Review of Dave

Dave (1993)
8/10
Dave Steps Up To The Plate
23 August 2014
Historically, I have been very critical of movies that contain events that are logically impossible. Because of the charm, wit and kind heart of this picture, I am willing to dismiss any and all elements that may seem more-than-unlikely in Dave. This is how much I think of this film.

I was introduced to Kevin Kline two years prior, in the excellent romp Soapdish, and to Sigourney Weaver five years prior, in Gorillas In The Mist. Both thespians became favorites because of these movies.

Charles Grodin is my favorite straight man, and I laughed out loud at his scenes. I have been a fan of his since 1987's Ishtar. Kingsley is an actor capable of great depth, and I admired the restraint of great emotion he displayed as V.P.

It was great to see Helen Thomas. We all miss her.

Although Dave is mostly light-hearted and enjoyable, there is a serious aspect to it: It portrays the seedy underside of D.C. politics, in particular, those of the executive branch: Can chiefs-of-staff, prominent aides-de-camp or lobbyists for "foreign" governments really run the show, with the president being just a figure-head? Could a coup take place by events similar to those in Dave?

Not exactly, but it is worth thinking about.

The scene where Klein (as the president) sits and talks with a boy in a homeless shelter was excellent, as was Weaver's well-reserved show of support for it.

The ending is ingenious and unexpected. Brilliant.

Dave is entertaining-yet-inspiring. It is both frightening in its implications and emboldening in the moral capacity and expression there-of shown not only by the pseudo-president, but by most of those in his closest circle.

I think we need something like the events depicted in Dave to happen in real-life. Then again, if we somehow found ourselves in the graces of a moral president, he or she would probably find themself immobilized or worse by pervasive greed, corruption and decay. The movie Dave shows us that there is always hope. Just don't let the light go out.
5 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed