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Dave

Play trailer Poster for Dave PG-13 Released May 7, 1993 1h 50m Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Dave

Dave

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review James B Masterful romcom with a political twist and plenty of fantasy. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/10/25 Full Review 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 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

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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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Dave

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Movie Info

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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