The American President (1995)
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90% of critics liked it
(51 reviews) -
71% of users liked it
(53,824 ratings)
This earnest, intelligent, and well-written romantic comedy is enjoyable and optimistic in classic Hollywood style, even if its idealism doesn't seem quite so credible against the cynical political backdrop of the Nineties. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), an unabashedly liberal… More This earnest, intelligent, and well-written romantic comedy is enjoyable and optimistic in classic Hollywood style, even if its idealism doesn't seem quite so credible against the cynical political backdrop of the Nineties. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), an unabashedly liberal Democrat, is just gearing up for re-election when he meets an attractive and sharp environmental lobbyist named Sydney Wade (Annette Bening). The two fall in love and the President must soon deal with the political repercussions (Sydney is trying to get legislation through Congress), as well as the cynical machinations of Republican opponent Senator Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss), who attempts to paint Sydney as a radical and use "family values" rhetoric to smear Shepherd. With the attacks affecting his standings in the all-important polls, and his love's legislation causing him headaches in the Capitol, Shepherd must decide whether he can risk continuing his relationship. A rich supporting cast, solid characterizations by Douglas and Bening, and an articulate approach make this an appealing, if not particularly weighty, study of the tensions between public and private life. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi
- Directed By
- Rob Reiner
- Written By
- Aaron Sorkin
- Genres
- Drama, Romance, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Nov 17, 1995 Wide
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Part romantic comedy, part Capra-corny political drama, this movie exudes so much sympathy, it sweats.
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Janet Maslin, New York Times
With great looks, a dandy supporting cast, a zinger-filled screenplay by Aaron Sorkin and Mr. Douglas twinkling merrily in the Oval Office, The American President is sunny enough to make the real Presidency pale by comparison.
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Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
Genial and entertaining if not notably inspired.
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, Variety
Genial middlebrow fare that coasts a long way on the charm of its two stars.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Great entertainment.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Michael Douglas
as President Andrew Shepherd
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Annette Bening
as Sydney Ellen Wade
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Martin Sheen
as A.J. MacInerney
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Michael J. Fox
as Lewis Rothschild
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David Paymer
as Leon Kodak
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Richard Dreyfuss
as Senator Bob Rumson
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Samantha Mathis
as Janie Basdin
- Joshua Malina
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Leslie Bega
as White House Staffer Laura
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Beau Billingslea
as Agent Cooper
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Ron Canada
as Reporter Lloyd
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Frank Cavestani
as Rumson Staffer
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Tom Dahlgren
as Defense Secretary
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Rick Garcia
as Reporter
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Googy Gress
as Gil
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Anne Haney
as Mrs. Chapil
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Efrat Lavie
as Madame D'Astier
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Jordan Lund
as Carl
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John Mahon
as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
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John Mahoney
as Leo Solomon
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Wendie Malick
as Susan Sloan
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Karen Maruyama
as Leo's Secretary
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Bernie McInerney
as Congressman Millman
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George Murdock
as Congressman
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Taylor Nichols
as Stu
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Mathew Saks
as Congressional Staffer
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Arthur Senzy
as Deputy
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Nina Siemaszko
as Beth Wade
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Anna Deavere Smith
as Robin McCall
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Richard Stahl
as Rumson Staffer
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Gail Strickland
as Esther MacInerney
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Mark Thompson
as Kenneth Michaels
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Clement von Franckenstein
as President D'Astier
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Maud Winchester
as White House Aide
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Aaron Sorkin
as Aide in Bar
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Beans Morocco
as Doorkeeper
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Shawna Waldron
as Lucy Shepherd
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Andrew Steel
as Secret Service Agent
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Steve Gonzales
as Hud Secretary
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Thom Barry
as Guard
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Joseph Latimore
as Secret Service Agent
- Kathryn Ish
- Sean Douglas

