Staff Reports
The release of the much-anticipated “Reagan” biopic has sparked a curious discourse on the ever-glaring disconnect between Hollywood elites and the American populace. Starring Dennis Quaid as the good ol’ Gipper and Penelope Ann Miller as the lovely Nancy Reagan, the film took years in development and finally graced theaters on August 30. Despite the lengthy wait, many on the left are hardly pleased with what’s been delivered.
Dennis Quaid has taken on the role of enthusiastic patriot, promoting the film valiantly across various media platforms. His bold appearance at the Republican National Convention and subsequent support for Donald Trump illustrates a refreshing break from the typical Hollywood narrative of unbridled America-bashing. In a time when many a celebrity seems more interested in virtue signaling than in actual country pride, Quaid’s willingness to stand up is a breath of fresh air—one the conservative audience has sorely missed in Tinseltown.
However, not all are in unison about the film’s artistic merit. It seems critics wielding the cinematic scalpel of leftist ideology are scrambling to project their bias onto the film, rather than simply evaluating it as entertainment. Rotten Tomatoes has exposed a glaring chasm between the audience’s reception—an impressive 98% favorable rating—and the critics’ scathing take, which languishes at a mere 18%. This entrenched bias from movie critics raises eyebrows and invites scrutiny of their film analysis, likely stemming from their reluctance to appreciate a film that doesn’t conform to liberal narratives.
The numbers speak, and movie review founder James Carrick illustrates an interesting pattern: the greater the disparity between audience enjoyment and critical acclaim, the more likely those critics have allowed political leanings to color their assessments. Critics were quick to whip out scathing terms like “hagiography” and “caricature” while vehemently arguing that the film oversimplifies Reagan’s complex legacy. Among the critiques of “Reagan,” some reviewers dare to label it a soulless children’s flick crafted for the adult diaper set—surely a resonant critique for the family-oriented conservative crowd.
Despite the left’s attempt to bury the film with scorn, it has proven to be a box office success, raking in $30.1 million and consistently placing among the top films. Streamers are actually embracing it, as evidenced by its rapid ascension to the pinnacle of Amazon’s sales charts, outpacing mega-hits from franchises like “Spider-Man” and “The Lord of the Rings.” In one fell swoop, the movie not only overachieved at the box office but is continuing to resonate with home audiences, snatching Thanksgiving views without breaking a sweat.
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The "Reagan" biopic, featuring Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller, was released on August 30 after years in development. Despite a stark contrast between audience and critic reviews—98% approval from viewers versus just 18% from critics—the film has…— The America One News (@am1_news) November 28, 2024
Ironically, there are even some progressive voices within Hollywood who appear to appreciate the film’s intention. Nathaniel Bell noted that “Reagan” manages to nail the heartbeat of a faith-based drama, timelessly aspiring to uplift rather than merely provoke. But such kindred spirits in the film industry are few and far between, leaving many to speculate whether critics are truly delivering an honest appraisal or merely littering their reviews with political agendas.
“Reagan” has sparked significant conversation—not just about its subject, but about how far removed Hollywood is from the heart of America. As the holiday season approaches, watching this film should become an essential part of any patriotic viewing list. Those still doubting its worth may want to consider the rousing applause from audiences and reflect on why such a gulf exists between their opinions and those of the critics cloistered away in their ivory towers.
