President and Lobbyist Meet Cute in Spry Romantic Comedy
After meeting cute within White House walls, President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas) begins an informal and prickly romance with lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade (Annette Bening). He struggles with dating in the aftermath of his wife's death. She struggles between her attraction for the handsome President and the inevitable vacuum resulting from dating a world leader. Unfortunately, neither have a chance to find their bearings before the press attacks their story with reckless abandon. Soon President Andrew finds his always-important (especially in a re-election year) popularity rating plummeting while Sydney watches her credibility as a Washington lobbyist take backseat to her high-profile relationship. How Andrew and Sydney balance their very personal, personal lives with the very public day-to-day life of being a President forms the foundation of this spry romantic comedy, complete with its fair share of pot-shots at today's ever-increasing media feeding frenzy and outrageous political strategizing.

Even if you detest Michael Douglas (especially after his nausea-inducing, saggy-assed turn in Basic Instinct), you'll probably enjoy his more relaxed, comic characterization here as America's Chief Executive. The usually one-note actor seems to have given his testosterone the night off this time around, keeping all teeth-gritting and ass-flaunting to the bare minimum. He's still Michael Douglas, but at least watchable in this context. Thankfully, Reiner surrounds his star with energetic supporting characters that keep the film buoyant and fun. Particularly terrific are Michael J. Fox (looking like a mini-Douglas) and Martin Sheen, as presidential staff members. Annette Benning is bubbly and warm, adding an earthy elegance to the entire affair, though her character requires relatively few notes for an actress of such range. Some will undoubtedly label this film nothing more than schmaltzy, sitcom-ish drivel (it has already spawned the upcoming television series West Wing also starring Martin Sheen), though hardcore romantics will find plenty to cheer about here.

A Crisp and Clear DVD
This DVD presents The American President in it original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The print is crisp and clear, though its tone is just a bit pale. Skin tones in particular look slightly washed out, but not enough to be really annoying. The sound, remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1, is vibrant and clean, highlighting Marc Shaiman's reserved, noble score. Though few extras are offered, the disc does include production notes and the original theatrical trailer for the film, as well as both English and French subtitles.

Bottom line: If you're a fan of the cast or a sucker for slick romantic comedies, The American President is the movie for you, a better-than-average flick sporting its most handsome home video version yet on this no-frills DVD.