Forget about the ongoing divide between Democrats and Republicans, becauseReagan’swildly divergentRotten Tomatoesscores reflect two completely different opinions when it comes to the new biopic. If one were to believe the critics, director Sean McNamara’sRonald Reaganmovie isn’t worth watching, and, as a result, registers only 18% on the Tomatometer. Conversely, audiences are in love with the Dennis Quaid-led film about the United States’ 40th President. Thus, the RT Popcornmeter reflects a nearly perfect score of 98%. First, the bad news: à la the disappointment with the flick.MovieWeb’sown Greg Archer says:
“It opts to shine a flattering light on the man,capturing him as some kind of glorified soul,somebody who came from humble beginningsand managed to get a break in Hollywood then enter politicsand emerge as the man who helped thwart communism and The Cold War in the 1980s.It’s the kind of film you’d like to see about yourself at your wake.”
Richard Roeper of theChicago Sun-Timeswrites:
A fawning biopic light on subtlety.
Adam Nayman ofThe Ringeradds (below):
“It’s a thin line between satire and self-parody,and more sophisticated directors than [Sean] McNamara have tripped all over it. Reagan looks a bit likea berserk Saturday Night Livesketch,or maybe a biopic parody à la Walk Hard…”
From dusty small-town roots, to the glitter of Hollywood and then on to commanding the world stage, Reagan is a cinematic journey of overcoming the odds. Told through the voice of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life becomes inextricably linked with Ronald Reagan’s when Reagan first caught the Soviets’ attention as an actor in Hollywood, this film offers a perspective as unique as it is captivating. Dennis Quaid brings to life a story that transcends the boundaries of a traditional biopic, offering a profound exploration of the enduring impact of the power of one man who overcame the odds, sustained by the love of a woman who supported him in his journey.
Odie Henderson ofThe Boston Globesays:
Made up to look like Reagan, Quaid instead resembles one of those puppets from Genesis’s ‘Land of Confusion’ video; the movie does him no favors by showing footage of that video at one point.
Much like the political arena’s real-life polling stations, though, the movie industry also has its own way of tallying voters’ ballots thanks to CinemaScore. In order to gauge an audience’s immediate reaction to a brand-new film, moviegoers will be asked to record their real-time opinions as they walk out of auditoriums. And in the case ofReagan,it’s a landslide in favor of the biopic with an “A” CinemaScore, which resoundingly speaks for the theatergoing public. And that’s also reflected inReagan’snearly perfect Popcornmeter rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Audiences Praise Same Film Critics Are Bashing
While Sean McNamara and Dennis Quaid’s cinematic collaboration is dividing the critics and moviegoers,Reaganranks as the No. 4 film at the box officeduring its opening weekend over this Labor Day holiday. According to the estimates, the Ronald Reagan biopic will make $7.4 million (three-day) during its theatrical debut and just over $9 million (four-day). And while professional writers are busy beating onReaganlike Negan did to Glenn and Abraham on AMC’sThe Walking Dead,audiences are conversely enjoying the film. One verified audience member, CE, wrote (perRotten Tomatoes):
“Excellent movie!An accurate and excellent portrayal of one of America’s greatest Presidents. The recounting of many events of Reagan’s time was like it was.(I was there) Seeing Reagan retrospectively through the eyes of former and current Russian spies was an interesting way to frame the movie.And Dennis Quaid did a very good job of capturing the outstanding vision, true leadership and humor of President Reagan.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.”
Another verified audience member, Rich, also gave the film five stars. Rich says:
“A man led by his faith in God,his convictions, and his love for this country.A must-see story about the man, his incredible journey, and his love for his family.It will make you laugh, be proud to be an American,and pull out a few emotions.”
Dennis Quaid on Playing Ronald Reagan, Making The Right Stuff, and Son Jack Quaid’s Great Career
The great Dennis Quaid spoke with MovieWeb about his long all-American career and his new film Reagan, years in the making.
Toby’s five-star reaction reads as follows:
“Dennis Quaid did an excellent job portraying Reagan.Ronald Reagan was the first president I was old enough to vote for.He was a happy warrior.This movie provides a great view into his life and the impact he had on the world.I highly recommend it!”
While the2024 summer movie season came to a disappointing end,the campaign has just begun for the new Ronald Reagan biopic. And depending on which side of the fence one stands on, where optimistic audiences and crabby critics are concerned,Reaganis either the must-see event of the Labor Day weekend, or the biopic is a cinematic disaster, which should be avoided like the plague. The only way to know for sure is to pay for a ticket, sit down and give Quaid and McNamara’s film a fair shake.
