The American President - 1995

Universal Pictures, Castle Rock Entertainment, Wildwood Enterprises

Directed by Rob Reiner

Cast:

Pres. Andrew Shepherd – Michael Douglas

Sydney Ellen Wade – Annette Benning

A. J. MacInerney – Martin Sheen

Lewis Rothchild – Michael J. Fox

Robin McCall – Anna Deavere Smith

Janie Basdin – Samantha Mathis

Lucy Shepherd – Shawna Waldron

Leon Kodak – David Paymer

Mrs. Chapil – Anne Haney

Sen. Bob Rumsfeld – Richard Dreyfuss

Nina Siemaszko – Beth Wade

Story: President Shepherd is coming up the end of his term and would like to have another. His campaign staff and White House staff are busy trying to get him reelected while giving him the time he needs to do his job, but there is a slight glitch in the form of a new lobbyist for environmental concerns. Sydney Ellen Wade of Virginia has been retained by an environmental lobby to get the necessary votes to pass a new bill requiring a reduction in carbon emissions in the next ten years. However, the problem does not lie in Sydney's politics or her job. President Shepherd is a widower, and he is smitten with her. They begin dating, much to the chagrin of the staff and Sydney's employer, and to the delight of Sen. Rumsfeld, a candidate for the next election and a real muckraker. Rumsfeld attacks Sydney on every possible level, using her past to try to intimate the President is being influenced by a right wing radical instead of being the President. President Shepherd feels the best way to address his allegations is to ignore them, but the staff and Sydney disagree.

Review: Okay, without a doubt this is one of my favorite romantic comedies. Michael Douglas comes off as Presidential, Annette Benning is spectacular, Martin Sheen is exceptional, and the supporting cast is marvelous. And this is all directed by Rob Reiner, the 2nd generation actor writer director who understands every aspect of film making and is not afraid to let loose with all the knowledge, power and presence required to make a first class film.

Of particular note are David Paymer, Michael J. Fox, and Anna Deavere Smith, all three exceptional character actors whose contributions add so much to the texture and tone of the film. Paymer is the perfect foil to Fox, and Anna balances them perfectly, giving a unity to the staff presence in the film.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the film is the incorporation of 'normal' events in the White House during the romance. We are not excluded or merely “clued in”, but we participate in all the activities of the President, which makes the film more realistic and visceral. The flow of the film is exceptional, since there are no explosions or other violence to distract us, and the cinematography is amazing. The sets are perfect. Rated PG-13 for a scene of sexual innuendo and a few uses of profanity, this film is far from offensive in its delivery, its demeanor, or its presentation. A classic which will enhance any collection.

The Double - 2011

Hyde Park Entertainment, Agent Two, Brandt/Haas Productions

Directed by Michael Brandt

Cast:

• Paul Shepherdson – Richard Gere
• Ben Geary – Topher Grace
• Tom Highland – Martin Sheen
• Bozlovski – Tamer Hassan
• Brutus – Stephen Moyer
• Oliver – Chris Marquette
• Natalie Geary – Odette Annable
• Amber – Stana Katic
• Leo – Yuri Sardarov
• Sen. Dennis Darden – Ed Kelly
• Agent Weaver – Jeffrey Pierce

Story: A cold war assassin previously thought dead, code named Cassius, has appeared to come out of retirement with the killing of a diplomat in the nation's capitol. FBI director Highland orders retired Special Agent Paul Shepherdson out of retirement. Shepherdson was the man who tracked Cassius and his crew of trained assassins for more than twenty years, but never caught him. But Director Highland thinks he is still the man for the job. Highland teams Shepherdson with Ben Geary, an analyst whose master's thesis was on Cassius. The two pursue leads, always one step behind the killer, who kills with a most unique cut to the throat. They soon discover there is a leak, but who?

Review: Lots of turns and twists in this fast paced tale of spies and espionage. Richard Gere and Topher Grace work well together in this excellently crafted spy thriller. The entire cast works as an ensemble to present a tale worthy of your interest. Without revealing too much, it is safe to tell you this story deals with what happened to the agents in the field at the fall of the Soviet Union and whatever became of the KGB. Odette Annable is remarkable as Topher's wife, and gives us the impression of the clean cut, all American wife supporting her FBI husband. Martin Sheen is, as always, remarkable in his portrayal of the FBI Director. Overall, the cinematography and photography are crisp and clear, the plot is excellent, and the film is an exceptional effort to keep your attention. Rated PG-13 for violence, some disturbing images, and language, I can safely recommend this one to the parents for a good family film, as long as the little ones are in bed. Be prepared for the last 10 minutes of the film, you won't see it coming. Collectible, too soon to tell, but it ranks right up there with Bond and Bourne.