Sean McNamara's new movie Reagan, which charts the life of actor and President Ronald Reagan, has received largely negative reviews from critics, though it has been praised by fans online.
The film, which stars Dennis Quaid as the 40th president and Penelope Ann Miller as Nancy Reagan, had its cinematic release on Friday. It is loosely based on The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism, a 2006 book written by Paul Kengor.
Reagan tells the story of its subject from childhood through his acting career, with a focus on his struggle against communists in Hollywood, all the way to the White House. Much of the narrative is given by Jon Voight, who plays a fictional retired KGB officer who holds Reagan responsible for the Soviet Union's collapse.
Before its release the film sparked controversy with Quaid telling Newsweek Facebook was "throttling advertising and promotion" of Reagan, which the social media giant indicated might have been a mistake.
Writing in The Boston Globe Odie Henderson branded Reagan "the worst kind of hagiography" and "a wretched 2½ -hour bore that's uncurious about its subject." Henderson accused the film of having leaned "heavily into the myth of Saint Ronnie" adding: "I don't think Reagan himself could have saved this execrable, poorly made movie."
The Daily Beast's Nick Schager called Reagan "the worst movie of the year" adding: "You may have suspected that this MAGA-tinged hagiography would be absolute trash, but it turns out you didn't think low enough."
In The Chicago Sun Times Richard Roeper concluded, after watching the film, that "while someday, somebody might make a great movie or streaming series that truly and thoroughly explores the complexities of the uniquely American story of Ronald Reagan, it has not yet happened."
For The Associated Press Jocelyn Noveck gave Reagan one and a half stars out of four, describing it as "an adoring look back at the man who served two terms as our 40th president."
In the conservative leaning National Review Philip Klein said Reagan had "enjoyable moments – and some that were quite moving." However he added: "I think there are several fatal problems that prevent it from being an actually good movie that could be enjoyed by people who aren't already Reagan fans."
However, Reagan was well received on film review website Rotten Tomatoes where it had 81 percent approval after receiving more than 100 ratings from viewers.
One commentator described it as "a must-see for fans of non-fiction film, fans of the 40th president, and even those critical of the man for whatever reason." Another wrote: "Separates fact from fiction by revealing the man while acknowledging the myth. Does an admirable job of giving us a full 360 degree look at a life and career that is still felt even today."
The official Reagan website says: "Dennis Quaid brings to life a story that transcends the boundaries of a traditional biopic, offering a profound exploration of the enduring impact of the power of one man who overcame the odds, sustained by the love of a woman who supported him in his journey."
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