Reagan
review by Bobby Blakey
I love biography films when they are handled freely and honestly. Whether you are a fan of the subject matter or not, they can not only be compelling in their story but also be a good piece of history to gain knowledge. No matter your political affiliation President Ronald Reagan was a polarizing figure. Now the Kings Daughter director Sean McNamara is shinning the spotlight on the actor turned President in his film aptly titled Reagan starring Mena Suvari, Kevin Dillon, Penelope Ann Miller, Jon Voight and Dennis Quaid as Reagan. Could this film do the legacy of the man justice, or will it fail to speak to the nation?
Reagan follows the story of the 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan in this cinematic journey that encapsulates the spirit of the American dream. From his small-town roots to the glitter of Hollywood where he meets actress Jane Wyman and Warner Brothers’ studio president Jack Warner, Reagan’s incredible story culminates in obtaining the presidency with the support of his loving wife Nancy, told through the voice of a former KGB agent.
As a fan of these kinds of films and history, I was excited to see this film in hopes to get a better understanding of the man and his legacy while learning new things about the times I have lived through but were too young to understand. Sitting down I was instantly impressed with Quaid’s portrayal of the iconic figure but is sadly the only thing really holding this thing together from being a missed opportunity.
The cast are all fine, but it’s Quaid the cement the film into something that could have been a truly great biopic on such a polarizing figure in the world.
Outside of his performance the story is strangely told through a KGB agent which felt kind of strange despite it also being elements of the time. The infusion of a constant Russian presence could easily be construed into today’s political climate but tried to keep that to the side and not let it influence my feelings on the finished product.
The pacing of the film is very slow and with the number of things he did throughout his career before and during his presidency should have been way more exciting and intriguing. I found myself losing interest fast but was determined to find the excellence surrounding Quaid’s excellent portrayal. At times it felt like it wasn’t going all in with the narrative looking to just point out the good things and none of the negative and ending unbalanced in overall execution.
Even with this issue it still could have worked, but the glaring make-up used to de-age and/or match the period is just way too obvious. Some of the actors just look fake or varying colors that seemed unnatural making the entire production feel cheaper and more like a TV movie and not the clear attempted effort at something special.
I wanted to love this movie and was ready to praise it, but instead found myself really struggling to get through it just for the slow pace alone and none of the other elements helping to get over it and stay with it. I am sure the hardcore fans of Reagan will look beyond this and see it as some sort of love letter to the late president, but as a straight up biography it fails to give the full portrayal and life of a man that deserved a lot better for his legacy.
Decide for yourself and check out Reagan available now on digital, Blu-ray and DVD from Lionsgate.