Dave

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Dave

PG-13

Released May 7, 1993

1h 50m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

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

Full Review

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

Full Review

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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Landon J

Really not a bad late night movie. Definitely charming and optimistic. Some laughs, some heart string moments. Overall entertaining enough. Worth a watch for sure.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

08/24/25

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Matt C

I'm usually not a fan of rom-com films. Dave is the exception.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/26/25

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william s

A classic 90s high concept movie that, despite it's unbelievable premise, remains earnest, charming and surprisingly convincing. A feel-good movie that manages to make politics enjoyable, and has you wholeheartedly rooting for our main guy Dave. I wish we had more of these kinds of movies today.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/18/25

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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

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: Warner Brothers, Northern Lights Entertainment, Donner/Schuler-Donner
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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