.

Dave is hired to double for the President at a fund raiser, so the President can sneak out of the building. While bedding his mistress (possibly an intern--the movie was ahead of its time) the President suffers a stroke and is incapacitated. Rather than turn things over to the Vice, the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary connive to put Dave in office, in hopes of running the show themselves. The First Lady (Sigourney Weaver) has been essentially separated from the President for years so she proves no problem (she can't stand the sight of her husband).

But Dave gets tired of being a puppet and starts to act like the President. He invites a CPA friend of his (Charles Grodin) to help trim the budget, chats with his bodyguard, and charms everyone in Washington.

This is an American version of The Prince and the Pauper. It certainly raises the usual questions: why are our politicians such manipulative, conniving bastards? The answer, of course, is that our political system rewards such. In America politicians cannot afford too much integrity of honesty. But we can dream can't we?

Great combination

[simhedges · 10/10 · 25 August 2004]

This movie is a great combination of romance, feelgood politics and a few laugh-out-loud moments.

I can watch this over and over again and enjoy it every time. Kevin Kline puts in a pitch-perfect performance in both his roles, but Sigourney Weaver, as ever, has genius.

The minor roles too (Wayans, Linney, Grodin) are good too. As is Frank Langella.

My only quibble is the ending - like no-one's going to notice that the First Lady is going with a guy who looks exactly like the dead President? Eeuw.

But the rest of the movie is so great, I'll forgive it!

Highly recommended.

Good, but not great

[Reaper · 7/10 · 24 March 2017]

The tagline, "In a country where anybody can become President, anybody just did" was probably funnier before November 2016.

Dave is a cute dramedy about an ordinary guy who finds himself posing as the POTUS. In the real world, this would overwhelm a person, but Kevin Kline finds it a simple thing, thanks to his sleazy Chief of Staff, Frank Langella at his most unctuous.

A fairly lightweight movie, Dave manages to avoid questions about the majesty of the office, and deals mainly in rom-com situations. Ivan Reitman is -- probably correctly -- making this a lightweight fluff piece, and not a deep politico-social statement. Kline and Weaver make it work without heavy lifting, and it's an enjoyable, non-taxing diversion for two hours. Think House of Cards without the angst.

More Politically Correct Idiocy

[SHADO-5 · 1/10 · 20 February 1999]

How many times can Hollywood retread the same tired "Evil white male conservative" story? Movies like Dave that glorify liberalism are especially annoying because they are made by cutthroat capitalists! As for the movie itself? It's boring and pretentious. In other words, a typical Hollywood film.