“Reagan,” a biographical drama portraying the life of former President Ronald Reagan, significantly surpassed box office projections during its opening weekend. The film, which stars Dennis Quaid as Reagan, earned an estimated $10 million over the September 30-August 2 Labor Day weekend. This figure placed “Reagan” in third place at the box office, trailing behind “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Alien: Romulus.”
Initial forecasts had estimated the film would make around $5 million in its debut. The Oklahoman reported that the film nearly doubled this projection, with an early estimate of $9.2 million.
Audience Reception vs. Critical Response
The film has garnered a strong audience reception, holding a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of Tuesday. However, it has faced substantial criticism from various left-leaning media outlets. The Daily Beast labeled “Reagan” as “the worst movie of the year,” with entertainment critic Nick Schager describing it as “absolute trash.”
Critical reviews from The Washington Post, Variety, The Wrap, and The Hollywood Reporter were similarly harsh. The Washington Post’s Ty Burr described the film as “a hagiography as rosy and shallow as anything in a Kremlin May Day parade,” suggesting it is more propaganda than historical analysis. William Bibbiani of The Wrap criticized the film as an “embarrassing presidential biopic,” asserting it portrays Reagan in an overly idealistic manner.
Dennis Quaid’s Perspective
Dennis Quaid, who portrays Reagan, has addressed concerns about the film’s political implications. Speaking to Fox News Digital in August, Quaid emphasized that the film is intended as a love story rather than a political statement. He dismissed worries about potential backlash, stating, “A lot of that gets twisted because people have agendas.”
Quaid also defended Reagan’s legacy, contrasting the president’s historical impact with the criticisms he faced during his tenure. “When Reagan was president, they called him a warmonger. But this is the guy who ended the Cold War and made peace with the Soviets,” Quaid remarked. He expressed that the film reflects Reagan as a figure with whom people had complex feelings, likening his presidency to a familial relationship with admiration and rebellion.
Film Details
“Reagan” was directed by Sean McNamara and produced by Mark Joseph. The film also features performances by Penelope Ann Miller and Jon Voight. Despite the polarized reception, its strong box office performance indicates a notable interest in Reagan’s life and legacy.
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