REVIEW: “Reagan” (2024)

As someone who lived through the era of Ronald Reagan, I must say that “Reagan” is a film that manages to capture the essence of a time when politics were not as divisive as they are today. The movie takes us on a journey through the life of a man who was not just a president, but an icon.

Currently, there’s hardly anything as divisive as contemporary politics. While it’s true that politics has always been competitive and occasionally confrontational, in the past, opposing parties could engage in heated debates within the prestigious chambers of Washington DC and then socialize over drinks afterwards. It appears we’ve drifted significantly from that era, particularly at a national level, as I perceive it.

Ronald Reagan had an exceptional talent for reaching out to people, regardless of their political views, which earned him the nickname “The Great Communicator“. Despite having opponents during his presidency, he communicated in a manner that resonated deeply with many. During his term, he inspired the nation when he appealed to Mikhail Gorbachev to demolish the Berlin Wall. He comforted the nation after the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy. And the country was stunned when he was shot by John Hinckley Jr., a remarkable event for those times.

Sean McNamara helms the biographical drama “Reagan”, which delves into the life of the 40th U.S. President. The screenplay was penned by Howard Klausner and Jonas McCord, inspired by Paul Kengor’s 2006 book “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism“. This extensive production endeavors to encompass a broader scope than is perhaps advisable, often taking on the feel of a rapidly successive sequence of dramatized news segments rather than a comprehensive narrative. However, despite its somewhat fragmented structure, “Reagan” maintains an engaging quality thanks to the dedicated performance of Dennis Quaid, who portrays the captivating subject.

The movie is framed by a conversation between a young Communist politician (Alexey Sparrow) described as the “rising star of Mother Russia” and an aged former KGB agent (Jon Voight) who followed Ronald Reagan’s rise which helped precipitate the Soviet Union’s fall. It’s through their discourse that we are transported back in time to key points in Reagan’s history. They include his small town childhood with his devout mother Nelle (Amanda Righetti) and his alcoholic father Jack (Justin Chatwin), his time as a lifeguard at Lowell Park, doing radio broadcasts, and playing football at Eureka College.

Instead of dwelling on Ronald Reagan’s movie career, McNamara delves into the private aspects of Reagan’s life during his Hollywood years. This includes his marriage to actress Jane Wyman (portrayed by Mena Suvari) and their divorce, his leadership as president of the Screen Actors Guild, and his initial encounter with Nancy Davis (Penelope Ann Miller). The film aims to highlight Reagan’s bold approach to problems and his increasing worry about the expansion of Communism. These aspects play a significant role in setting the stage for Reagan’s entry into politics.

The film traces Reagan’s journey up the political ladder, starting with his term as Governor of California, which lasted eight years. It delves into his defeat in the 1976 Republican primary against Gerald Ford and his subsequent triumph over incumbent Jimmy Carter in the 1980 presidential election. The filmmakers aim to touch upon significant events during his presidency, such as “Reaganomics”, the assassination attempt by Hinckley, the Iran-Contra scandal, the Korean Air Lines disaster, his memorable speech at the Berlin Wall, and his strategic Cold War confrontations with Mikhail Gorbachev (Olek Krupa), among other notable incidents.

In a more personal aspect, McNamara frequently reminds us of Reagan’s close bond with his mother, underscoring her profound influence on him. The movie portrays his reciprocal affection and esteem for Margaret Thatcher (Lesley-Anne Down), his camaraderie with Democratic Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill (Dan Lauria), and the constant backing he gets from Nancy. All these elements build up to the film’s poignant ending, which discusses Reagan’s declining health, including his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.

The movie “Reagan” boasts a large ensemble, many of whom give strong performances. However, it’s Dennis Quaid who stands out, deservedly so. He invests considerable effort and skill to portray Reagan authentically through his appearance, voice, and behavior. Initially, some scenes make an attempt to depict him as younger by excessive digital enhancement, which feels visually awkward. Yet, the narrative eventually allows Quaid to convincingly embody Reagan. It’s during this part that his performance truly shines.

The movie encounters some typical biopic pitfalls, such as its plot being predictable, the narrative having a rosy tint and being overly straightforward, and it exaggerating certain crucial scenes. However, its major flaw lies in its grandness. It aims to encompass too much, leading to various aspects of Reagan’s life receiving less attention. Consequently, it becomes challenging to follow the sequence of significant events as McNamara swiftly moves from one momentous occasion to another. Essentially, the film feels like a condensed summary of Reagan’s life.

“Although it has its flaws, the film titled “Reagan” leads us on an intriguing voyage through an exceptional American life story. This skillfully crafted and powerfully acted production offers a soft, yet non-partisan view of Ronald Reagan, focusing on his trials and triumphs while delving into the man behind the public figure. It presents a captivating angle on a wide range of historical events. Much like its subject, this film resonates with anyone who can appreciate it beyond their political leanings. “Reagan” hits theaters on August 30th.”

2024-08-28 17:57

REVIEW: “Reagan” (2024)

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