What saves the movie is [a] neatly balanced performances by Kevin Kline, who mixes the charm with restraint, the silliness with a believable core.

When someone asks me to name the best film directed by Ivan Reitman, I immediately respond with 1993’s political comedy Dave.

Layering this sweet comedic story with some sharp, editorial barbs, screenwriter Gary Ross has fashioned an engaging, brainy comedy.

There is something in the way Dave combines its story, tone, cast, and music that feels particularly representative of 1990s American cinema.