Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Slow
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- nostalgic
- reverent
- earnest
- political history viewing
- biopic marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film a shallow, preachy, and plodding hagiography, although Dennis Quaid’s central performance received some praise.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film follows Ronald Reagan from childhood and acting career through the presidency while consistently emphasizing his virtues and legacy.
Critics repeatedly characterize the film as an unabashed love letter and pure hagiography, while its plot foregrounds Reagan’s inspirational qualities.
Viktor Petrovich, played by Jon Voight, narrates Reagan’s life as a retired KGB agent, providing the retrospective frame.
The narrative moves from Reagan’s childhood and movie-star career to his marriage to Nancy Reagan and presidency in the Oval Office.
Films like Reagan, and why
The Iron Lady
biographical political drama centered on an American president and shaped by a strongly admiring perspective
J. Edgar
historical biopic about a political leader, with emphasis on public image, personal relationships, and national legacy
W.
presidential biography combining personal history, political ascent, and a reverent dramatic treatment
Nixon
large-scale historical biopic of a controversial public figure, balancing private life with political symbolism
Movie Details
- Director
- Sean McNamara
- Release Date
- 2024-08-29
- Runtime
- 141 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (133)
Cast
- Dennis Quaid
- Penelope Ann Miller
- Jon Voight
- Kevin Dillon
- Olek Krupa
- David Henrie
- Mark Moses
- Xander Berkeley
- Nick Searcy
- C. Thomas Howell
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Reagan about?
- A sweeping, reverent portrait of Ronald Reagan traces the former actor’s rise from a difficult childhood to the American presidency.
- What is Reagan like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Reagan as slow, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Reagan violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Reagan as mild.
- What did critics think of Reagan?
- Critics broadly found the film a shallow, preachy, and plodding hagiography, although Dennis Quaid’s central performance received some praise.
- Which films are like Reagan?
- Films with a similar feel include The Iron Lady, J. Edgar, W., and Nixon.
- How long is Reagan?
- Reagan runs 141 minutes.
- Where can I watch Reagan?
- In United States, Reagan is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
