Review: Dave

Year: 1993
Genre: Comedy
Stars: Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella Kevin Dunn & Ben Kingsley
Director: Ivan Reitman

Overview: Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline) is a good-natured temp agency operator who looks a lot like philandering President Bill Mitchell (Also Kevin Kline). Recruited to attend an event as the President while Mitchell has a roll in the hay with his secretary, Dave is suddenly put into political office after Mitchell is put into a coma. Though he first tries to fill the President's shoes, Dave soon shuffles off his puppeteers and attempts to make a few changes at the bewilderment of Chief of Staff Bob Alexander (Frank Langella).

Writing: Despite its hokey high concept, Dave is a beautifully written screenplay that hones in on the populist fervor of Frank Capra's best. Surprisingly unlike Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Dave was actually accepted by many in the political establishment and featured cameos ranging from Democratic Senators Christopher Dodd and Paul Simon to conservative pundit Robert Novak and future Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The underlying themes in Dave however are not entirely serviced with the films aw-shucks approach. Dave as President Mitchell at one point introduces a comprehensive jobs bill that while warms the cockles is light on details. Still no one can expect a film about responsible politics can actually give answers to complex problems. Even if it did, who'd want to watch?

Directing: Ivan Reitman's approach to comedy is vaudevillian at heart, featuring gags that are neither gross, mean spirited or crass. The real challenge given the script was holding back the silliness so as not to belay the films more serious moments. Reitman manages to tread the minefield he has sullied before but in this case it is more a testament to the acting than the directing.

Acting: Kevin Kline has made a long and illustrious career from playing the well meaning fool. While there may not be nothing new in this movie Kline still manages to entertain. Sigourney Weaver has a tough job playing the emotionally distant first lady Ellen and her ignorance of the switch isn't entirely believable. Still the chemistry between Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver is electric and gently drifts from hatred to love without getting overtly schmaltzy. Frank Langella is simply irreproachable as the opportunistic Chief of Staff as he comes to loath Dave's industrious nature and sunny disposition. Ben Kingsley, as always gives the movie much needed heft as Vice President making his one precious scene the nutritious part of Dave's candy coated political message.

Bankability: Dave features well known actors and has the breakneck pacing essential to modern cinema. Popular in its release Dave was nominated for two Golden Globes and an Academy Award. This movie would be a special treat to politcos who will be drawn in by its progressive message while simultaneously taking shots at the Clinton Administration.

ALL-Factor: There once was an article written nostalgic of the political satires released during the Clinton years versus the Bush years. It argued that movies like American Dreamz and W. are less considered than Wag the Dog and Primary Colors. While the later were critical of the possesses and corruptions of power while eluding to the man in the round room, the former are more personal pot-shots at the man and less cohesive as to their points. Dave is one of those later films. Considered, light and most importantly funny, Dave is assessable to all.

Conclusion: I could not more emphatically recommend this film to those looking for a fun movie to rent. It is lighthearted, humorous and has a valid view of power and the men and women who strive for it.