Dennis Quaid’s new movie,Reagan, has critics and audiences very divided. Directed by Sean McNamara, with a script written by Howard Klausner based on Paul Kengor’s book,The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism, the film follows the life of Ronald Reagan from his childhood to his time as president of the United States, told through a conversation between two former KGB agents.Quaid stars as Reaganalongside Penelope Ann Miller, Robert Davi, Lesley-Anne Down, and Jon Voight in supporting roles.

Now, with reviews published andReaganreleased in theaters, the film is fiercely dividing critics and audiences. OnRotten Tomatoes,Reaganhas a 25% score from critics and a 97% audience score, recently renamed the Popcornmeter. These scores are only based on 28 reviews from critics and 50+ verified ratings from users, so they are subject to change over time.

Dennis Quaid as Ronald Reagan in front of the Oval Office

Where To Watch Reagan: Showtimes & Streaming Status

Ronald Reagan’s life and presidency in America is the subject of Dennis Quaid’s biopic movie, and there are options for where to watch Reagan.

Why Reagan Is Dividing Critics & Audiences

What Are The Reviews Saying?

As a former president with a deeply polarizing legacy,a film about Ronald Reagan is bound to be a divisive feat. The film was actually born out of controversy involving producer Mark Joseph, who was inspired to make his own biopic after the 2003 miniseries,The Reagans, was widely criticized by conservatives as an unbalanced and inaccurate depiction of the 40th president. Also, leading up toReagan’s release, Facebook temporarily blocked the film from advertising on the platform since its ads were seen as an effort to sway the 2024 United States elections.

Already controversial leading up to its release,Reaganhas received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics, who describe the biopic as a shallow, hagiographic, and one-sided portrayal of Ronald Reagan. While a few reviews acknowledgeQuaid’s strong performance as the former president, they largely criticize the film’s lack of depth and overly idealized depiction of Reagan. A few positive reviews highlight the film’s appeal to conservative audiences, but still, the consensus is thatReaganis a plodding and superficial effort that fails to provide meaningful insight into its subject’s life.

Reagan (2024) official poster

On the other hand,verified audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes paint a very different picture, consistently praising the biopic for its portrayal of Ronald Reagan’s life and presidency. Like critics, they highlight Quaid’s exceptional performance in capturing Reagan’s essence, voice, and mannerisms. Audiences describe the film as both a compelling biography and a nostalgic reminder of Reagan’s impact on America, emphasizing his patriotism and leadership during the Cold War. With the film now playing in theaters, audiences can seeReaganand form their own opinions.

Reagan

Cast

Reagon follows the life of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, from his time as a young boy through his tenure in the Oval Office.