In an attempt to save the country from the scandal, Dave, a young courageous and kind hearted man, who looks like the president, finds himself playing the role of the President, who enters in a coma, after having sex with one of his assistants.
Despite its predictability this is one of director Reitman's best films, a gentle satire which provides Kline with one of his most likeable characters.
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.
Despite the familiar echoes, the film works more often than it should. Without the charming Kevin Kline in two roles, plot problems would yawn like sinkholes.
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.
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.
Kline gives a tremendously likable performance as the ersatz president, and Sigourney Weaver brings charm and elegance to the role of First Lady who's as ignorant of the switcheroo as the rest of the country.
