Dennis Quaid’s portrayal of Ronald Reagan in the biopic Reagan is quickly becoming one of the most surprising box office stories of the year. After a strong weekend showing, the film saw a significant boost on Tuesday, rising 68% and moving from fifth to third place in the domestic box office rankings. The film has now surpassed other notable releases, such as Am I Racist and Deadpool, solidifying its presence in theaters across the country. With its sights set on surpassing the $25 million mark, Reagan is steadily closing in on director Oliver Stone’s W. in terms of box office revenue, positioning itself as one of the top-performing presidential biopics in recent memory.
Directed by Sean McNamara, known for films such as Soul Surfer and Miracle Season, Reagan takes viewers through the life of the 40th President of the United States, from his humble beginnings in small-town America to his rise as a Hollywood actor and eventually his role on the global political stage during the Cold War. The film’s narrative attempts to cover the key moments in Reagan’s life, exploring his transition from an actor to one of the most influential political figures of the late 20th century.
The screenplay was written by Howard Klausner, who also penned Space Cowboys for Clint Eastwood, and it draws on a blend of historical events and Reagan’s personal journey. The movie has garnered attention not only for its subject matter but also for the way it approaches Reagan’s legacy, framing his life in a narrative that aims to be both accessible to general audiences and respectful of the complexities of his political career.
A popular film website, Joblo.com, praised it as “a pretty big sleeper hit,” acknowledging its unexpected performance at the box office. Meanwhile, some media outlets have critiqued its portrayal of historical events. The newspaper, Worker’s World, for example, referred to the film as an “ahistorical conservative fairy tale.” These differing perspectives reflect the complexity of depicting political figures on screen, especially ones whose legacies are still debated in the public sphere.
The film’s performance among general audiences has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers giving Reagan a CinemaScore, indicating a high level of audience satisfaction. This enthusiasm has created a notable divide between audience and critic reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 98% score on the Popcornmeter, which reflects audience approval, while critics have rated the film much lower, at just 17%. This 81-point gap between critics and audiences is the largest in Hollywood’s history, surpassing the 65-point gap previously held by The Boondock Saints.
This significant divergence has prompted further discussion about the different expectations that professional critics and everyday moviegoers bring to political biopics like Reagan. Some publications have weighed in with differing opinions, with LA Weekly—typically seen as a progressive outlet—describing the film as a “superhero origin story,” focusing on the narrative of Reagan overcoming obstacles throughout his life. On the other hand, The Wall Street Journal criticized the film, with a review that called it “impeachable.” These varied opinions highlight the challenges filmmakers face when tackling the lives of political figures whose impact is still widely discussed.
The narrative of Reagan takes place during one of the most pivotal periods in modern history—the Cold War. The film emphasizes Reagan’s role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and his relationship with the Soviet Union, offering a portrait of a man who went from an entertainer to a global leader. The film delves into his Hollywood career, his rise in California politics, and his eventual presidency, all while maintaining a focus on the personal aspects of his journey, including his relationships and convictions.
While Reagan may not have garnered universal critical acclaim, its box office success and enthusiastic audience reception demonstrate its appeal to a wide demographic. As the film continues to climb in revenue, it has already surpassed other presidential biopics like LBJ and Nixon, establishing itself as one of the more commercially successful portrayals of a U.S. president in recent years. Whether viewed as a faithful retelling or a more interpretive biographical film, Reagan has undoubtedly made its mark within the genre.
To find tickets, theater locations and watch the trailer, go to Reagan.Movie
As the film continues its run in theaters, its ability to engage and entertain audiences speaks to the enduring fascination with Reagan’s life and legacy. The collaboration between Dennis Quaid, director Sean McNamara, and writer Howard Klausner has resulted in a film that, for many, offers a compelling portrayal of one of America’s most influential presidents, regardless of the ongoing debates surrounding his impact on history.
Published by: Martin De Juan
