Dave

source: Dave

Dave, starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver, represents a film taken from a far simpler time. Before we had Monica Lewinsky and before we had troops in Iraq it was possible to make a film such as this; one that didn't take itself too serious and showed political leaders as flawed and human individuals. Sadly this "capra-esque" type of quality I believe is hard to find in movies made today. The plot of this film is your typical "changing lives" type of genre that has been done in numerous situations over the years with either doubles (as was the case here) or with some supernatural body switching plot device (such as Freaky Friday, Dating the Enemy etc). Don't look to this film for anything more than what it is, a romantic comedy that is a little more off-beat than usual, but still very enjoyable

This is a funny movie with a good script and fine casting but there are things which don't jive with me. There are plenty of plot holes and goofs with the characters. There are fact issues with the script. There are continuity issues too. I won't dwell on them. It's a fun movie.

DAVE is a touching movie packed with a stellar cast & a solid moral plot. I would consider this the ultimate 'What if?' scenario. A less than respectable President is incapacitated & replaced by a look-a-like. Kevin Kline is perfectly cast in the titular role and brings with him bold innocence and honorable intentions. His version of the President restores hope and confidence to his country and the First Lady (Sigourney Weaver). I wish Kevin Kline made more movies ... or that there were better scripts for him to choose from ... because he is a real joy to watch on screen. With this performance he puts a face to one of his character's lines: "You don't really know how much you can do until you stand up and decide to try." Ving Rhames, Frank Langella, Charles Grodin, Kevin Dunn and Ben Kingsley turn in fantastic supporting roles in one of my 10 favorite films.

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.

The kind of Cinema Filmmaker Ivan Reitman, brings to his audience can be either loved or hated. His body of work is a mixed bag. However, a film like 'Dave', manages to get in it's audience right. It's a mature and interesting film, that also packs in some memorable performances working for it. 'Dave' tells the story of a common man, getting a Huge responsibility. Ivan Reitman captures the journey of this commoner with the required understanding, and the Screenplay by Gary Ross, which earned an Academy-Award Nomination, is note-worthy. Cinematography is good. Now to the performances: Kevin Kline is effective as 'Dave'. He explores his character from start to end. Sigourney Weaver is flawless, as always. Frank Langella has been better, while Kevin Dunn does his bit well. Ving Rhames is likable. Sir Ben Kingsley, in a brief role, leaves a mark. On the whole, 'Dave' is a decent watch. It surely can be viewed once!

A nice lighthearted film with solid performances from all the cast. It's a totally unbelievable story, but that doesn't retract from the enjoyment of watching Dave move into the shoes of the President and begin to turn things around. There's particular satisfaction in seeing him as he begins to take charge, and some of the scenes with Kevin Kline and Frank Langella make up for the sickly sweetness. If you fancy some lighthearted entertainment, then this is the ticket for you. (One of my Dad's favourite films.)

This is a neat film of a look alike replacing the president of the US. Along the way, his wife, played by Sigourney Weaver, realizes this new guy is too nice to be her husband and of course, isn't. The score is excellent, and has been used by Advertising campaigns (at least in the UK and Germany). Many real life characters abound such as Jay Leno, Oliver Stone, Larry King, US Senators and many others along the lines of their real lives and policies. A very nice movie with good acting. Very Englishman Ben Kingsley incredibly miscast as American Vice President (remember he was the one who played Gandhi), Frank Langella excellent as the Nemesis and Ving Rhames as secret agent protecting the president. Even John Holliman, CNN's correspondent who died in a traffic accident in 1998, appears as a real correspondent.

Rather coincidentally, this has a 6.8 rating on IMDb, and The American President also has 6.8 (this was made two years after Dave). Anyway, for me I loved Dave. The humor is gentle. Jason Reitman has a non-speaking role as the Vice-President's son.

They literally don't make them like this anymore. So much has changed since this movie was made - about Hollywood, about politics, about our capacity for optimism. But this movie channelled Capra in the best of ways. Kline is absolutely amazing, the script is great, the direction hits every beat. Even the most ridiculous moments - solving the federal budget over an hour long meeting or impassioned speeches that try slightly too hard - work. And they work well. I re-watched this with my 12 year old son, and he loved it too. Who wouldn't love a well made comedy that makes you want to believe again? They don't make them like this anymore...but I wish they did.