Dennis Quaid's 'Reagan' Surpasses Box Office Predictions, Earning $10.3 Million
The biographical film "Reagan" surpassed box office predictions during its Labor Day weekend release.
The full-length movie, featuring Dennis Quaid, tells the story of former President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy Reagan, played by Penelope Ann Miller.
According to Box Office Mojo, "Reagan" grossed over $10.3 million during the showing period from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2, placing third behind "Deadpool & Wolverine" and "Alien: Romulus."
The biopic nearly doubled its projected earnings of about $5 million for its opening weekend, bringing in $7.4 million from Friday through Sunday, as reported by The Oklahoman.
About the Film
"Reagan," directed by Sean McNamara, is based on the 2006 book "The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism" by author and professor Paul Kengor.
The film received a positive response from audiences, earning a 98 percent "Popcornmeter" score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to a 22 percent critical rating as of Wednesday.
One reviewer wrote, “When the movie was over, people were wiping tears from their eyes, and the theater broke into applause. It’s inspirational. It’s feel good and positive. It’s historical. It’s real and well done. It recounted a time when people who disagreed found ways to stay friends and work together for the good of the country.”
Another reviewer praised the film as a "remarkable piece of filmmaking" and commended Dennis Quaid for his "career-topping performance of stunning breadth—and depth."
Quaid's Response to Criticism
In August, prior to the film's release, Quaid dismissed criticism about his decision to portray the Republican president, stating to Fox News that "Reagan" is not a "political movie."
The 70-year-old actor described the 40th president as "like everybody’s dad at the time that he was president," and noted that people either admired or rebelled against their fathers. He stressed that "Reagan" is not a political movie, despite attempts to make it so.
Cast of 'Reagan'
"Reagan" features Dennis Quaid, Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight as retired KGB agent Viktor Petrovich, and Scott Stapp as Frank Sinatra. The film is currently being shown in movie theaters across the country.
Quaid's History of Presidential Roles
"Reagan" is not Quaid's first portrayal of an American president on screen. After a series of film appearances, Quaid played former President Bill Clinton in the 2009 HBO Film "The Special Relationship." His performance earned him a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
In "American Dreamz," Quaid played a fictional American president named Joseph Staton, a character loosely based on George W. Bush.
Despite his various presidential roles, Quaid stated that Reagan was his favorite president.
Bottom Line
The success of "Reagan" at the box office shows the enduring interest in the life and legacy of the 40th president. The film's positive audience response and the praise for Quaid's performance highlight the power of cinema to bring historical figures to life. What are your thoughts on this film? Share it with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
