Reagan Review: Dennis Quaid Is a Standout in This Surface-Skimming Biopic

as a baby boomer who vividly remembers Ronald Reagan's presidency and it's impact on our nation and must say that the film Reagan left me wanting more don't get me wrong Dennis Quaid delivers an exceptional performance and the production value is top-notch however the film seems to skim the surface of a man who is deeply complex and multifaceted I found Reagan to be a movie with a distinct atmosphere reminiscent of films produced by faith-based Studio anciel Studios like sound of Hope Sound of freedom and sight these movies often carry a specific message or theme and seldom feel authentically developed the plot is present but it's sometimes overshadowed by the creators who aim to convey a particular idea it feels akin to a history lesson in e8th grade where the story seems more like a vehicle for delivering a predetermined message rather than organically evolving a biopic directed by Shan mcera and Ronald Reagan a 40th US president is an overly dramatic or complex but it effectively conveys its message this movie doesn't delve deeply into Reagan's personal life or criticisms instead choosing to present him in a favorable light it portrays reim as a figure of greatness Who Rose from humble beginnings founded success in Hollywood entered politics and played a significant role in ending the Cold War and forwarding communism during the 1980s the film is reminiscent of a movie you might want to watch about yourself at your funeral the movie boasts numerous strengths one of which is the outstanding performance by Dennis Quaid as The Gipper he skillfully embodies Reagan without it appearing forced or excessively imitative additionally Reagan boasts a strong ensemble cast including Academy Award winner John Voit Penelope andne Miller Mina Savari Kevin Dylan and David Henry however even this talented group is unable to salvage this overly light-hearted and drawn out of production and movie opens with a voiceover of Ronald Reagan discussing unexpected events and a hired purpose from a start naam portrays Reagan as a is a seemingly Divine figure faded to be virtuous uh and perform Noble Deeds immediately following this we are transported to the well-known attempt on Reagan's Life by John Hanley Jr in 1981 this is where unusual turn events unfolds drawing inspiration from Paul kangor's 2006 top selling book the Crusader Ronald Reagan and the fall of Communism author Howard clausner chooses to marate the tale through the perspective of a fictional as KGB agent named Victor novakov John vo in essence it feels like we're revisiting the scene where Tom Hanks starred an Elvis once more the shortcoming of that film lies in its portrayal of an ominous manipulative character Colonel Tom Parker Elvis's manager who is tasked with conveying a captivating story about a charismatic figure and in this production John voit's role is limited as the script mainly requires him to serve as a narrator guiding us through Reagan's life history much like flipping pages in a book he engages with the character uh Alex Sparrow's Andre novakov who represents the Soviet side and he refers to Reagan as the Crusader someone he has been observing for years it presents an unusual political narrative that resembles quote Tuesdays with Mory in some ways but it doesn't quite feel authentic or compelling and that instead let's traveled back in time and witnessed Reagan as a child growing up in rural Illinois here his mother portrayed by Jennifer O'Neal is depicted as being deeply a supportive constantly reinforcing to young Ronald that he has an extraordinary Destiny although this aspect of the plot may seem insignificant at first the movie repeatedly emphasizes it to Second crop again and this isn't what it did it wasn't what follows our immensely broad Strokes through various moments in Reagan's early years the little boy becomes a young man lifeguarding note saving people's lives he been tell on how many people he's rescued from the water a lake in fat not a raging ocean but nonetheless we are again told that Reagan is a hero and we become an even Bon the live of betrayal of Reagan's time in Hollywood shows his marriage to Jane wean mea suar as RZ R's character who regrets the decline of Regan's acting career from leading to rolls to a supporting part in bed toown for Gonzo and Commercial pitches later rean encounters his long-term partner mancy Reagan to mopey and Miller the filmmaker manages to depict the connection but questions of their feelings for each other are not fully addressed the reasons behind ny's affection for Ronnie and Ronnie's love for her remain unexplored and due to the director's preference for a lengthy runtime exceeding two hours the film aims to delve into every decade of Raiden's life given that he lived until the age of 93 in 2004 this extensive span means there's a lot to tackle making it feel more suited as a limited series rather than a single movie especially considering the political aspects alone as a film Enthusiast I put it this way this period is where the Merit of unfolds focusing on Ronald Reagan's political Journey a storyline provides an overview of his careers in politics that delves less into the interfaces it's a repetitive theme of Reagan standing against communism that EOS throughout the script we witnessed Reagan alongside NY transition from being the governor of California during the 1960s and early 1970s to embarking on a presidential campaign leading figures such as Margaret fater leslianne down M Gorbachev leid BNF Robert dabby tip O'Neal and Reagan's trusted Ally James Baker Mick Cersei brought in only to be swiftly replaced The Narrative lacks the necessary development or tension to convey the magnitude of events unfolding such as the fall of the belind wall and Reagan's increasing influence over Russia which remain underdeveloped uh in this movie there's no mention of the lgbtq plus Community Reagan's approach the AIDS crisis or his controversial policies on Mental Health it feels like a completely different world world is being portrayed if the film had delved deeper into Reagan's complexities instead of focusing so narrowly it could have been truly exceptional uh taking a daring stance for Discerning individuals like Baby Boomers Millennials and West coasters who closely follow historical events it's not that Reagan was terrible it's simply a disappointment given our high expectations however let me emphasize that Reagan was an exceptional performer arguably more truthful than the Contemporary Republican figure who remains influential toight immerse yourself in the movie and uh you'll undoubtedly admire Dennis Quaid's exceptional performance which is yet another Stellar act the film boasts impressive production quality and the scenic views of the Reagan Ranch in California were part of the film The Shot or captivated however if you're seeking a more profound an exploration of an iconic figure this movie might not offer that debt with its talented cast Reagan leans towards being a light-hearted tribute film filled with emotion but lacking in significant depth Reagan produced by show bid is direct will be released in theaters on August 30th