Dave

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Dave

PG-13

Released May 7, 1993

1h 50m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

95%

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62 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Shifty White House chief of staff Bob Alexander (Frank Langella) hatches a scheme to use a double for the president (Kevin Kline) at a public photo opportunity. Small business owner Dave Kovic (Kline) fits the bill, but after the president suffers a debilitating stroke, opportunist Alexander arranges for Dave to step in full time without even informing the First Lady (Sigourney Weaver). It doesn't take long before the press, the nation and the president's wife realize something is different.

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Critics Consensus

Ivan Reitman's refreshingly earnest political comedy benefits from an understated, charming script and a breezy performance by Kevin Kline.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

When someone asks me to name the best film directed by Ivan Reitman, I immediately respond with 1993’s political comedy Dave.

Rated: 4/4

Aug 4, 2023

Full Review

Duane Byrge

The Hollywood Reporter

Layering this sweet comedic story with some sharp, editorial barbs, screenwriter Gary Ross has fashioned an engaging, brainy comedy.

May 8, 2018

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David Ansen

Newsweek

It's the spritely comic timing of the fine Hollywood ensemble that keeps Dave percolating. This affable, well-built comedy is Reitman's best since Ghostbusters.

Feb 19, 2018

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Michael Clark

Epoch Times

Pulls off the rare feat of being rooted in politics without displaying any partisanship. Sophisticated but relatable and smart, it is a comedy with endless charm and an ability to impart a common sense message without standing on a soap box doing so.

Rated: 4.5/5

Mar 6, 2022

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Joe Leydon

The Moving Picture Show

"Dave" is the very model of a modern Capraesque comedy, being the story of a little guy who triumphs, through pluck and luck, over a corrupt system.

Oct 26, 2020

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

It's a high-concept premise that's employed to watchable yet erratic effect by Ivan Reitman...

Rated: 3/4

Jan 16, 2019

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alan g

Too many plot holes to really enjoy but the actors give it a real try. You really have to suspend belief to watch.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/16/25

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James B

Masterful romcom with a political twist and plenty of fantasy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/10/25

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Ed L

How can anybody not love this film? it's pure gold: hugely funny and deeply moving. And what a cast! I watch it every year or so, and it never gets old. Maybe partly because politics keeps getting worse and worse. I'm still amazed a film about politics is in my top handful of favourites.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/09/25

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Ken R

Thoroughly enjoyable movie from beginning to end- Kevin Kline excellent- Watch if you want to escape for a couple hours

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/14/24

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Derek F

Rubbish. Just fast forward to the last scene, throw up in you mouth a little bit, and save yourself 1 1/2 hours.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

12/06/23

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Abe C

Dave is a truly fun and enjoyable movie, and despite its age (30 years since it was released), it's a highly rewatchable and and entertaining movie to this day. Kevin Kline (who portrays both President Bill Mitchell and our titular protagonist Dave Kovic) at his finest during the funniest times of the movie and equally powerful at the dramatic scenes as well. The supporting cast is very capable and incredible... Sigourney Weaver the First Lady, Eleanor Mitchell, provides the strength and heart. Frank Langella as Chief-of-Staff Bob Alexander, has the gravitas to be the perfect antagonist. His sidekick Alan Reed (portrayed by Kevin Dunn) is a good/bad communications director. Ving Rhames (pre MI movie days) as Duane, the secret service agent, provides perhaps my favorite scene in the 3rd act. Charles Grodin as Murray, Dave's friend and often employment destination for his temp agency's clients. Ben Kingsley, as ever, with his presence (albeit in very short scenes) as the VP. Plus pre-famous Laura Linney and Bonnie Hunt, are there as bonus finds, too. Director Ivan Reitman made a truly wonderful movie that's as classic and as timely as it still is today. While I know it's being idealistic, and this is a piece of fiction, the things that happen in the end with Dave as the president and subsequently as a potential councilman was quite a nice ending. And Duane at the end!!! Hahaha a nice mic drop.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/17/23

Full Review

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Ivan Reitman

Director

Kevin Kline

Dave Kovic

Sigourney Weaver

First Lady Ellen Mitchell

Frank Langella

White House Chief of Staff Bob Alexander

Ben Kingsley

Vice President Gary Nance

Kevin Dunn

Alan Reed, White House Communications Director

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Synopsis

Shifty White House chief of staff Bob Alexander (Frank Langella) hatches a scheme to use a double for the president (Kevin Kline) at a public photo opportunity. Small business owner Dave Kovic (Kline) fits the bill, but after the president suffers a debilitating stroke, opportunist Alexander arranges for Dave to step in full time without even informing the First Lady (Sigourney Weaver). It doesn't take long before the press, the nation and the president's wife realize something is different.

Director: Ivan Reitman
Producer: Ivan Reitman, Lauren Shuler Donner
Screenwriter: Gary Ross
Distributor: Argentina Video Home, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Donner/Schuler-Donner, Northern Lights Entertainment, Warner Brothers
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 7, 1993, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $61.0M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Surround

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