Review of The American President (1995) by Stuart K — 25 Apr 2009
Rob Reiner has moved back and forth between doing comedies like Spinal Tap and Princess Bride and serious films such as Misery and A Few Good Men. Here, he made a bit of both, a gentle romantic comedy-drama about how hard it is being the most powerful man in the world.
It follows U.S. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), a Democrat and a widower as well, he's also up for a re-election soon, he has a 63% approval rating, and his career hangs in the balance over a crime bill which is on the verge of going through Congress.
However, matters are complicated when Shepherd meets environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), and he ends up falling in love with Wade, much to the annoyance of Shepherd's closest aides, including Chief of Staff A.
J. MacInerney (Martin Sheen) and Domestic Policy adviser Lewis Rothschild (a scene stealing Michael J. Fox), but to the delight of Republican rival Senator Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss). It's a gentle and amusing little film, it's humour coming out of quirky dialogue and situations, but it has good performances to it's credit, and it's a breezy affair.
Frank Capra would have been proud of this film.
This review of The American President (1995) was written by Stuart K on 25 Apr 2009.
The American President has generally received positive reviews.
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