When someone asks me to name the best film directed by Ivan Reitman, I immediately respond with 1993’s political comedy Dave.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Aug 4, 2023

Layering this sweet comedic story with some sharp, editorial barbs, screenwriter Gary Ross has fashioned an engaging, brainy comedy.

| May 8, 2018

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.

| Feb 19, 2018

A genial, expertly played political comedy proves that the spirit of Mr. Smith still lives.

| Aug 2, 2013

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.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Aug 2, 2013

While it's sloppy and draggy in parts, Kevin Kline, in the title role, delivers an ingratiating comedic performance.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 2, 2013

Kline is so polished and resourceful that he can glide his way through even the creakiest bits and make them seem fresh.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Aug 2, 2013

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.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Aug 2, 2013

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.

| Aug 2, 2013

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.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 2, 2013

It's a beautifully proportioned, wonderfully complete movie.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Aug 2, 2013

For all its modest charm, Dave is a true throwback to the Capra days, a political comedy just cockeyed enough to triumph over cynicism.

| Original Score: B+ | Sep 7, 2011

Although its politics may be shaky, this comedy still works thank to the charm of Kline and an excellent supporting cast.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 2, 2009

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.

| Feb 2, 2009

A buoyant comedy in the Capra tradition.

| Jan 26, 2006

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.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | May 20, 2003

Charming comedy.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 24, 2002

[Mixes] comedy and corn with surprising savvy.

Full Review | May 12, 2001

A delightful, buoyant new take on an old theme.

Full Review | Feb 13, 2001

Pulls off the impressive feat of blending old-fashioned romance with gentle comedy and a sprinkling of modern satire.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 1, 2000