Watch Dave
- PG-13
- 1993
- 1 hr 50 min
-
6.9 (57,056)
Dave is a 1993 American political satire comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, and Frank Langella. The film follows Dave Kovell, a kind-hearted and sincere man who makes a living as a temp agency owner impersonating the President of the United States for events and appearances. However, his life takes a turn when the actual President suffers a stroke during a sexual encounter with his mistress and Dave is hired to keep up the charade while the Vice President and Chief of Staff scheme to maintain their hold on the White House.
Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline) is a regular guy who, by a sudden yet odd turn of fate, gets to play President of the United States. When the nation's Pres is knocked out of commission by a stroke, Dave is brought in to entertain and do the stuff that just can't wait until the real leader returns. But when he is given the order to cast aside the Vice President (Ben Kingsley) in favor of something more advantageous, Dave is shocked to see the often dehumanizing side of politics.
The film is a thoughtful and timely exploration of democracy in America, tackling issues of exploitation, corruption, and the power of wealth and influence over the government. Kevin Kline delivers an exceptional performance as Dave, who is just a normal guy who wants to do the right thing by the people he is supposed to be serving. Sigourney Weaver is also excellent in her role as First Lady Ellen Mitchell, who is initially charmed by Dave's idealism, but later falls for him when he shows his true colors. Frank Langella plays Bob Alexander, a political advisor and strategist who masterminds the President's schemes and has his own sinister agenda.
The film deftly balances humor and drama, showcasing the absurdity of politics while also exploring the genuine emotions and struggles of the characters. There are many laugh-out-loud moments throughout the film, particularly during Dave's scenes as the fake President, where he hilariously navigates the responsibilities and power of the White House. But the film also has heart, particularly in Dave's relationships with the White House staff, as well as his budding romance with the First Lady.
In addition to the outstanding performances by the lead cast, Dave also features an impressive supporting cast, including Ben Kingsley as Vice President Nance, Charles Grodin as Dave's best friend Murray, Ving Rhames as Secret Service agent Duane, and Laura Linney as White House tour guide Randi.
One of the film's most interesting aspects is how it depicts the President's power and whims through the lens of a "regular guy" who understands what it's like to live paycheck to paycheck. Dave's ideas for helping the country are not the work of a political insider, but rather the instincts of someone who has lived a life of struggle and wants to make things better for others. It's a refreshing take on the role of the President and how their daily decisions affect the lives of everyday people.
Overall, Dave is a delightful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique perspective on American politics. With its excellent cast, clever script, and timely message, it remains a favorite among movie lovers and political enthusiasts alike.
Dave is a 1993 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 76.