The American President (1995) User Reviews

Rob Reiner & Aaron Sorkin Channel Frank Capra

[Instant_Palmer · 8/10 · 28 January 2019]

Aaron Sorkin sets a snappy pace for this classic romance/comedy/Cinderella Story, utilizing the White House, the President, and his staff as the conduit for his dialogue writing prowess.

Clearly, this film helped influence the creation of 'The West Wing' TV Series four years later, even using the same Oval Office set shown in this film. The sets and atmosphere are presented in immaculate detail, and authentic looking, surpassing anything ever portrayed in film other than the Whitehouse itself. I've been in the real Whitehouse, including the Oval Office, and have also sat at the faux Resolute desk on the set of West Wing (same desk used in this film). There was a tremendous investment made to recreate the real thing in this film, and Reiner pulled it off perfectly.

In Sorkin's screenplays, self-confidence, keen intellect, superior communication ability, and one's ethics-compass are at the core of the protagonist's persona.

Michael Douglas portrays Democratic President Andrew Shepherd with the same believability and deft touch as he did playing Gordon Gecko in Wall Street.

Annette Benning is the ideal girlfriend of the widowed Shepherd, and engages the audience (and Douglas) in one of her most charming performances.

A first-class supporting actor ensemble are up to the task of portraying Sorkin's crack White House staff, adding immensely to making this film a feel-good romance that is believable and fun.

The plot doesn't delve deeply into the emotions or feelings of Shepard nor Benning's lobbyist charecter Sydney Ellen Wade, but highlights the witty repertoire one would expect from a US President and Capitol Hill lobbyist. The deft skill and movie-star quality each actor has developed in their respective acting careers are showcased with Sorkin's writing in telling this Whitehouse Cinderella story.

If the film went deep into emotions, it would have just gotten in the way of a story of a widowed relatively young President falling in love at first sight with Sydney, and the fun of seeing her being thrust into the White House staff and press fish bowl.

There is a definite Frank Capra influence to the film.

It all works better than it might seem on paper, and we get to enjoy another Rob Reiner classic: A director whose movie-making style and subject-matter is as diverse as anyone in the business.

A warm, idealistic, romantic, and superb insider look at the American Presidency

[secondtake · 8/10 · 16 January 2013]

The American President (1995)

What a smart, fast, feel-good movie about American politics and the power of the presidency. And how unlikely (these thing don't usually go together).

What makes it work? Everything! I know deep down that this isn't a masterpiece, a Citizen Kane or Godfather kind of movie. But it is in its own way perfect. It's funny as can be--endlessly witty or sarcastic or actually cleverly funny. It's acted to a T, including of course the two leads, Michael Douglas in his alpha male with a personable side and Annette Bening in her utterly charming and disarmingly sharp warmth.

It's almost impossible to appreciate the huge list of side characters who are first rate through and through, even in their very brief roles. Richard Dreyfuss might be the least of these since he plays an obvious stereotype. Michael J. Fox is funny and quick and Martin Sheen is quasi-presidential as he needs to be since of course (via "West Wing") he later becomes the president.

But not here. This is the story of Douglas and Bening. It presages the excellent British version , in its own way, "Love Actually," with Hugh Grant and an equally big cast of excellent extras, but that was more purely feel-good (or feel-incredibly-good) and this one eight years earlier actually has a political axe to grind.

In fact, I'm going to guess that one reason for the slightly deflated ratings is the conservative audience didn't really like what the president stands for here, and though it is just a movie, it's easier to root for the cast when they tend to agree with you. And agree in emphatic eloquent ways. There is a speech Douglas (as president) gives toward the end that comes out and boldly takes a simple stand for decent liberal values. He's confident, clear, and unwavering. And if you agree with that kind of thing (I do) you want to say hurrah.

And you want our own darned president to say what he believes so simply and with such firmness.

Of course, all of this is simplified and made too easy. Luckily it's not only about politics. In fact it's a comedy or manners, you might say, the protocol of who to behave with and near the president being fodder for great laughs just as much as the Victorian plays and movies had fun with the same twists of expectations. No wonder it morphed into a hit television series--though oddly enough the humor gets minimized. Maybe the same kinds of jokes wear themselves out.

Rob Reiner is maybe our most astute politically astute director, at least when there is a sense of humor required. He cut his teeth in every way with the best, working with and under Norman Lear in years of shooting (and performing, as "Meathead") in "All in the Family." It shows here. He has a real knack for timing, for turning absurdity to wit, and for warmth. (He probably got some of that from the Smothers Brothers, too.) If you like this don't stop here--Reiner has many other good or possibly great movies, many getting better reviews than this one.

But here we have "The American President," deceptively simple in its title. This is above all a really cozy movie. You want to watch, and you want to be there. At least for a couple hours.

I sound foolish liking this silly movie too much, but there you have it.

The president America wants

[michaela-5 · 7/10 · 28 January 2018]

Aaron Sorkin's script and pitch-perfect performances by Annette Bening and Michael Douglas create a funny and ultimately poignant movie that makes a viewer happy to be an American.

Douglas portrays a flawed but deeply honest president who knows how to learn from his mistakes. He conducts himself with dignity. Bening is a political lobbyist with a strong commitment to the environment. (Interesting that a film made 23years ago outlines environmental issues more clearly than they would be articulated today!) How can a relationship develop between two people given their very different positions in the political life of the country? How they work through these issues goes from humorous to dramatic and, of course, a happy ending.

All the minor characters are well fleshed out. In particular, Martin Sheen as Chief of Staff wants happiness for his old friend, but is very aware of the poltiical realities involved. Michael J. Fox wants the president to be the best man he can be, wants him to live up to the highest values of the office.

Watching this film, I am struck by the ability of the Office of the President to create positive change in this world. I hope we can see this reflected at the White House once again some day.

The thinking woman's Pretty Woman

[doll_face · 10 July 2003]

I don't mean that as a slam. I like Pretty Woman a lot, too. But this movie is my "cure for all ills" movie. The one I throw in the DVD player on rainy Sunday afternoons and crack out my best junk food. And the political setting seems to give it more meat.

Michael Douglas is perfect. Annette Benning is perfect (and I would give anything to look as beautiful as she does in that blue dress at the State Dinner). Michael J. Fox, Martin Sheen, Anna Devoure Smith. People being passionate about each other and about important issues and about doing the right thing. Everything about this movie lifts me up when I'm feeling down.

I'm not a liberal, and I'm not a conservative - I fall somewhere in the middle. My beliefs in gun control to not include "(getting) the guns". But this movie is so good - that I can look past the occasional differences in political views. Those views are presented in a smart, thoughtful and constructive manner - and I appreciate them even though they are not my own.

I enjoy this movie for what it is - a sweet, smart, funny movie set in one of the most "romantic" settings in the world - The White House.

Sorkin's first foray into the West Wing

[cardsrock · 7/10 · 8 July 2021]

The writing is sharp, though you can tell Sorkin hadn't quite mastered his style. The story is actually pretty reasonable and makes for an interesting film. Michael Douglas is excellent as the president and you can see the model from which Sorkin would craft Josiah Bartlet. All in all, this is a decent diversion and I enjoyed most of it.

Very watchable and enjoyable

[timothywalton-31924 · 7/10 · 1 January 2024]

The American President has more than just a whiff of conventionality and predictability in it, but it still remains interesting, enjoyable, and amusing thanks to a competently executed screenplay and excellent performances. The American President is excellent because it has a taut, very lean screenplay which disposes of any silliness of unnecessary scenes. As a result the film runs with excellent pace and their boredom never creeps in at all. My most common complaint with films like this, which marries its characters personal life's with their professional ones, is that often films becomes clunking handled, where the plot driving the necessary conflict in the romcom arises from matters related to their occupations rather than their personal lives. In fact that was my problem with Broadcast News, and it is to screenwriter Sorkins credit that this is not a problem here. Despite the president being supposedly a man with essentially no personal life, the screenplay is able to cleverly navigate this theme of delineating the two spheres. Whereas the central conflict of this film still arises from the leads' differences in their professional lives, their professional lives are interesting, intriguing, and well presented, and the resolution recognises such a delineation. This film also has wonderful performances from the two appealing leads. Michael Douglas, a splitting image of his father, the legend Kirk Douglas, is suave, witty, and charismatic. He shares good chemistry with Annette Bennings Sydney, who manages wonderfully her role- She is adorable and likeable though there is still no doubt Sydney is a strong willed, assertive, fully formed woman. Sorkins screenplay also has several profound insights on the difficulty of being commanded in chief, a scene about janitors and proportional response being a particularly memorable moment. All I can say is Sorkin is a master at writing, and his screenplay here is consistently excellent material. Overall, The American President is a very enjoyable, likable romcom that contains good insights about politics. It is a charming, competently managed film.

Good film

[nicole_lee-6 · 6/10 · 31 July 2022]

Good film. I went through the movie one more time. Except for Andrew Shepard didn't even bring a translator to the grand diplomacy party with the French president and his wife, and it was a bit awkward to watch only the president and Sydney dancing in a hall full of 200 essential political figures, because they were supposed to be the lead, it was supposed to be a dance ball if the president commanded a dance, but everyone was just watching quietly, like they were tolerating Andrew's inappropriately behavior with courtesy. I planned to watch the links and key scenes for flaws, but instead I came back with swelling excitement and red cheeks and hands sore from squeezing too hard. I guess I'm not a good critic. Here comes more accolade. Aaron Sorkin is an expert on exposing four year of Andrew's Whitehouse life with a few phases mentioning the customs, like the crew's been there all the time. And the opening scene is divine, I didn't thought much of this film, because I bumped into it when going over Netflix, but the opening scene told me outright that American President wasn't just any film. I was deeply absorbed by the grand music and words floating on a white sculpture, and other totems like eagle, the flag, presidents' portraits and so on. National pride oozed out with a sense of solemnity. Then we witness the charm of the president and Whitehouse's departments clicked like a engine made from Germany.

Greatest movie speech ever

[Calicodreamin · 10/10 · 10 January 2021]

One of the greatest movie finale speeches ever, literal chills. The american president has always been a favorite of mine. The characters are well acted and quite lovely. The storyline is unique and has a good mix of heartfelt and comical. Endlessly rewatchable.

" Just another white guy in a suit!!"

[dgrahamwatson · 7/10 · 8 February 2009]

There have been a lot of changes in American politics since this was released, but at the time Rob Reiner was probably motivated to produce this because of the election of Americas first baby-boom president a couple of years earlier. In doing this he attempts to shed some light on the complex political system in Washington DC, perhaps for a new generation of Americans but certainly for those who are fascinated by American politics. It's not just the political horse trading that goes on for votes, or even the power and influence that lobbyists hold but also how the manipulation of polls ultimately determine policy making. More importantly by the 1990's the baby boom generation who were immersed in the social changes and civil rights movements in the late 60's and early 1970's either as liberals or conservatives were now in government either as democrats or republicans. Therefore the script for the American President reflected the cultural clash of that time period playing out in national politics during the 90's.

For example, in the USA the American left want to expand the role of government in all facets of life even though very few people demand this. They focus on global warming and international agreements over climate change and attempt to control inner city gun violence (which is really drug related) as well as promoting gay marriage. None of these issues concerns or benefit the urban middle class, the rural blue collar working class or average voter who are the ones playing by the rules and are trying to get ahead.

On the other hand the right complain about the demise of moral standards and the strains on the traditional nuclear family. Yet they are often unable to live up to the high standards that they preach and are caught out having extra marital affairs, flirting with collage interns or chasing congressional page boys. Military service is the most honorable thing a patriot can do, but many of them and their immediate family members find better or more lucrative things to do than serve themselves and are happy to send others over seas to do the fighting. Illegal immigration is a real problem, but often it is disclosed that many people that they hire as nannies and gardeners don't have a valid green card. Lastly, big government is good if it's spending that they want! None of these, although embarrassing indiscretions for what they proclaim to stand for affects the quality of life of the middle class either.

Americas' first baby boomer President not only never served in uniform but avoided service in the Vietnam war, he experimented with drugs, and over the years fooled around with other women while at the same time being married. His ambitious wife aware of these affairs, not only shrugged this off but was determined to get involved in policy making in the white how and was quite happy putting the political boot in. This was all in sharp contrast to the traditional non-political role the first lady tended to take. The right did not like this type of relationship and it became a political issue at the time.

What follows is largely a cosy, easy going romantic comedy and the film touches on a few of these hot button political issues. The fictional President here was Andrew Shepard (Michael Douglas) a single parent, a former history professor and governor from the state of Wisconsin. Elected by a small margin largely on the back of sympathy because his wife died during the campaign he also had the burden of receiving a very small winning percentage of the vote.

This time the ambitious woman is Sydney Ellen Wade a pushy, sassy, feminist heavy-hitter from the lobbying and political consultancy world of Washington DC. Having taken a fancy to Wade the widowed Shepard seeking intimacy has to fight off republican criticism that he is dishonoring the white house by having a relationship with her while not being married. (If only Reiner was to know what was to later be disclosed in the real white house a couple of years later)!! This is red meat for his political opponents, but he refuses to be drawn into something he regards as a private matter. However the attacks on his character and the campaign to bring Wade down by portraying her as a radical or extremist eventually takes a political toll, consequently his job approval numbers go into free fall.

Also during this there is an sub-plot when Shepard has to respond to a terrorist act linked to Libya. Because of his lack of military experience and needing to look tough for domestic political purposes he orders a retaliatory attack on the Libyan intelligence building in a "decisive and proportional response". On this occasion the unlucky recipients on the receiving end of a smart bomb are the janitors working the night shift. The intelligence agents presumably responsible for the original terrorist act know that it is coming and are setting up shop somewhere else. Shepard is not sure of the real benefit of this but gives the order knowing full well that he is beholden to the domestic political reality of not wanting to be seen as weak.

In the end Shepard comes out swinging and seems to get the upper hand over his political enemies, although in this case the movie ends as soon as gets the last word! Never the less it's still an entertaining and watch able movie with a fine supporting cast i.e. Michael J Fox, Annette Benning and Martin Sheen. No doubt this inspired NBC's the " West Wing" and in all intensive purposes could easily have been a pilot for the series!

Okay, without a doubt this is one of my favorite romantic comedies.

[fredericksmith1952 · 10/10 · 7 June 2012]

Okay, without a doubt this is one of my favorite romantic comedies. Michael Douglas comes off as Presidential, Annette Benning is spectacular, Martin Sheen is exceptional, and the supporting cast is marvelous. And this is all directed by Rob Reiner, the 2nd generation actor writer director who understands every aspect of film making and is not afraid to let loose with all the knowledge, power and presence required to make a first class film.

Of particular note are David Paymer, Michael J. Fox, and Anna Deavere Smith, all three exceptional character actors whose contributions add so much to the texture and tone of the film. Paymer is the perfect foil to Fox, and Anna balances them perfectly, giving a unity to the staff presence in the film.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the film is the incorporation of 'normal' events in the White House during the romance. We are not excluded or merely "clued in", but we participate in all the activities of the President, which makes the film more realistic and visceral. The flow of the film is exceptional, since there are no explosions or other violence to distract us, and the cinematography is amazing. The sets are perfect. Rated PG-13 for a scene of sexual innuendo and a few uses of profanity, this film is far from offensive in its delivery, its demeanor, or its presentation. A classic which will enhance any collection.

Isn't it romantic?

[aliholly-62819 · 6/10 · 29 January 2021]

Sweet romance with a stellar cast. There's a lot of discussion on politics and policies throughout the movie, so it might be boring for a lot of people. I had a good laugh at how things were no different 25 years ago. Liberals are still fighting for the exact same things and the representation of Republicans is no different. What IS different is that the news outlets in the movie weren't biased. All in all it was a fun watch.

The American President

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 9/10 · 23 May 2020]

9/10 - smart, entertaining, and often funny, this is this best movie about the Commander-in-Chief

Good political film

[cilantrospanishfood2 · 7/10 · 23 August 2022]

Good political film. A newly employed negotiator, working for the ecology party, is sent to transmit a powerful message to the president of the United States of America about a new law that they strongly support. Her unique character attracts the lonely president who enters an apparently easy election year and slowly, they develop an unexpected relationship. As one might guess, this relationship quickly reaches the press and is bound to affect the election polls. To make matters worse, his quiet approach regarding the upcoming elections leave his adversary a clear path to victory. He must take the correct decisions and manage his career and private life at the same time in order to keep his position and, of course, his new lover.

From my point of view, this is one of those movies for which you fall at first sight. It has almost everything you could wish for, tons of laughter, drama and romance, all packed up in a good and very enjoyable plot. It also has a couple of great actors who help a lot in creating a lovely atmosphere. It's an excellent movie which I recommend to anybody!

Get Out The Barf Bags!

[ccthemovieman-1 · 1/10 · 17 November 2005]

This is so Liberal it's sickening. I mean, I've come to expect a little left-wing propaganda in most films from Hollywood, but to this degree?!

Two hours of Liberal preaching are capped off in the U.S. President's final speech of the movie, in which he proclaims how "proud" he is to be a card-carrying member of the ACLU!!! Ha ha. I guess we all supposed to be cheering at that point. Personally, I reached for the nearest barf bag.

This movie is simply director Rob Reiner's propaganda piece for his agenda. Being a "card-carrying" member of the ultra-Left People For the American Way, Reiner shows us a charming, loving portrait of a President that somehow reminds us of Bill Clinton, if he were a bachelor.

Can you imagine if someone was this heavy-handed on the Right and tried to make a similar movie?? Never happen. For one thing, the critics would tear it apart, which they didn't dare do with this piece of slick celluloid brainwashing.

Warm, fun film with a big heart

[bob the moo · 15 February 2002]

US President Andrew Shepherd is a widower who was sweep into power on the back of great public sympathy. Three years into his presidency he meets and falls for Sydney Ellen Wade, an environmental lobbyist. Eventually they begin to date against the counsel of his advisors, giving his rivals (most notably Senator Rumson) and the media the ammunition they need to begin to attack his presidency.

This is not exactely a political thriller. In fact it is as far removed from reality as you could imagine. However that's the point, this film doesn't pretend to be anything other than a romantic comedy - it has some political wranglings but it is very far from the (still very tidy and clean) rule of Martin Sheen's President in TV's The West Wing. However the story is nicely handled and Rob Reiner is natually very good at this type of thing. Here it occasionally is far too sickly sweet and sentimental, but most of it works well.

Douglas is good in the lead and looks quite acceptable as the President of the US - lets be honest, if it was him or "oil baron" Bush who would you pick? Bening is also good as Sydney but neither have anything outside of the usual romantic leads to do. The real strength here is the supporting cast - both in terms of class and sheer enterainment value.To name a few - Sheen, MJ Fox, Mathis, Dreyfuss - all big names, all funny performances.

Overall this is a big sloppy romantic comedy, but it's done with so much class that it's hard not to like it. Not brillant, but very enjoyable all the same.

You Gotta Laugh

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 23 January 2005]

Strange choice for BBC 1 to broadcast this tonight more than two months after the presidential race but I guess if they showed this at the start of November everyone would have turned off in droves , so bored were they by the constant mud slinging going on in the race for the White House . I must admit that I was expecting too much from THE American PRESIDENT ( Insert your own political pun here ) since it was billed as a romantic comedy and that's what it is . It's a charming film , a naive film that was made in 1995 but watching it ten years after it was released I couldn't help falling out of my chair as the naivety takes centre stage

Michael Douglas plays American president Andrew Shepherd and he bares a physical resemblance to Bill Clinton while the script makes no bones that he's a democrat . President Shephard has a young daughter who is roughly about the same age Chelsea Clinton would have been in 1995 which means I for one couldn't think of this guy as being anyone other than slick Willie . That's why the screenplay negates a first lady , okay it might be important for the plot but could any actress find enough demonic skill to play a Hilary Clinton clone ? As for the plot itself it revolves a romance with a lobbyist and the widowed president . No doubt this was supposed to be touching in 1995 but this was before before " Monicagate " hit the headlines so it's quality entertainment now - I kept expecting Douglas to shout " I did not have sexual relations with that woman " . It's uncanny watching all this play out , it's like being in an alternative universe where environmental groups detest the democrats ( I'm sure they'd have preferred a Texas oil baron become president ) , the French president is guest of honour at the White House ( How times change ) and how a Donald Rumsfeld lookalike can become a presidential candidate for the republicans

If you like romantic comedies you'll like this movie . If you like the idea of alternative universes you will love this movie . If you're Bill Clinton you will think this is how life should have turned out

Top talents in a soft commercial comedy

[moonspinner55 · 6/10 · 11 March 2017]

Not a political satire or send-up or portrait--just another romantic comedy which happens to be set in the White House. The Democratic US President, a handsome widower with a teenage daughter who is up for re-election, finds his poll numbers dropping after meeting and dating an attractive environmental lobbyist. The Republican candidate (a slimy worm!) combats what is left of the president's reputation with mud-slinging (seems the president's new lady-friend was present at a rally some 17 years ago where an American flag was burned). Commercial, star-laden effort works in some politics but is mostly interested in the romance, peppered with lightly comic asides. One question prevails: why are the President's approval ratings dropping? We hear one woman's worries that the poor First Daughter appears caught in the middle of his new relationship, but that isn't (or shouldn't be) enough to satisfy us. Aaron Sorkin's screenplay is pure fluff; even the dramatic points he hopes to make--such as a bungled metaphor about people following a mirage in the desert--are noodle-soft. In the leads, Michael Douglas and Annette Bening share a very nice chemistry, and they're surrounded by a wonderful assortment of acting talent, but the political arena director Rob Reiner gives us simply isn't persuasive. **1/2 from ****

Mostly Entertaining With Hollywood Bias Thrown In

[pnkearns · 7/10 · 3 September 2005]

For the most part the American President has the same positives and negatives as TV's West Wing. You get to see the human side of your leaders as you would hope them to be, hard working, etc. Douglas and Bening make a cute couple that are worthwhile to watch. The major flaw, like the West Wing, is its sanctimonious tone in preaching liberal positions. Douglas's President is suppose to portray a Democrat, so you can overlook this for the most part. It's just that Director Rob Reiner is such a loony Democratic liberal that he can't help himself. Richard Dryfus is unconvincing in his portrayal of a darker GOP opposition. Douglas is constantly trying for the JFK moment. Michael Moore would feel comfortable with this script.

My name is Andrew Shepherd and I AM the president of the United States!

[baumer · 9/10 · 30 June 1999]

Is there a genre that Rob Reiner can't work in and make successful? He captured comedy beautifully with The Sure Thing. Music was brilliant with This is Spinal Tap. Horror? How about Misery? Courtroom drama was awesome with A Few Good Men. And now we have a political drama/comedy. There is nothing this man can't do.

This movie works inspite of people's claims that it is too political. Well you know what, it's about the president of the United States of America, there's going to be a bit of poiltics in it. And guess what, guns do kill people, so to have an issue at hand here that deals with gun control is applaudable.

Okay, that's out of the way, let's talk about the film itself. Because it is wonderful. It is funny, well acted, and it is written with a good ear.

The cast in this film is one to be envied by almost everyone except Oliver Stone and Robert Altman who seem to get everyone to do their films. But here we have Douglas as the president, Sheen as his aid, Michael J. Fox, Samantha Mathis, Annette Bening as Sydney Ellen Wade and in my favourite performance, Richard Dreyfuss as the sniveling weasle Senator Bob Rumsen.

As the story goes, the president's character gets questioned when he ( a widow ) finds a girlfriend in Sydney Wade. The issues are handled wonderfully here. Nothing is really tip-toed around as the script writer ( Aaron Sorkin ) writes a brave script about what is right and wrong with being the president and having a girlfriend.

I personally liked the politics in the film. I enjoyed how Shepherd decides to ignore the critisism leveled at him until the very end when he gives one of the best written speeches I've ever seen in film. And when he flexes his authoritative muscles, you feel his power, you feel that the president has spoken. And I was moved. This is a great film and one that should be checked out for sure.

**** I also found it to be interesting that the character in the film that tries to get the issue of gun control brought to the forefront is Michael J. Fox. He is Canadian and we don't have problems with guns here. Is it a coincidence ( probably ) that he was chosen to play this role? Or was it done deliberately? Interesting.

Not bad, once you get past the ham-handed politics of it

[Captain Ed · 6/10 · 23 June 2000]

This is a pretty enjoyable bit of fluff once get past the ultra-left stereotyping of politics that makes up most of the subplots in this movie. The romance between Douglas and Bening is pretty well scripted, but Bening's performance suffers from near-hysterical emoting in too many scenes to be effective. Douglas is as smooth and charming as he ever is, and is a bit self-effacing in this outing, increasing his charisma. Definitely had potential to be an all-out classic.

This, however, was ruined for me by the WWF-style good guys/bad guys routines that run through this movie. I guess when you have Martin Sheen, Richard Dreyfuss, and Annette Bening in a movie, you can be sure that everyone to the right of Ted Kennedy will be portrayed as evil incarnate. Dreyfuss's portrayal of the 'conservative' senator was not bad, but the whole movie was so unbalanced as to be laughable. Liberals may outnumber conservatives by a small margin in this country, but it is obvious that conservatives are an endangered species in Hollywood.

What bothers me is that this lack of balance and fairness absolutely kills the effectiveness of the climactic speech by Douglas. We should have been cheering him on not for what he had to say but for his choice to be true to himself, and damn the polls! Instead, it comes across as the last polemic in a series of subtle-as-a-sledgehammer messages.

Making a movie with a political point of view is fine, even commendable. But when you do it and market it as a romantic comedy, and then allow it to be unfair and unbalanced, you've screwed up the movie. I'd still give it a 6.

Romantic, amusing, inspiring portrait of President's fish bowl life

[roghache · 9/10 · 5 March 2006]

This is a great feel good movie about a charismatic, essentially very decent, fictional U.S. President, played by Michael Douglas in an extremely likable role. It's a political story as well as a love story. Douglas is both commanding & assured in his presidential role and charming & endearing in his romantic role. If anyone has not yet seen this movie, you'll discover you're in for an unexpected treat. There's something here for everyone...romance, comedy, politics, and drama.

Andrew Shepherd is a youngish, popular President soon up for re election. Pressure is being put to bear on him to consolidate his administration's high poll ratings by pushing through a moderate crime bill which totally lacks Republican party support, yet is considered too weak by the Democrats. Meanwhile he finds himself attracted to Sydney Wade, an environmental lobbyist who is seeking legislation to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Shepherd has been widowed for three years, and currently needs an escort for a State Dinner in honour of the President of France. He invites Sydney to this function and during this & subsequent encounters, the pair fall in love. Trouble ensues when Shepherd is torn between the politically expedient crime bill and the environmental legislation he has promised his new love interest.

In terms of romance, there is the ongoing love story between the widowed President and the young lobbyist, Sydney, charmingly played by Annette Benning. This lovely and intelligent lady is quite smitten but at first obviously a bit overwhelmed by it all, feeling awkward and uncertain as the President's date. Sydney looks absolutely radiant at the state ball as she is swept off her feet by this handsome leader of the free world. Their chemistry proves to be electric, the dialogue clever, and the potential sexual situations quite tasteful by modern standards. Naturally the course of true love never does run smooth so it goes without saying that additionally, this unusual fishbowl courtship would have some unique problems as politics and public opinion intrude upon the couple's personal life.

A certain built in comedy natural for a dating President makes this romance all the more enchanting. For instance, when Andrew attempts to buy his sweetheart some roses, can't you just imagine the national crisis that all but ensues? Despite his position as Head of State, Andrew likes to do his courting the old fashioned, personal way. During his initial phone call to Sydney, she believes he's one of her friends pulling a prank, which of course results in some hilarity.

Naturally this tale is ripe with politics, and some reviewers even claim that the film is something of a precursor to TV's West Wing. Shepherd faces the dilemma of being forced to choose between the crime bill that his party is after him to push, versus Sydney's particular environmental cause. Not only party politics, but there is waning public support to consider. Needless to say, the President has no lack of advisers around who are more than eager to state their views, giving at times unsolicited advice. Martin Sheen plays his Chief of Staff and Michael J. Fox is cast as his Domestic Policy adviser. Shepherd must also contend with mud slinging by a nasty, unscrupulous rival Senator (portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss), who calls into question both Shepherd's family values and his girlfriend's activist past. By the way, any liberal political bias presented in this movie proved totally inoffensive to me. I definitely didn't sense that the producers had a nefarious grand agenda here.

Drama wise, there's a touching, close relationship depicted between the President and his charming young teenage daughter, Lucy, and a definite sense of his loneliness following the death of his wife from cancer. Also, Shepherd is confronted with the choice of keeping his promise to Sydney versus salvaging his political career. His Oval Office moral dilemmas are not only relevant to the Presidency but can be extrapolated to any person in any career.

This film delivers a powerful message about both personal and presidential integrity. At one point there's a moving speech that is inspiring for anyone, but may give American viewers in particular cause for reflection about the real significance of their country's Presidency and the qualities they might want to look for in the person elected to that office. Personally, I was practically ready to start flying the Stars and Stripes and I'm not even American! Whatever the nation involved, pity we don't have more Andrew Shepherds in political life today.

Bias political opinions ruined this one for me...

[Thornfield2 · 6/10 · 6 July 2001]

I claim to be neither democrat or republican, but I must say that this movie completely seemed to me that it was saying, "Democrat-good, Republican-bad". Common guys, I understand the brutality of a Presidential Campaign, but really a film should be about a story that entertains and enlightens, not about who's right and who's wrong in someone else's opinion. I praise Michael J. Fox for his wonderful acting and the romantic story was really very charming. I enjoyed those parts, but sorry it was just a little too political for me. 6.5 out of 10.

Better than apple pie

[werners · 10/10 · 25 May 2000]

This Reiner flick is a gem of the nineties. In its genre probably the best thing to hit the screens since Capra rounded them up over half a century ago.

The story itself is nothing extraordinary. Set in Washington it is a simple tale of love between lobbyist Sidney Wade and widow President Andrew Sheperd. Flung into love they both encounter obstacles as both opposition and political differences tear them apart. No need to worry though, all is well that ends well. And Reiner is not the one to slip one on us.

What makes this film shine above most are not the development of characters or the underdeveloped political statements. Its the achievement of giving audiences 90 minutes of pure bliss. Douglas is lovable as president, Beattys spouse makes you jealous as always, J. Fox never misses an opportunity to display huge talent and Dreyfuss is just the kind of guy you love to hate. Add a dose of victorious political correctness and top it of with a final speech that raises the hair on any kinds of neck but rednecks, and you got your evening made.

Enjoy !

A pleasantly charming film

[KnightsofNi11 · 7/10 · 2 September 2011]

I've noticed a strange trend with Rob Reiner films. I always go in expecting something with pretty low standards, and then I always seem to come out pleasantly surprised. Such is the case with The American President. It stars Michael Douglas as Alex Shepard, President of the United States of America. The film tells the story about This widowed President who meets and falls in love with a lobbyist and how they make their relationship work amongst the political strife Shepard must deal with every day, being the President and all. It's a sappy love story on the surface, but a charming, intellectual, and expertly written film at its core.

I was skeptical of what this movie would entail at first, but my hopes were lifted significantly when I saw Aaron Sorkin's name under the words "Written by" during the opening credits. The American President boasts very clever and witty dialogue from start to finish. I wouldn't call it Sorkin's greatest achievement, but it certainly doesn't smell of anything less than excellent. Being that Sorkin is a pretentious fellow there is some pretentious dialogue in here, with lines that more show off Sorkin's craft word play than further the plot, but overall it is astoundingly well structured dialogue that flows with the always recognizable Sorkin cadence, keeping this film moving at a rapid pace that snaps from scene to scene with the utmost professionalism.

It also helps that Sorkin's dialogue was given the privilege of being delivered by an incredible cast. Michael Douglas and Annette Bening star in the film with radiant chemistry. Their separate performances are remarkable, but together they make an otherwise cheesy story compelling. The supporting cast includes fantastic performances from the likes of Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox, and even Richard Dreyfuss. Every actor in this film does their part and they all work so well to bring this film together and lift if above it's clichéd and predictable shell.

Without some key elements of this film it could have been pretty terrible, but the right people lined up in the right places to make this film actually work. It's a worthwhile watch that makes an effective use of two hours if you enjoy snappy dialogue and great performances. I wouldn't say that I was touched or moved by this film, but I can say that it kept me interested and it had enough intellect, charm, humor, and talent to make me enjoy it just enough to say good things about it and then move on.

if only I could purge this film from my memory...

[dr_foreman · 3/10 · 5 April 2004]

"The American President" can't decide whether it wants to be a syrupy, fairy-tale romance or an anti-Republican rant. The film ends up with a foot in both camps, which makes for a very awkward and uneven tone indeed.

Though the current administration scares me silly, I used to have quite strong conservative leanings, and I felt patronized and irritated by this movie's constant, simplistic criticism of right-wing values. It attempts to defend Clinton by presenting a "sanitized" version of that particular President. If you're going to defend Clinton, then REALLY defend him; don't do "Clinton lite" with a "lite" version of his scandals. The Republican characters are all, as you might expect, dumb as bricks, and it's up to Michael Douglas to call a press conference and blast them all for being prejudiced fearmongers. Way to go, Michael.

Now, I don't mind political commentary in a film, if it's at all well done. But this film stereotypes liberals and conservatives alike, and has about the sophistication level you'd expect from a political treatise written by a p****d-off 15-year-old.

The movie is hypocritical, too, because it creates a very passive and flighty character in the form of Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening, annoying as all Hell in this movie). Wade takes a deferential, reverential, and generally submissive posture towards the President, which certainly undermines this film's claims to political/social Enlightenment. The woman's a chattering nitwit who supports that most popular of causes - environmentalism - instead of expressing her opinions on a really controversial issue (like abortion, for example). In short, she's about as feminist as low-riding jeans, and her attachment to the President becomes a sort of Disney-like tale of wish fulfillment based entirely on a powerful man. Eeww.

Believe it or not, this was my ex-girlfriend's favorite movie (nice to know that good taste continues to thrive in this day and age, eh?). When I complained that the politics alienated me, she screeched back that it was the story she liked, not the message. What story? What message? This whole thing can be boiled down to the statement: "It would be nice to date a Democrat President." And it would be death to date a Republican one, presumably. Pathetic.