Dave 1993

Dave Kehr, Chicago Tribune: It's a beautifully proportioned, wonderfully complete movie. Read more

Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune: Dave has been directed by Ivan Reitman in a refreshingly restrained fashion -- there are plenty of quiet passages, rare for American movies these days -- which compliments Kevin Kline's wonderful work as well. Read more

Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times: Though replete with amusing situations and clever lines, its strongest suit is the delicately pitched comic performances of its actors, most especially star Kevin Kline. Read more

Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel: Kline is so polished and resourceful that he can glide his way through even the creakiest bits and make them seem fresh. Read more

Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer: While it's sloppy and draggy in parts, Kevin Kline, in the title role, delivers an ingratiating comedic performance. Read more

Jeff Shannon, Seattle Times: 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. Read more

Janet Maslin, New York Times: In spite of this sogginess, and despite a self-congratulatory, do-gooder streak that the film discovers within Dave, this comedy remains bright and buoyant much of the way through. Read more

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: An overall mood of sweetness may help one to forgive the archaic and childish aspects of the would-be analysis, which splits everyone between angels and devils. Read more

Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly: For all its modest charm, Dave is a true throwback to the Capra days, a political comedy just cockeyed enough to triumph over cynicism. Read more

Terrence Rafferty, New Yorker: After the promisingly nasty beginning, the filmmakers settle into a sort of campaign mode, lulling and flattering the audience with a fairy-tale vision of the common man's victory over the Washington establishment. Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: A highly-enjoyable, fresh, and energetic motion picture that even the most hard-bitten cynic will be hard-pressed to condemn. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: Wonderful lighthearted entertainment. Read more

Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine: A genial, expertly played political comedy proves that the spirit of Mr. Smith still lives. Read more

Stephen Garrett, Time Out: A buoyant comedy in the Capra tradition. Read more

Brian Lowry, Variety: A delightful, buoyant new take on an old theme. Read more

Desson Thomson, Washington Post: Will hit the warm, gushy spot for a lot of people. Read more

Rita Kempley, Washington Post: Offers feel-good guffaws. Read more