Review - Dave (1993)

       Hey guys, Chuck here. Well, here in the United States, we're gearing up for yet another Presidential Election. So, in commemoration of this, I wanted to talk about a couple movies I enjoy that deal with the President of the United States, and this will be the first of two reviews. The next one will come out next month. So, as for today's review, I'm taking a look at Dave, a 1993 political comedy by Ivan Reitman, and starring Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella, Kevin Dunn, Ving Rhames, Laura Linney and Ben Kingsley. 

      The movie focuses on Dave Kovics, who is the head of a temp agency in Washington DC, and bears an identical resemblance to the current President, William Mitchell. Because of this, the Secret Service, sent by White House Chief of Staff Bob Alexander, hire Dave to act as a one-time body double for President Mitchell. Unfortunately, what was meant to be a one-time gig is extended, as the President, while having sex with a White House staffer named Randi, suffered a heart attack and is now comatose. 

      Bob reveals to Dave that he needs to step into the role of President, dismiss Vice President Gary Nance and replace him with Bob as the new Vice President, then stage another heart attack, after which they will swap Dave for the real President, after which Bob will become President. Initially hesitant about it, given how very illegal it is, Dave goes along with the plan, and Vice President Nance is sent on a goodwill tour of Africa. 

        Dave's natural charm, charisma, and likeability has a very positive impact on President Mitchell's ratings, and comes as a surprise to First Lady Ellen Mitchell, who had been growing distant from her husband for years, apart from occasional public appearances. And, seeing how much Dave has been working to get proper funding for a local homeless shelter, as well as how Dave showed empathy to a shy child at the shelter, Ellen realizes that Dave is an imposter, and she asks to see her husband, and is granted that request by Dave and Secret Service agent Duane Stevenson. As the movie progresses, Dave and Ellen grow closer and closer, Dave fires Bob from his job as Chief of Staff, and later reveals to nation that he did so due to no longer having aligned interests. Also, Dave reveals a plan to make it a priority to help every American get a job. 

        Vice President Nance returns from Africa, and tells Dave (thinking he's President Mitchell) that he had nothing to do with what Bob was framing him for. Later, at the State of the Union address, Dave reveals that Bob was more responsible for what Vice President Nance was being accused of, and remarks that Nance is a good man, and fakes a.heart attack. And, as planned, Dave is switched out for the real President Mitchell, and Dave goes on his way, saying goodbye to Duane, who tells Dave "I would have taken a bullet for you." 

       So, President Mitchell dies peacefully, Nance is sworn in as the next President, and Dave decides to run for Washington DC City Council, and he and Ellen share a proper kiss in Dave's office at the temp agency, with Duane standing outside the office door, wearing a campaign button for Dave.  

       Dave is a movie that is pretty interesting on many levels. For instance, the notion of the White House hiring an impersonator to fill in for the President, and the impersonator is more likeable as the President than the real President is neat. Seeing the First Lady, who was growing apart from her husband, start to fall in love with his impersonator was neat. But, it's the clever writing by Gary Ross, brilliant directing by Ivan Reitman, and the performances that really help sell the movie. Kevin Kline as both Dave and President Mitchell was a brilliant dual performance, while both Sigourney Weaver as Ellen and Ving Rhames as Duane were fantastic. Frank Langella as Bob was a genuine jerkwad, and was easy to dislike, although Kevin Dunn as voice of reason Alan was much more likeable. Lastly, for his minimal screen time, Ben Kingsley as Vice President Nance was absolutely fantastic. All in all, a phenomenal political comedy, I'm giving Dave a rating of 4.5/5. 

        Alright guys, this is Chuck signing out, and I'll see you guys next time.