Dennis Quaid’s ‘Reagan’ Deemed Worst Movie of the Year

Directed by Sean McNamara, the mind behind movies like 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain, Cats & Dogs 3: Paws Unite, and Baby Geniuses and the Treasure of Egypt and its sequel Baby Geniuses and the Space Baby, Reagan continues in the vein of his previous works.

This two-hour and 20-minute film, long delayed in release, can only be described as a hagiography that elevates its subject, Ronald Reagan, to almost saint-like status. Regardless of one’s opinion on Reagan as a president, the biopic comes across as a preachy and tiresome effort.

Reagan, which premieres in theaters on Aug. 30, begins with the attempted assassination of Reagan by John Hinckley Jr. on March 30, 1981. It opens with Reagan addressing an AFL-CIO conference, rallying the crowd with a speech about destiny and choice, but notably omitting his famous “Make America Great Again” line to avoid comparisons with Donald Trump. This selective historical portrayal sets the tone for the rest of the film.

The narration by Dennis Quaid, who portrays Reagan, presents the assassination attempt as part of a “divine plan,” introducing a young Russian politician (Alexey Sparrow) visiting former spy Viktor Petrovich (Jon Voight) to learn the legend of Reagan.

Voight’s portrayal is marked by a comically exaggerated Russian accent and a series of dark-bearded flashbacks. His character describes Reagan as the Soviet Union’s greatest foe, dubbing him “The Crusader,” and often responds with exaggerated fear whenever Reagan takes any action against the USSR.

The film flashes back to 1922 in Dixon, Illinois, presenting a young Reagan (Tommy Ragen) as he develops his speaking skills at church and follows the devout teachings of his mother Nelle (Amanda Righetti). His father, Jack (Justin Chatwin), battles alcoholism, but his mother believes that Reagan is destined for greatness. As a teenage lifeguard (David Henrie), Reagan begins to exhibit charm and leadership qualities.

Reagan’s Hollywood career is portrayed awkwardly by the significantly older Dennis Quaid. The biopic clumsily transitions through his Hollywood years, including a dramatized conflict with communist labor leader Herb Sorrell (Mark Kubr) and a strained first meeting with his future wife Nancy (Penelope Ann Miller).

Quaid’s Reagan expresses his desire to make a difference in the world while riding horses with Nancy. Nancy, claiming that Reagan has a better understanding of politics than Nixon and JFK due to his reading habits, supports his transition into politics.

The film’s depiction of Reagan’s governorship and presidency is similarly awkward, resembling a TV movie from the 1980s. Simplistic and sentimental themes are ever-present, with characters like Pat Boone’s reverend prophesizing Reagan’s ascent to leadership and Nancy reinforcing his heroic image. Reagan is portrayed as a fearless leader against higher taxes, nuclear proliferation, and the ambitions of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Opposition to Reagan’s presidency is cursorily depicted through a brief montage set to Genesis’ “Land of Confusion.” His re-election victory against Walter Mondale sets the stage for triumphs like his famous “tear down this wall” challenge to Gorbachev.

The film only briefly touches on the Iran-Contra scandal, portraying Reagan’s response as a simple act of honesty. This hagiographic approach overlooks the complexities of Reagan’s career, instead focusing on a narrative of unwavering American values and virtues. Friends like Margaret Thatcher are shown extolling his virtues, while foes quake in fear.

The film’s climax, featuring an Alzheimer’s-stricken Reagan riding off into the sunset, underscores its intent to cement his image as the epitome of American virtue. Yet, its heavy-handed hero worship turns Reagan into a piece of transparent propaganda.

Quaid’s portrayal, alternating between folksy charm and resolute nobility, fails to convince. The supporting cast, including a brief appearance by Creed’s Scott Stapp as Frank Sinatra, seems to be participating in a parody rather than a serious biopic.

Reagan’s mantra, “Say what you mean and mean what you say,” could summarize the movie itself: Reagan is a clear-cut flop.

Source: The Daily Beast