This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

In "Southside With You," writer-director Richard Tanne imagines what it was like on the most important date in the free world — and the result is a smart and sweet meeting of minds and hearts.

It's 1989, and Michelle Robinson (Tika Sumpter), an associate in a Chicago corporate law firm, is preparing to spend the day with one of the firm's summer associates (read "intern"). "This is not a date," Michelle tells this young lawyer, a recent Harvard grad named Barack Obama (Parker Sawyers).

Tanne, relying on interviews and other bits of the public record, re-creates the moments that are well-known of the Obamas' early courtship. On this date, they go to an art exhibit, see a movie (Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing," specifically) and eat ice cream — a treat Barack dislikes, the result of a summer job scooping the stuff.

The movie shows us the young Barack's faults: his tardiness, his smoking habit and a slight haughtiness about those (like Michelle) who sacrifice beliefs for a paycheck. But, after watching him giving an impassioned and inspirational talk at a community-organizing meeting, Michelle also sees his smarts, his empathy and his ability to move people to positive action.

In between the events of their date, there are long conversations — talking about work, Michelle's supportive parents, Barack's still-seething anger about his absent father, even their favorite Stevie Wonder songs. As they talk, much like the couple in Richard Linklater's "Before Sunrise," it's clear the pair are slowly falling in love.

Tanne, in his feature debut, unfolds the story with rich and thoughtful dialogue, but he leaves the hefty lifting to his stars. Sumpter ("Ride Along"), who spearheaded the film as one of its producers, neatly captures Michelle's warmth, wit and a sharp eye for cutting through the bullcrap. Sawyers, aside from his uncanny physical and vocal resemblance to our 44th president, channels Obama's charm and his ability to size up the people around him — essential traits for anyone aiming to be successful in politics.

"Southside With You" also encapsulates the playfulness, dignity and intelligence the Obamas have shown in the past eight years in the White House — traits that have made them successful as a couple, as parents and as representatives of what's great about America.

Twitter: @moviecricket —

HHHhj

'Southside With You'

Re-enacting the first date between Michelle Robinson and Barack Obama, a romance finds the spark that has endured with America's first family.

Where • Area theaters.

When • Opens Friday, Aug. 26.

Rating • PG-13 for brief strong language, smoking, a violent image and a drug reference.

Running time • 81 minutes.