Okay, rewind your minds back to the twilight of the 90s. The cynicism of grunge was fading, boy bands were ascendant, and somewhere in Hollywood, someone had the gloriously absurd idea to blend the biggest political scandal of the 20th century with a bubbly teen girl comedy. The result? 1999’s "Dick", a film whose title alone probably raised eyebrows down at the Blockbuster counter, but delivered a surprisingly sharp and funny slice of revisionist history. Finding this gem felt like unearthing a secret – a smart, silly satire hiding in plain sight on the New Releases shelf.
### Accidental History Makers
The premise is pure, delightful high-concept: What if the infamous Deep Throat, the secret informant who blew the lid off the Watergate scandal, wasn't some shadowy G-man, but actually two sweet, completely oblivious teenage girls? Meet Arlene Lorenzo (Michelle Williams) and Betsy Jobs (Kirsten Dunst), best friends navigating the perils of high school in 1972 Washington D.C. Their biggest concerns involve boys, make-up, and sneaking out after curfew. But a late-night field trip detour lands them smack-dab in the middle of the Watergate Hotel break-in, and through a series of hilariously improbable events, they end up becoming the President's official dog walkers – and unwitting confidantes.
Director Andrew Fleming, who’d previously given us the witchy teen angst of The Craft (1996), masterfully balances the film's seemingly disparate tones. He somehow makes the White House of Richard Nixon feel like just another backdrop for teenage shenanigans, albeit one populated by paranoid advisors and a deeply insecure Commander-in-Chief. Remember how the sets just felt right, capturing that slightly drab, wood-paneled 70s aesthetic? It wasn't a huge budget picture (around $13 million, barely breaking even initially), but they nailed the look, right down to the avocado greens and mustard yellows.
### Dunst and Williams: Bubblegum Meets Espionage
The absolute heart of "Dick" lies in the effervescent chemistry between Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams. Fresh-faced and brimming with comedic talent even then, they are utterly convincing as Arlene and Betsy. Their wide-eyed innocence as they stumble through history – accidentally dosing Nixon with pot cookies (baked using Arlene's contest-winning recipe!), innocently feeding information to Woodward and Bernstein (Will Ferrell and Bruce McCulloch, hilariously playing them as slightly clueless reporters), and developing a crush on the President – is the engine of the film's humor. They aren't malicious; they're just… there, catalysts for chaos wrapped in lip gloss and bell bottoms. Watching Williams, years before her powerhouse dramatic roles, lean into the ditzy sweetness of Arlene is a particular treat.
### Capturing Tricky Dick (and his Cronies)
And then there's Dan Hedaya as Richard M. Nixon. It’s a performance for the ages – capturing the hunched posture, the paranoia, the desperate need for approval, and the sheer awkwardness of the man without resorting to cheap caricature. Hedaya’s Nixon isn't a monster; he’s a deeply flawed, almost pitiable figure seen through the naive eyes of two teenagers who just think he needs cheering up. It's a brilliant comedic turn, reportedly one Hedaya researched meticulously, focusing on Nixon's physicality and vocal patterns. The supporting cast is a treasure trove of comedic talent too, including Dave Foley as H.R. Haldeman and Harry Shearer as G. Gordon Liddy, all playing historical figures with just the right amount of satirical bite. It's like a "Kids in the Hall" reunion crashed a history lesson.
### A 90s Look Back with Affection
"Dick" arrived at a time when the 70s were ripe for nostalgic revisiting, but it does so with a smart, knowing wink rather than pure reverence. The soundtrack pops with period hits, the fashion is spot-on (if slightly heightened for comedic effect), and the film cleverly uses familiar Watergate touchstones – the tapes, the paranoia, the key players – twisting them into punchlines generated by Betsy and Arlene’s clueless interventions. Fleming and co-writer Sheryl Longin crafted a script that’s smarter than its goofy premise might suggest, finding genuine laughs in the absurdity of placing these girls at the center of such a monumental event. It's a reminder that sometimes the most effective satire comes wrapped in the brightest, most unexpected package. The very title, a bold double entendre, caused some fuss during marketing – some ads downplayed it, but for those in the know, it perfectly signaled the film's cheeky irreverence.
It wasn't a box office smash back in '99, often overshadowed by louder, broader comedies. But like so many quirky films of the era, "Dick" found its devoted audience on VHS and DVD. It became a cult classic, appreciated for its unique charm, stellar performances, and the sheer audacity of its concept. It felt like our little discovery, a movie you’d excitedly recommend to friends who appreciated humor that was both silly and sharp.
***
VHS Heaven Rating: 8/10
Justification: "Dick" earns a solid 8 for its brilliant comedic premise, fantastic lead performances from Dunst and Williams, Dan Hedaya's iconic Nixon portrayal, and its clever, affectionate satire. It perfectly blends teen comedy tropes with historical events, creating something genuinely unique and funny. While overlooked initially, its cult status is well-deserved. It loses a couple of points perhaps for the inherent silliness occasionally stretching thin, but its charm and wit overwhelmingly compensate.
Final Take: Forget Deep Throat, the real story involved bell bottoms and drugged cookies. "Dick" is a prime example of late-90s comedic invention – smart, sweet, surprisingly subversive, and a whole lot funnier than a movie about Watergate has any right to be. Still pops today.