My wife Cindi and I just got back from watching Reagan at the theater. I’d already heard good things from friends involved in the production that raised my expectations somewhat. Fair to say, this movie exceeded those expectations…by A LOT. I was not prepared for the emotional impact I experienced as the story unfolded. Tears welled up in my eyes numerous times, and more tears at the end, for sure (Cindi, too).
In another post, I’ve mentioned that Reagan was my all-time favorite President. This movie reminded me why. Dennis Quaid very quickly made me forget he wasn’t Reagan. A phenomenal performance. And Penelope Miller did an overhaul on my previously not-so-great opinion of his wife, Nancy. Honestly, among other things, Reagan is a first-rate love story.
It’s also something of a sweeping epic of Reagan’s life, from his childhood till the very end. Hard to believe how much ground they covered in two hours. Oddly, it is often narrated through the eyes of a former KGB spy. At first, I thought…What?? But it works! It really works.
And I loved all the scenes from the 40’s and 50’s. So well done. Personally, I began to pay attention to Reagan around the time he became Governor of California. I think the tears were all about how often this movie took me back to the historical moments I actually lived through. So much drama going on back then, and suspense, perfectly captured in the film.
I’d be curious if this movie would hit my son and daughter the same way as it did my wife and me, considering they were born after Reagan left office. But I think Baby Boomers will absolutely love this film, and if you’re younger than that and curious why so many people my age think of President Reagan with so much admiration and respect, this movie will show you why.
He was a man worthy of a movie such as this. And as someone who’s made a living telling stories the last 15 years, my hat’s off to Sean McNamara (director) and Howard Klausner (screenwriter), and all the production team. Reagan is a storytelling masterpiece. — Dan Walsh