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Movie Review
Apr. 12th, 2015 10:52 amI rewatched this movie this week and was reminded why it is one of my favorites and an absolute go-to when I need something amusing and soothing. I'm usually horrified by romantic comedies, and this is verging in that arena, but I see it more as a human nature/politics/gentle comedy with excellent casting, delightful acting, and hilarious cameos by actual politicians and media types. The movie? Dave.
Dave is the story of the ultimate Everyman who just happens to resemble the current President of the United States--a resemblance that Dave uses to augment his salary (running an employment agency) through "mock celebrity" appearances at car dealerships and whatnot. One day he is recruited by the Secret Service (including the most awesome Ving Rhames) as a stand-in for the President, who likes to sneak away from major fundraisers to have affairs with his aides (in this case, the also awesome Laura Linney).
In the midst, the President suffers a major stroke, and Dave is whisked to the White House to continue his stand-in duties so that his chief of staff, played by the fabulously evil Frank Langella, can continue his puppet-mastering to his own way to the Presidency.
Dave is game and excited for the opportunity, bemused at the horrible relations between the President and the First Lady (Sigourney Weaver, who else?), and gradually more and more shocked and alarmed at the cynicism and corruption all around him. Through his natural sociability, ebullience, and humane values, he sets about to "fix things."
It tugs on those heartstrings that believe in an optimistic future, that politics can be used for good, but it's not as simplistic as it sounds. Because one of the twists is that it's also not fair to be an imposter, however well intended, and that ultimately one has to pay one's dues, even to do good.
Favorite scenes? Oh so many. Any scene where Dave is winning the hearts of people ("I once caught a fish This Big!"), showing off his ease, like in the sandwich scene. All the moments when he shows how starstruck he is to be in the White House. The little clever elements, such as establishing early that he is naturally good at names, which comes in handy later during prep for a cabinet meeting. The ongoing humor of his sad-sack pal, the accountant. The moment during the meeting in Congress when you realize what the plan is. The effective montage as time passes near the end of the movie, that clearly establishes the final scene. The soundtrack is quite wonderful, with that swelling gusto. And again, did I mention the casting and the acting? Each character is distinct and engaging, even including the hilarious turns by various senators and congresspeople, some poking gentle fun at themselves. How about Oliver Stone and his conspiracy theory!
This is a tale of politics, innocence, corruption, and ultimate realization of the importance of staying human, staying humble, and working for good. And romance. Yes, there is romance. But sappy as that sounds, the real gift of the movie is in its smart humor. Watch it, you'll see.
My rating? Madly clapping Little Man, of course!
Dave is the story of the ultimate Everyman who just happens to resemble the current President of the United States--a resemblance that Dave uses to augment his salary (running an employment agency) through "mock celebrity" appearances at car dealerships and whatnot. One day he is recruited by the Secret Service (including the most awesome Ving Rhames) as a stand-in for the President, who likes to sneak away from major fundraisers to have affairs with his aides (in this case, the also awesome Laura Linney).In the midst, the President suffers a major stroke, and Dave is whisked to the White House to continue his stand-in duties so that his chief of staff, played by the fabulously evil Frank Langella, can continue his puppet-mastering to his own way to the Presidency.
Dave is game and excited for the opportunity, bemused at the horrible relations between the President and the First Lady (Sigourney Weaver, who else?), and gradually more and more shocked and alarmed at the cynicism and corruption all around him. Through his natural sociability, ebullience, and humane values, he sets about to "fix things."
It tugs on those heartstrings that believe in an optimistic future, that politics can be used for good, but it's not as simplistic as it sounds. Because one of the twists is that it's also not fair to be an imposter, however well intended, and that ultimately one has to pay one's dues, even to do good.
Favorite scenes? Oh so many. Any scene where Dave is winning the hearts of people ("I once caught a fish This Big!"), showing off his ease, like in the sandwich scene. All the moments when he shows how starstruck he is to be in the White House. The little clever elements, such as establishing early that he is naturally good at names, which comes in handy later during prep for a cabinet meeting. The ongoing humor of his sad-sack pal, the accountant. The moment during the meeting in Congress when you realize what the plan is. The effective montage as time passes near the end of the movie, that clearly establishes the final scene. The soundtrack is quite wonderful, with that swelling gusto. And again, did I mention the casting and the acting? Each character is distinct and engaging, even including the hilarious turns by various senators and congresspeople, some poking gentle fun at themselves. How about Oliver Stone and his conspiracy theory!
This is a tale of politics, innocence, corruption, and ultimate realization of the importance of staying human, staying humble, and working for good. And romance. Yes, there is romance. But sappy as that sounds, the real gift of the movie is in its smart humor. Watch it, you'll see.
My rating? Madly clapping Little Man, of course!
