The American President (1995)
"Two enthusiastic thumbs up! Very smart, very funny." - Siskel and Ebert
Boy meets girl - and the press tracks their every move, rivals fire broadsides and a Presidency with 63% popularity rating plunges to 41% in seven weeks. When you're the President everyone knows where you live. Michael Douglas portrays the widower Chief Executive who falls for a lobbyist (Annette Bening), then freefalls in the polls in this winning romantic comedy directed by Rob Reiner. Bustling staff members (Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, David Paymer, Anna Devere Smith), a sneering opponent (Richard Dreyfuss), state dinners, formal protocol, informal moments, global crises - all come into focus as Reiner and his stars explore the balance between private romance and public Presidency.
Member Reviews
Solid romantic comedy as written by Aaron Sorkin. - estefan
It's interesting to see a romantic comedy by Aaron Sorkin, but his strong writing skills are still very much in the forefront here despite using the typical conventions of the genre. Michael Douglas also makes the title president a likeable man whose decisions all make sense and it's understandable how he got elected into office. On the opposite side of spectrum, Annette Bening brought nothing to her character and I just didn't care for her which really harmed the film. Nonetheless, a well-written screenplay and a strong lead performance helps elevate the film to being an entertaining one.Sweet and endearing - MVBF
A headstrong lobbyist (Benning) falls in love with the widower President (Douglas) and becomes "the President's girlfriend". Martin Sheen, Richard Dreyfus, and Michael J. Fox provide supporting roles that fill out the political aspect of the film, but it is, at heart, a sweet and endearing love story. Benning bumbling and nervous energy in the White House is believable and Douglas' calm, altruistic demeanor is perfect for his role as Andrew Shephard. Watch it with your sweetheart!Great film - nickell
Sweet and sassy. Annette and Michael light up the screen in this family friendly take on love, power and the president. Comedic at times dramatic in others this movie has a little bit of everything for those looking for a light hearted film that won’t require covering the kids eyes as you enjoy.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Solid romantic comedy as written by Aaron Sorkin. - estefan
It's interesting to see a romantic comedy by Aaron Sorkin, but his strong writing skills are still very much in the forefront here despite using the typical conventions of the genre. Michael Douglas also makes the title president a likeable man whose decisions ...Sweet and endearing - MVBF
A headstrong lobbyist (Benning) falls in love with the widower President (Douglas) and becomes "the President's girlfriend". Martin Sheen, Richard Dreyfus, and Michael J. Fox provide supporting roles that fill out the political aspect of the film, but it is, ...Great film - nickell
Sweet and sassy. Annette and Michael light up the screen in this family friendly take on love, power and the president. Comedic at times dramatic in others this movie has a little bit of everything for those looking for a light hearted film that won’t require ...