Reagan The Movie: A Review Amidst Mainstream Media Criticism

Experiencing Reagan The Movie

Richard Truesdell, a conservative movie-goer, recently attended the premiere of the film Reagan. Despite the movie's low rating of 18% by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, Truesdell and his friend Susan, both staunch conservatives, thoroughly enjoyed the film, aligning themselves with the 98% of Rotten Tomato viewers who also appreciated it. Truesdell acknowledges that the film has its flaws. The cinematography, particularly in the flashback scenes, is quite dark, and the film's duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes feels long. However, he believes that Dennis Quaid's portrayal of Ronald Reagan is excellent, and he commends the performances of Jon Voight and Penelope Ann Miller as well.

Reagan: A Small, Big Movie

Truesdell describes Reagan as a "small, big movie". It's small in the sense that it's not told on an epic scale, but it's big in the sense that it tells a significant story with an all-star cast. The film took about five years to complete due to interruptions caused by COVID lockdowns. Despite Truesdell's positive review, the film has been heavily criticized by other critics, particularly those with ideological differences. Glenn Kenny of the New York Times, for example, dismissed the film as "a plodding film, more curious than compelling."

Contrasting Reviews: Reagan vs Oppenheimer

In contrast to the negative reviews of Reagan, critics, including those at the New York Times, lavished praise on the film Oppenheimer, a biopic about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man known as "the father of the atomic bomb." Truesdell argues that both films have their flaws, but he finds Reagan to be a more satisfying and entertaining film.

The Hagiography Critique

Among the negative reviews of Reagan, the term "hagiographic" frequently appears, meaning "excessively flattering." Truesdell suggests that this critique is politically motivated, comparing it to the mainstream media's negative coverage of Donald Trump. He cites examples of this critique from Ty Burr at the Washington Post and Joshua Peinado at In Review Online.

Final Thoughts on Reagan The Movie

Despite the criticism, Truesdell maintains that Reagan is a film worth watching, especially for those who lived through the Cold War and witnessed the disintegration of the Soviet Union. He rates the film 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommends it as a satisfying and emotional film.

Bottom Line

While Reagan The Movie has been met with mixed reviews, it seems to resonate with viewers who have a personal connection to the era it depicts. The film has sparked debate among critics and viewers alike, highlighting the often polarizing nature of political biopics. What are your thoughts on this film? Do you agree with Truesdell's review or do you side with the critics? Share your thoughts with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.