- Film Review
- Reviewed By John Ferguson
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4 out of 5
Ghost Busters and Evolution director Ivan Reitman isn't known for his subtlety, but there's nothing crass about this delightful, gentle satire on the Washington political scene. Part-time presidential impersonator Kevin Kline is drafted into the White House when the real president suffers a stroke. However, he soon begins to get a taste for the job, much to the horror of shifty White House aide Frank Langella. Kline is excellent as both the naive stand-in and the ruthless president, while Sigourney Weaver is fine, too, as the bitter First Lady who begins to see her "husband" in a new light. The supporting cast also can't be faulted: as well as Langella, there are lovely turns from Ben Kingsley, Ving Rhames and Charles Grodin. The real-life American politicians who make cameo appearances won't mean much to British audiences, but look out for Oliver Stone, playing himself, who's desperately trying to convince a disbelieving chat-show host that there is another White House conspiracy afoot.
Plot Summary
Political comedy starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver. Baltimore businessman Dave Kovic bears such a striking resemblance to the President of the United States that he is occasionally called upon to do impersonations. But when the President suffers a stroke while Dave is standing-in for him at a reception, he is forced into acting the role for longer than he planned.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Dave Kovic / President Bill Mitchell
- Kevin Kline
- Ellen Mitchell
- Sigourney Weaver
- Bob Alexander
- Frank Langella
- Alan Reed
- Kevin Dunn
- Duane Stevenson
- Ving Rhames
- Vice-President Nance
- Ben Kingsley
- Murray Blum
- Charles Grodin
- Alice
- Faith Prince
- Randi
- Laura Linney
- White House tour guide
- Bonnie Hunt
Crew
- Director
- Ivan Reitman
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