The American President

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

With the same writer, principal cast members (Martin Sheen, at least), and White House milieu, The American President might now be considered Aaron Sorkin's blueprint for his hit TV show The West Wing. Both share the same cheery liberal politics, portraying a near-perfect president fending off his dirty conservative opponents while staying out of the gutter himself. Michael Douglas shines in the title role, showing he really can be loveable after the better part of a decade playing greedy ...more