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Critics Consensus

A charming romantic comedy with political bite, Rob Reiner's American President features strong lead performances and some poignant observations of politics and media in the 1990s.

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Geoff Andrew Time Out Part romantic comedy, part Capra-corny political drama, this movie exudes so much sympathy, it sweats. Jun 24, 2006 Full Review 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. Rated: 3.5/5 May 20, 2003 Full Review Variety Genial middlebrow fare that coasts a long way on the charm of its two stars. Feb 13, 2001 Full Review Don Shanahan 25YL (25 Years Later) What makes both Douglas's president and the movie itself victorious classics is the combination of edge and enchantment. Rated: 4/5 Nov 6, 2020 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins When the focus is on romantic comedy, the film is breezy and amusing; but when it switches to dramas involving fundraising and campaigning, it grows stickier. Rated: 6/10 Sep 9, 2020 Full Review Mary Nemeth Maclean's Magazine Despite lapses into sentimental corn-notably in scenes with the president's 12-year-old daughter-director Rob Reiner has crafted a whimsical fable that packs a deceptive punch. Oct 15, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Member Different kind of presidential movie - nice love story Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/25/23 Full Review R B This film was even worse than I remembered. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 09/22/23 Full Review Jace E Aaron Sorkin is one of the best screenwriters of all time. His dialogue is sharp but also subtle. He is able to create characters that are human, while simultaneously elevating them to a position of power. Quippy, throwaway lines in the first act carry to the end and are delivered with a punch. I wanted more time with the President's staff, which is probably why "The West Wing" was greenlit. The relationships and dichotomy between the President and each character was captivating, especially with Sydney. The score is powerful, the setting is elegant, and the story is seamless. Intention and obstacle are at the forefront the entire film and I loved every minute of it. Best Character: Sydney Ellen Wade Best Quote: "My name is Andrew Shepherd and I am the President." Best Scene: Drink the Sand. Best Piece of Score: "The American President" Additional Note: I wonder what it would be like to have a President like Andrew Shepherd. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/05/23 Full Review Shioka O Nicely shot romantic comedy of middle-aged-man. maybe unrealistic but enjoyable. I expected a bit more political drama part. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/28/22 Full Review Audience Member This movie started out extremely great. There were some awkward moments but the plot was amazing. I was completely invested in the movie the entire time up until the end. The ending ruined it all because it ended on a cliffhanger. I didn't even get to know if he won the election or not. They didn't even make a sequel! What if they had children or got married? I will never know. This made me extremely upset and is the sole reason why I am giving this a 1. I have to live in pain forever. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Audience Member A now anachronistic look at the president and his relation to the public. If you're younger than 20, you may not believe the presidency was ever this revered! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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The American President: Official Clip - White House Sleepover The American President: Official Clip - White House Sleepover 2:49 The American President: Official Clip - The President's Girlfriend The American President: Official Clip - The President's Girlfriend 2:26 The American President: Official Clip - Chief Executive of Fantasy Land The American President: Official Clip - Chief Executive of Fantasy Land 2:43 The American President: Official Clip - People Want Leadership The American President: Official Clip - People Want Leadership 3:07 The American President: Official Clip - Typical First Date The American President: Official Clip - Typical First Date 2:45 The American President: Official Clip - The Flower Shop The American President: Official Clip - The Flower Shop 3:01 The American President: Official Clip - Character and American Values The American President: Official Clip - Character and American Values 3:04 The American President: Official Clip - Sending Flowers The American President: Official Clip - Sending Flowers 3:02 The American President: Official Clip - Presidential Dating The American President: Official Clip - Presidential Dating 2:54 View more videos

And So It Goes 18% 40% And So It Goes Much Ado About Nothing 90% 86% Much Ado About Nothing Elizabethtown 28% 66% Elizabethtown TRAILER for Elizabethtown Save the Last Dance 54% 59% Save the Last Dance Picture Perfect 47% 37% Picture Perfect Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

The American President (1995) The American President (1995) The American President (1995) View more photos

Synopsis With the end of his first term in sight, widowed U.S. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) knows that overwhelming public support will guarantee his re-election. But when he falls in love with lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening), Shepherd's supporters question the relationship, and his approval ratings drop. As a rival presidential candidate goes on the attack, Shepherd must choose between his political career and his love for Sydney.

Director

Rob Reiner

Producer

Rob Reiner

Screenwriter

Aaron Sorkin

Distributor

Columbia Pictures, Warner Home Vídeo, Columbia Tristar, MCA/Universal Pictures [us]

Production Co

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Castle Rock Entertainment, Wildwood Enterprises, Universal Pictures

Rating

PG-13

Genre

Romance, Comedy, Drama

Original Language

English

Release Date (Theaters)

Nov 17, 1995, Original

Release Date (Streaming)

Dec 1, 2008

Box Office (Gross USA)

$59.0M

Runtime

1h 54m

Sound Mix

Surround