Film Review - American President, The

Why the hell do I like this film? It ain't Michael Douglas' performance as an Al Gore-like president. Douglas was so stiff, they were talking about him standing in for the windsock at National Airport.

Could it be Annette Bening? She has the feel of a very naive Cokie Roberts (assuming Cokie was ever naive.) She's all hellfire until the president walks in. Then she's the mushy school girl, drooling all over her B cups.

This movie just has a feel to it. It does come from Douglas, who is principled, and always (well ... almost always) does what he thinks is right, no matter what others say. In fact, when the president strays from his principles is when he runs into trouble.

This is the key feature of this film. It says "Do what you know is right, and everything will work itself out." But that is the result of watching the film. You never know that while you are watching it; you get that as you're walking out of the theatre.

That's not why I was laughing so damned hard while watching this.

The second key feature of this film is the dialogue. This film has wonderfully funny dialogue spoken by people will real timing. Say what you want about Michael J. Fox (the reputed Anti-Elvis), but he does have great timing for comedic lines.

Slight Suction!

Film Facts

Directed by Rob Reiner

Released in 1995

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Reviewed by Mongo