This is a movie I never get tired of watching over and over again. It's my dream to have this kind of president leading a country. I fell in love with this movie's beautiful story, which also teaches important life lessons about love, politics, and patriotism.
Dave is a 1993 American political comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman. The story centers around Dave Kovic, who runs a temporary employment agency in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. As a side job, he capitalizes on his striking resemblance to President Bill Mitchell by hilariously impersonating him at events. Secret Service agent Duane Stevenson recruits him to impersonate President Mitchell after a speech, ostensibly as a security precaution, but in reality, to allow Mitchell to meet Randi, a White House staffer with whom he is secretly involved.
Dave's (Kevin Kline) appearance goes well, but President Mitchell suffers a major stroke while having sex with Randi. Inspired by this opportunity, Chief of Staff Bob Alexander asks Dave to continue impersonating the president. Bob's scheme is to force Vice President Gary Nance to resign by implicating him in a savings and loan scandal. Dave, acting as Mitchell, would then appoint Bob as vice president, after which Dave would fake a more serious stroke, allowing Bob to become president. Communications Director Alan Reed is initially hesitant but eventually agrees and tells the press corps that Mitchell's stroke was minor. Bob and Alan convince Dave that he must continue impersonating Mitchell for the good of the country, claiming that Nance is mentally unstable. As a result, Nance is sent on a goodwill tour of Africa.
Dave's charisma and enthusiasm significantly boost Mitchell's image and popularity. First Lady Ellen Mitchell (Sigourney Weaver), who has been estranged from her husband for years, initially suspects nothing and shows disdain towards Dave during their few interactions. However, her attitude begins to change when she sees Dave's genuine empathy towards a shy boy at a homeless shelter she passionately supports. Her anger reignites when Bob falsifies Mitchell's signature to veto a bill that included funding for the shelter. Consulting with his accountant friend Murray Blum, Dave collaborates with the Cabinet to reinstate the funding. Enraged, Bob threatens to ruin Dave, but Alan promises to reveal their deception if he follows through.
Ellen, having seen Dave's significant efforts to save the shelter, tricks him into confessing that he's an impostor and demands to see her real husband. Dave has Duane take them to the secret hospital room under the White House, where Mitchell lies in a coma. They are informed that he will not recover. Both decide to leave the White House, but after spending a night alone together, they start to fall in love. Ellen confides in Dave that she maintained the pretense of a happy marriage because she believed she could help people as First Lady. Dave tells her he wishes he could do the same.
The following day, still posing as Mitchell, Dave calls a press conference, infuriating Bob who realizes Dave is no longer following his orders. Dave fires Bob, who attempts to retaliate by firing Dave, but Dave challenges Bob to reveal the truth about the impersonation to the press. At the press conference, Dave unveils an ambitious plan to offer a job to every American who wants one.
Upon his return from Africa, Nance (Ben Kingsley) confronts Dave for attempting to frame him for crimes committed by Bob and the real Mitchell. In retaliation, Bob exposes evidence implicating Mitchell in the scandal, which Alan confirms as true. Despite the looming threat of impeachment, Dave remains committed to his job plan, while Bob begins to quietly build support for a presidential bid. During a joint session of Congress, Dave admits to Bob's allegations and presents proof, provided by Alan, showing Bob's involvement and Nance's innocence. Dave apologizes to Nance and the nation, then fakes another stroke, switching back with Mitchell and returning to his previous life. The hospital declares the "second" stroke as severe, and Mitchell remains in a coma for five more months before passing away. As acting president and later president, Nance supports the jobs plan, which is eventually enacted into law. Bob and several officials from the Mitchell administration are indicted, while Alan continues his work at the White House.
In the end, Dave decides to run for the D.C. city council with the support of Murray and his employment agency staff. One day, Ellen surprises him with a visit. He leads her into his office, and they share their first kiss. Dave then closes the shades for privacy while Duane, now wearing one of Dave's campaign buttons, stands guard at the door.
And that concludes the story of this wonderful movie, which I've watched more than 16 times.