The biographical movie “Reagan” exceeded expectations at the box office, doubling its performance after its release on Labor Day weekend.
Starring Dennis Quaid, the film tells the story of former President Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan, portrayed by Penelope Ann Miller.
According to Box Office Mojo, during the long weekend from August 30th to September 2nd, “Reagan” grossed over $10.3 million, ranking just below “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Alien: Romulus.”
The film was initially projected to make $5 million in its opening weekend, but it surpassed that figure, grossing $7.4 million from Friday to Sunday (August 30th to September 1st).
Directed by Sean McNamara, “Reagan” is adapted from Paul Kengor’s 2006 book, “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism.”
Audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 98% audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the critics’ rating stood at only 21% as of Thursday, September 5th.
One viewer left a review stating, “I can say when the movie ended, people were wiping tears, applause filled the theater. It’s been years since I’ve seen a film elicit such a reaction. This movie is inspirational, uplifting, and well-made. It reflects a time when even people with differing views could find ways to maintain friendship and work together for the good of the country.”
Another reviewer mentioned, “This is an outstanding film that not only brings a beloved president to life but also places his extraordinary story in the broadest cosmic background. Dennis Quaid delivers a top-notch performance, showcasing depth and breadth that is admirable.”
Prior to the film’s release in August, Quaid clarified in an interview with Fox News that “Reagan” is not a “political movie.”
“It’s a biopic. It’s a love story. It’s about us as Americans, our story, our past,” he said. “Many things have been distorted by (political) agendas. So yes, they’ve tried to stomp me out a few times, but so what?”
The 70-year-old actor also expressed, “In the political or other events that our country is experiencing today, many people want to link it to Reagan and make this film a political one, but it’s not.”
“Reagan” is currently showing in theaters across the United States.
This is not Quaid’s first time portraying a U.S. president on the big screen. In 2009, he played former President Bill Clinton in the HBO movie “The Special Relationship.”
In the movie “American Dreamz,” Quaid portrayed a fictional U.S. president named Joseph Stanton, a character somewhat similar to George W. Bush.
Among all U.S. presidents, Quaid stated that Reagan is his favorite.
“Reagan is my favorite president,” he said on the “Sunday Special” program with Ben Shapiro on the “Daily Wire.” “I voted for Jimmy Carter in ’76, which was my first time voting, but in ’80, I voted for Reagan.”