Dave (1993)
85%RT Audience Score: 72%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
2 wins & 6 nominations total
Ivan Reitman’s refreshingly earnest political comedy benefits from an understated, charming script and a breezy performance by Kevin Kline
Dave” is the perfect movie for anyone who wants to see a little guy triumph over a corrupt system, all while delivering some sharp political commentary. Kevin Kline is hilarious in the title role, and the rest of the Hollywood ensemble keeps the laughs coming. It’s a Capraesque comedy that’s both sophisticated and relatable, with a common sense message that never feels preachy. Plus, it’s the best thing Ivan Reitman has done since Ghostbusters. So if you’re in the mood for a feel-good movie that’s also smart and funny, “Dave” is the way to go.
Production Company(ies)
Romaine Film Corporation,
Distributor
Warner Bros., Argentina Video Home
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
State Capitol, Capitol Square – Ninth & Grace Streets, Richmond, Virginia, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for momentary language and a sexual situation
Year of Release
1993
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby Stereo
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:1h 50m
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Language(s):English, Spanish
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): May 7, 1993 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 2, 2007
Genre(s)
Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella, Ben Kingsley, Kevin Dunn, Ving Rhames, directed by Ivan Reitman, written by Gary Ross, political comedy, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Duane Byrge, David Ansen, Richard Schickel, Jeff Shannon, Steven Rea, Jay Boyar, Michael Clark, Joe Leydon, Danielle Solzman, Quentin Curtis, PG-13, White House, president, First Lady, Chief of Staff, Vice President, Secret Service Agent, small business owner, political satire, double for the president, stroke, corruption, comedy-drama, Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., political impersonation, political intrigue, political crisis, political manipulation, political power, political scandal, political corruption, political ethics, political commentary, political message, political system, political thriller, political drama, political satire, political humor, political correctness, political correctness gone mad, political correctness satire, political correctness humor, political correctness comedy, political correctness critique, political correctness debate, political correctness controversy, political correctness politics, political correctness social commentary, political correctness social satire, political correctness social critique, political correctness social debate, political correctness social controversy, political correctness social politics, political correctness social issues, political correctness social justice, political correctness social change, political correctness social commentary, political correctness social satire, political correctness social critique, political correctness social debate, political correctness social controversy, political correctness social politics, political correctness social issues, political correctness social justice, political correctness social change
Worldwide gross: $63,270,710
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $131,429,410
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 895
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 14,332,542
US/Canada gross: $63,270,710
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $131,429,410
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 580
US/Canada opening weekend: $7,306,755
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $15,177,995
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 782
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $28,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $58,163,145
Production budget ranking: 700
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $31,320,854
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $41,945,412
ROI to date (est.): 47%
ROI ranking: 1,167
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
Ving Rhames – Secret Service Agent Duane Stevenson
Director(s)
Ivan Reitman
Writer(s)
Gary Ross
Producer(s)
Ivan Reitman, Lauren Shuler Donner
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
2 wins & 6 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (61) | Top Critics (24) | Fresh (58) | Rotten (3)
Layering this sweet comedic story with some sharp, editorial barbs, screenwriter Gary Ross has fashioned an engaging, brainy comedy.
May 8, 2018
Duane Byrge
Hollywood Reporter
TOP CRITIC
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.
February 19, 2018
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
A genial, expertly played political comedy proves that the spirit of Mr. Smith still lives.
August 2, 2013
Richard Schickel
TIME Magazine
TOP CRITIC
It’s impossible to say whether Dave will play as wonderfully over the decades as it does right now, but this smooth-as-silk comedy could not be more timely, or connect more hopefully with our current national consciousness.
August 2, 2013 | Rating: 4/4
Jeff Shannon
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
While it’s sloppy and draggy in parts, Kevin Kline, in the title role, delivers an ingratiating comedic performance.
August 2, 2013 | Rating: 2.5/4
Steven Rea
Philadelphia Inquirer
TOP CRITIC
Kline is so polished and resourceful that he can glide his way through even the creakiest bits and make them seem fresh.
August 2, 2013 | Rating: 3/5
Jay Boyar
Orlando Sentinel
TOP CRITIC
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.
March 6, 2022 | Rating: 4.5/5
Michael Clark
Epoch Times
“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.
October 26, 2020
Joe Leydon
The Moving Picture Show
It’s a high-concept premise that’s employed to watchable yet erratic effect by Ivan Reitman…
January 16, 2019 | Rating: 3/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
Paying an homage to the prior work of the great Frank Capra, Dave offers a fresh contemporary take on a classic trope.
February 19, 2018
Danielle Solzman
Solzy at the Movies
It’s opportunistic, superficial, and great fun.
December 7, 2017
Quentin Curtis
Independent on Sunday
[A] delightful, gentle satire on the Washington political scene.
August 2, 2013 | Rating: 4/5
John Ferguson
Radio Times…
Plot
Bill Mitchell is the philandering and distant President of the United States. Dave Kovic is a sweet-natured and caring Temp Agency operator, who by a staggering coincidence looks exactly like the President. As such, when Mitchell wants to escape an official luncheon, the Secret Service hires Dave to stand in for him. Unfortunately, Mitchell suffers a severe stroke whilst having sex with one of his aides, and Dave finds himself stuck in the role indefinitely. The corrupt and manipulative Chief of Staff, Bob Alexander, plans to use Dave to elevate himself to the White House – but unfortunately, he doesn’t count on Dave enjoying himself in office, using his luck to make the country a better place, and falling in love with the beautiful First Lady…
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Kevin Kline delivers an “ingratiating comedic performance” in Dave, according to critic Steven Rea.
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