Reagan movie review: A flawed portrayal of the 40th US President

Beyond the historical inaccuracies, "Reagan" suffers from poor pacing and questionable artistic choices.


Pop Culture & Art September 04, 2024
Reagan movie review: A flawed portrayal of the 40th US President

Sean McNamara's "Reagan" biopic, starring Dennis Quaid, has sparked controversy with its distorted historical narrative and lackluster execution. While attempting to portray the iconic president, the film falls short in terms of accuracy and cinematic appeal.

The film's hagiographic approach to Reagan's life and achievements raises concerns, omitting crucial historical events and glossing over Reagan's complex legacy. Critics argue that the movie's depiction of Reagan as an anti-racist trailblazer is particularly problematic, given his controversial record on civil rights.

The film's narrative also simplifies complex events such as the Cold War and Reagan's role in it, failing to acknowledge the contributions of other factors. The insertion of a fictional KGB agent as the narrator further adds to the confusion and misrepresentation of historical events.

Beyond the historical inaccuracies, "Reagan" suffers from poor pacing, questionable artistic choices, and bizarre casting decisions, resulting in a tedious and forgettable cinematic experience.

While the film may appeal to dedicated Reagan supporters, those seeking a historically accurate and nuanced portrayal of the 40th president are likely to be disappointed. "Reagan" serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between historical storytelling and creative license, with the latter overshadowing the former in this instance.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ