“Reagan,” a new biopic starring Dennis Quaid, tells the story of Ronald Reagan’s rise to the presidency and his impact on American politics. The film begins with the chilling assassination attempt on Reagan in 1981, setting the stage for his divine plan to bring down the Soviet Union. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about Reagan’s early years, his time as an actor and Screen Actors Guild president, and his transition into politics. Alongside his second wife, Nancy Davis, Reagan embarks on a path to political stardom, ultimately becoming the 40th president of the United States.
The film portrays Reagan as a transformative figure who played a key role in the downfall of communism by championing freedom and democracy. His famous moments, such as the “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” speech in Berlin and witty debate comebacks, are highlighted throughout the movie. However, despite these memorable scenes, the film falls short in delving deeper into Reagan’s personality and motivations. Viewers are left wanting a more nuanced perspective on a man who shaped American politics for decades.
The cast, including Jon Voight as a KGB spy narrator and Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan, delivers solid performances but lacks the depth needed to truly capture the essence of these historical figures. The film glosses over Reagan’s personal life and political career, offering a surface-level portrayal that fails to provide insight into his character. While the movie touches on Reagan’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease and eventual death in 2004, it leaves much to be desired in terms of understanding the man behind the presidency.
Directed by Sean McNamara and written by Howard Klausner, “Reagan” is a nostalgic look back at a beloved president whose impact continues to be felt in American politics. However, the film’s focus on Reagan’s iconic moments and achievements leaves the audience craving a more introspective examination of his legacy. Despite Dennis Quaid’s charismatic portrayal of Reagan, the lackluster script and one-dimensional characterization prevent the movie from truly capturing the essence of one of America’s most influential leaders. In the end, “Reagan” serves as a superficial tribute to a complex historical figure, falling short of providing the depth and insight needed to truly do justice to his legacy.
