Rating: 
Summary: Prequel to the West Wing
Review: This film will most likely be seen by many as an predecessor to the West Wing since they were both written by the talented Aaron Sorkin. Also notice how Martin Sheem appeared in this film as the chief of staff and then later makes an appearance in the West Wing as President Jed Bartlett. I remeber watching this film when it first shown and i still remeber the scene where Michael Douglas buys a bunch of Flowers for Anette Benning, only for the shop steward to faint when she realises the President is in her shop. Its an great film and one of those where you can just sit down and watch. But it also proves viewing if you're a die-hard West Wing fan like me and enjoys seeing its origins.
Rating: 
Summary: The loneliest job . . .
Review: This film makes a serious effort to tackle a serious subject. How far may the electorate intrude on a public figure's private life? Michael Douglas' role of Andrew Sheppard is a modern reflection of Woodrow Wilson's nearly state-secret marriage in the latter days of his presidency. Douglas' portrayal reflects an equivalent political scene, as well. Wilson struggled with the biggest issue of his day, the League of Nations. Sheppard is seeking passage of environmental legislation. Both, confronted with the need to compromise, are in vulnerable positions. As so often with American politics, the public are led by unscrupulous politicians to overlook serious issues and target incumbents with tainted personal considerations. Wilson scandalized America with his marriage. Even later historians credited Mrs Wilson with forcing policies she favoured through an ill, weakened president. Douglas carries his role quite suitably. He's a far cry from the austere Wilson, portraying Sheppard with a Kennedyesque panache. He amply demonstrates what a president must endure in having vital legislation adopted. The "Crime Bill" episode is reminiscent of the Kennedy brothers' efforts to curb Mafia power in the 1960s. There is just enough of the daughter's presence to keep that issue before us, but the apparent limited age distance between her and Bening makes one wonder what this would to after the Banns are published. Douglas' initial efforts to court Bening superbly demonstrate the constraints the world's most powerful figure operates in, the florist call being one of the finer sequences. Reiner is able to balance the personal with the political. Bening's presence is more commanding than a legislative document, but her performance as a lobbyist is strong enough to keep the real issue before us. The screenplay falls just short of being truly expressive on issues. That may come, someday. Michael J. Fox and Martin Sheen [especially the latter] turn in strong performances as presidential advisors. Sheen is vividly realistic as the long-term counsel, but Fox comes through in a climatic scene urging Sheppard to reverse an attitude. Richard Dreyfuss, however, turns in a very special performance as the petty-minded Kansas senator. Whether this is Reiner's personal assault on Bob Dole is irrelevant. Reiner deftly exposes how low American politics can sink in the hands of the uncaring. The contrast is vividly displayed in Douglas' lament over the innocent people he must destroy in exercising policy curbing terrorism. He carries it off with fine credibility. In the last analysis, this is a film worth having and re-viewing. It has a timeless quality, reflecting the feeling of hope we once had about what a human being a president could be. Perhaps it will come again.
Rating:
Summary: Good movie, but...........biased political views.
Review: This really has the makings of a great movie. Michael Douglas is great as the President, and Annette Bening is typically stunning in her role as his lobbyist-girlfried. Unfortunately, the story is sullied by the intrusion of the director's political views into the storyline. Rob Reiner makes a potent attempt to destroy the character of the real-life Senator Bob Dole by making his prinicpal villain in the movie a Republican senator from Kansas with presidential ambitions. It is quite a shame that this potentially great movie was tainted by partisan politics.
Rating: 
Summary: It couldn't be better than this...
Review: Wow! This is going to be one of my all time favorite movies. Last semester in my senior government class my teacher showed this movie because it illustrates the seven different roles that a president must fulfill. I was absent on the last day and just had to rent it to see the end. Aside from the education factor, the movie is wonderful. The cinematography is great, the actors are great, it's all great! I'm not really old enough to be familliar with the actors in it, but they were so convincing in each of their roles...right down to the daughter. I appreciate that she looked like a normal kid and not like someone from MTV. The movie is a bit predicatable, but that is part of what makes romantic comedy so great. It's the warm fuzzies you get when the good guy gets the girl. My favorite part is right before the end when at the end of his speech he says, "My name is Alan Shepard and I am the president." My whole class cheered then, because during the rest of the movie the other candidate would say at the end of all his speeches, "My name is Bob Whatever, and I'm running for president." It was like, take that Bob! If you haven't seen this movie yet ,get in your car, drive to circuit city, and buy it. It's only twelve bucks, and it will surely become one of your favorites too. This ranks up there with One Fine Day.
Rating:
Summary: Almost a top 10 for not the heavy bias
Review: I, like many others here, really liked this movie. From the opening credits with a rich, presidential (although the Democrat leanings even begin here) score to the sharpness of the daily White House precision to the tough lobbying activities to the comfy-cozy apartment of Sydney Wade (Bening) and her sister to the fantasy courtship ride of a popular President who happens to be a witty and charming widower. Rob Reiner cuts a clean film which must have been easy with such outstanding script and acting talent at his disposal. I watched it back to back and the only thing leaving a sour taste in my mouth was the blatant Democratic party platform grandstanding. Obviously, each political party is passionate about their issues but I felt the movie "Dave" did a better job of blending liberal politics with a similar fantasy theme.
Rating:
Summary: Why do I like this?
Review: This is /SO/ not the kind of thing I watch. Which makes the fact that it's one of my favorite movies that much stranger. Nonetheless, it's very well written and the acting is faboo.
Rating:
Summary: The life of the most powerful man in the world.
Review: Very good movie. It made me imagine what life was like in the white house. Not only was it ongoing drama, but also educational as one could learn what each person's job was in the white house. The love angle with the President and Annette Benning was comical and interesting. Michael Douglas made a great President.
Rating:
Summary: Not at all what I expected...
Review: I expected a movie about a President that falls in love with Annette Bening and what actually happens is this is a brilliant overview of what our President (any one) does on a day to day basis. Good acting (especially Michael J Fox and Michael Douglas) and direction (Rob Reiner). If you liked Dave and the Candidate I HIGHLY recommend this one.
Rating:
Summary: Date Night Great
Review: This is one of those movies that I turn to when I need a "couple" pick up. My husband and I pop this in when we are looking for an old favorite with great lines that we can recite from memory. I find myself quoting the movie and having others say "Oh I know that movie - I loved it"). The word play between the principles is sharp and to the point. I reminds me of how a relationship between equals can be. It is so refreshing to see strong female roles - a woman that has a point of view and whom people look to for direction and authority. The outcome maybe fanciful and idealic but it certainly leaves the viewer with the warm fuzzies.
Rating:
Summary: Sparkling comedy that will bring a smile to your lips :)
Review: There are two romantic comedies in the 1990s that made a big impression on myself; one of them is with what's even known in this side of the world as the Queen of American Romantic Comedies, Meg Ryan in "Sleepless in Seattle"; and the other's "The American President". The motion picture's received some criticism for Michael Douglas' President Andrew Shepherd, that perhaps this president's just a little too good to be true. But it didn't bother myself as it may have for others; and what's wrong with a little fantasy thrown into a romantic comedy like this one? Douglas is himself supported by an excellent cast that not only offers variety in character personalities but also in acting styles; with special nods to Martin Sheen, Samantha Mathis and Michael J. Fox. The true star of this picture, in my opinion, however is Annette Bening. She sparkles, has a thoroughly likable character, and possesses an infectious laugh that may just bring about that chuckle in yourself too. There is also a wonderful score written by Marc Shaiman, part of which was used to extremely good effect in the trailer of Saving Private Ryan not too long ago. All in all, despite the rather hasty ending at the end- the only real flaw that detracted just a little from the overall experience- the movie was a delightful two hour comedy that I've watched many, many repeated times. And like Sleepless, it's never failed to bring forward a smile. :)
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