Reagan

Reagan is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. The film spans from his childhood in Dixon, Illinois, through his Hollywood career, his time as the Governor of California, and finally, his presidency.

Reagan Review

Ronald Reagan was a deceptively enigmatic President, especially for those on the Left who generally understand little about ontological realities. On the one hand, he often seemed like a kindhearted and gentle man with a well-meaning joke and an easy-wry smile ready for any situation. It was a characteristic that often led his opposition to underestimate the man to their detriment. For beneath it all was a keen mind tempered by a deep faith and midwestern practicality and a fierce patriot who understood the nature of authoritarian bullies. One who wasn’t afraid to stand mano y mano against the forces of evil that would deign to destroy the country for which he had so much love.

                   

Dennis Quaid, who plays the titular role, has always been a fan favorite, winning over audiences with his Texas swagger and signature grin. However, with perhaps the exception of his full-bodied turn as Jerry Lee Lewis in the deservingly mix-reviewed Great Balls of Fire and his utter transformation into Doc Holiday in Wyatt Earp, Quaid, not unlike many other leading men, has more or less made a career of playing charming variations of the same character. Not so with Reagan.

Dennis Quaid delivers what might be the performance of his career as he takes on the challenging role of Ronald Reagan. Quaid’s transformation into the Republican icon goes beyond mere impersonation; he fully inhabits Reagan’s persona, capturing both his charisma and complexity. The physical resemblance is uncanny, but it’s Quaid’s ability to channel Reagan’s mannerisms, voice, and inner essence that truly stands out. His portrayal is deeply nuanced, avoiding caricature and offering a respectful and compelling interpretation of the man known as “Dutch.” Quaid’s performance is the standout reason to watch Reagan, making it a must-see for those interested in both history and exceptional acting.

Most of the remaining cast members give strong turns as their respective historical figures. However, only two others are given enough individual screen time and material to rise or fall. The redoubtable Jon Voight plays the fictional retired KGB spy Viktor Petrovich, who narrates the film. While the veteran performer gives his characteristic 110%, his character and narration are little more than troublesome storytelling crutches that rob the film of emotional cohesiveness. By comparison, Penelope Ann Miller, who plays Nancy Reagan and is best known for her work in the 90s films Carlito’s Way and Kindergarten Cop, delivers a regrettably amateurish and emotionally disconnected turn as the First Lady, often contrasting Quaid’s mesmerizing embodiment of Ronnie with an airy affectation.

Structurally, the story is less a single dramatic retelling of Ronald Reagan’s life or even of one or two of his more significant contributions to society than it is a nearly overwhelming bombardment of vignettes and montages that attempt to cram every meaningful moment of his presidency into the film’s restrictive 2h and 15m runtime. Hence, Voight’s narrator is overburdened with telling audiences of the importance of any particular moment or filling in the decades between vignettes rather than the film showing them to us as one cohesive dramatic narrative. The result is a movie that feels, in many ways, more like a documentary than a feature-length picture, one without characters with which to bond or to root for or against.

That said, unlike other films that have fallen victim to this same unfortunate formula, Reagan will only manage to leave audiences, especially fans of the man, disappointed that the movie isn’t an hour longer. By the sheer force of Dennis Quaid’s performance and charisma mixing potion-like with that of Reagan’s own magnetism and the fact that each vignette is independently well-filmed, engaging, and with its historical poignancy clear and visceral, Reagan, despite its lack of connective tissue, is a surprisingly good movie.

Do yourself a favor and see Reagan. It’s Worth it.

WOKE REPORT

Tear Down That Wall

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