Review: A worshipful biopic of the 40th president, ‘Reagan’ is historical hooey — and a slog too

[mountaineer]

A predictably overwrought review from a Democrat rag:

Review: A worshipful biopic of the 40th president, ‘Reagan’ is historical hooey — and a slog too
By Robert Abele
Aug. 30, 2024 10:29 AM PT
L.A. Times

There’s political idolatry, and then there’s the canonization in movie‘s clothing that is Sean McNamara’s faith-tinged bio-epic “Reagan,” which follows its subject, played by Dennis Quaid, from Ronnie’s Hollywood days through his two terms as the 40th president.

Quaid’s a reliably muscular actor who deserves meaty roles. But here he’s just an imitation puppet, the high-wattage shell masking a hollow portrait tailor-made for religious conservatives with a thin grasp of history and no tolerance for nuance. If you can imagine someone watching the classic “Saturday Night Live” sketch with Phil Hartman portraying Reagan as a geopolitical brainiac fronting as a bumbling optimist and taking it as gospel, you’ll have some idea of how “Reagan” comes off.

Of course, that legendary bit played on wide skepticism that our folksy prez played dumb with the Iran-Contra scandal, hence its hilarious picture of Reagan as a criminal mastermind. Here, though, with every ham-fisted scene of myth-mired heroism, McNamara and screenwriter Howard Klausner seek veneration for the Man Who Ended Communism: the guy who’d had the reds in his sights for decades; the sincere smile that hid a fierce warrior; the Christian whose perfect long game — star to Screen Actors Guild head to FBI informant to governor to world leader making folksy quips — inevitably shattered the godless Soviet Union. ...

[mountaineer]

Conservative actor Nick Searcy has a different opinion:

Nick Searcy, INSURRECTIONAL FILM & TELEVISION STAR
@yesnicksearcy
In a nonpartisan world, @PenelopeAMiller would be an Oscar nominee.  Her performance is heartbreaking and stellar.
So difficult to play such a universally known public figure without falling into caricature. She killed it.
1:53 AM · Aug 31, 2024

https://twitter.com/PenelopeAMiller/status/1828560424167731569

[mountaineer]

One of my neighbors posted on Facebook:

Wow. I can't think of enough good things to say about the Reagan movie. I am amazed that that movie was so good and it wasn't a hit piece. Dennis Quaid had him cold, perfect voice. Perfect mannerisms, and it was not derogatory toward him in any way. In fact, it was very inspirational. Everyone should see this movie...at the end I stood up and clapped for it and other people did, too.

It was a very good retelling of his youth, his acting career and his presidency, and ended with his letter to the American people about when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, just an incredibly good movie. He was the first President I ever got the vote for and it reminds me so much of him

Just incredibly good!

Another review:

Steve Deace
@SteveDeaceShow
My review of Reagan -- which is an overall terrific portrayal of the life of the most pivotal Republican president of the 20th century. Dennis Quaid gives a terrific performance as The Gipper, particularly during the final hour of the movie, which is also when the movie is at its best. Jon Voight is also strong as the retired KGB agent charged with studying Reagan for the Soviet Union, and effectively serves as the narrator of the story recollecting upon the man that brought down the Iron Curtain (this was a smart plot device). However, maybe it's just me, but I was as saddened by the film as I was inspired it. For I couldn't help being saddened by how far we've fallen as a people since then. And how much of the old Soviet Union we have imported here since it collapsed over there.
9:24 AM · Aug 31, 2024

[Smokin Joe]

Sadly, all that was necessary for Communism to flourish, was to declare it dead.

[240B]

‘Reagan’ Film CRUSHES Box Office Expectations, Scores ‘A’ From Viewers

Trending Politics
Chris Powell
September 3, 2024

When the critics on Rotten Tomatoes give a film a thumbs down while the audience gives it a standing ovation, it’s clear who’s really in touch with the American pulse. The latest box office sensation, ‘Reagan,’ proved to be a cinematic journey that defied expectations on its opening weekend, resonating with audiences across the nation while leaving professional critics disappointed.

Released nationwide on August 30, ‘Reagan’ tells the story of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, from his beginnings in small-town America to his rise in Hollywood and eventually to the most powerful office in the world. Told through the unique perspective of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life intertwined with Reagan’s during the Cold War, the film offers an intriguing look at a man who captivated not only the American people but also his greatest adversaries.

(more)
https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/reagan-film-crushes-box-office-expectations-scores-a-from-viewers-mace/

[Mod2]

Merged topics and moved to Entertainment category.

[massadvj]

The critics hate it and the audience loves it. A sure sign that it is uplifting, conservative and entertaining. When it goes the other way -- critics love, audience hates -- I guarantee the movie is going to have a lot of gratuitous gay and trans sex.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Just saw this movie tonight.  I can critique some aspects of it, but a pleasant movie to see.

I was about to cry outright afterwards just at the thought of how far we have gone down, and he was right - tyranny is only a generation away.

I seriously about broke down thinking I haven’t even had anything close to this man to vote for ever, and what my son is in for.  And yes, I mean that.  I so, so SO miss him!