Directed by Ivan Reitman

The cast

Home run after home run. Kevin Kline is magic as Dave Kovic, a POTUS impersonator asked to step in after the real deal falls into a stroke-induced coma. Sigourney Weaver, who felt really different energy-wise than she does in so many other of her roles (or am I just forever stuck on Holes?), plays the First Lady.

Ving Rhames — a year before his much grittier Pulp Fiction outing — is a sweet-as-pie Secret Service agent and White House docent Bonnie Hunt‘s “We’re walking, we’re walking, and we’re stopping,” is on a mental loop for me forever.

The (unrealistic but so enjoyable) plot

If you walk away from this movie with one thing, it’ll be the feeling of wishing it was really that simple to fix what’s wrong with this country. If only we could transform the federal budget with common sense, or see a POTUS call a joint session to out some of the dirtiest rule-breakers on the hill. Or pass a jobs bill unheard of since the days of FDR!

This was the 90s, and still Dave makes you wonder if we’re too far gone to ever see a genuine, good-hearted everyman take the reins and make a difference. The answer might be yes, unfortunately — but here, for 90 minutes, you can live in that fantasy.

Final thoughts

This review was written in the wake of the historically contentious 2024 election, so it’s possible my longing for a simpler political landscape is overshadowing some realities, but this movie couldn’t have made for a better evening.

Ivan Reitman‘s direction of an idealized White House was lovely. Next time you’re looking for a breezy, sweet, well-done movie, I highly recommend spending some time with Dave.

This movie is good.

My rating: 4/5