Dennis Quaid nails the role of President Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. He sounds like Reagan, and at times with certain facial expressions, or the way his hair is combed, he physically takes on his appearance.
The critically acclaimed movie opens with various historical video clips, featuring the totalitarian Russian regime, Castro’s takeover of Cuba, the space race, and the TV news that Reagan had been shot during an assassination attempt. Also mentioned is the Cold War and the Iron Curtain in Berlin.
The gripping story, the acting, which includes not only Dennis Quaid but Jon Voight as Viktor Petrovich, and the historical echoes make this one picture worth viewing. Not to mention its wholesome approach (it earned our Dove Seal for Ages 12+)! From Ronald Reagan’s early days of life to his radio days, his acting in movies, and eventually his entrance into politics, the film showcases what led to the man becoming labeled as the “Crusader.”
His faith is amply illustrated in the film, with his mother telling him, “God has a purpose for your life, something that only you can do.” We see him being baptized, and in a church scene, we hear Reagan quote 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” And, in an amazing scene, Reagan visits with his pastor who tells him that if he continues to be faithful as he has been, his address will wind up being 1600 Pennsylvania Ave (the White House). Could it have been prophetic?
In one of his radio programs in his early days, he bashes Hitler, which shows he didn’t fear standing up for freedom and humanity. His accomplishments during his lifetime were many, as chronicled in this movie including his Vice Presidency of the Screen Actors Guild in Hollywood. We also see his first wife, Jane Wyman, who wonders if he’s an actor or politician, and his meeting Nancy Davis, also an actress like Jane, who would become his second wife.
God continues to be preeminent in Reagan’s life as he is advised to listen to that small voice within and to remember whom he serves. In a comedic scene he wants to launch an investigation and wants Nancy involved. She checks her date book—and gladly states there’s nothing in it!
His life is far from a bed of roses as he gets less and less acting jobs, and winds up doing several TV commercials. He does a live commercial for Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer and other ones for Colman’s and Chesterfields, and Gillette, and he’s considered a B-List movie star.
The movie chronicles the death of his mother in 1962, his marriage to Nancy, his support of Barry Goldwater in 1964, and his sending in the National Guard on May 15, 1969, to Berkeley, California to stop student protests and violence. He becomes Governor of California but there seems to always be another height on the mountain for him to reach.
The movie is not only well-acted but well-directed, and the music is appropriate and dramatic, and for those who were alive in the late 70s and early 80s, the movie will vividly take the viewer back to those times.
The picture has a two hour and 21-minute runtime but moves swiftly ahead, settling down long enough to document major historical events in not only the U.S. but in President Reagan’s life and events that affected the entire world. We briefly see his debate with President Carter and then later with Walter Mondale. During this time Reagan was accused of being too old to run for a second term. But, during his debate with Mondale, he famously says he will not for political reasons let his opponent’s youth and inexperience be a part of the debate! This draws a lot of laughs, even from Mondale himself.
Meetings between Reagan and world leaders are re-enacted, such as his meetings with Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev. And we see him later at the Berlin Wall, telling Mr. Gorbachev to “tear down this wall!” The film heads toward a conclusion when President Reagan’s Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed and he takes a final ride on his horse. He leaves the American people with the message: “May God always bless you. Sincerely, Ronald Reagan.”
Content Analysis: This movie does feature a strong Christian worldview as Reagan attends church, is baptized, speaks of God in a positive manner, and emphasizes our need of God’s blessings. It also clearly shows the pitfalls of communism and atheism. Due to the fact the picture includes drinking and mature topics of politics, it is more age appropriate for 12+ and it has earned our Dove Seal for Ages 12+.
Think About It: Discussion points with kids include the use of some mild language and a few drinking scenes, as well as a discussion on what communism means and enjoying the freedoms we have in our country. Also, why someone would attempt to assassinate a president, and another good focal point are the historical moments filled in with video clips and re-enactments by the actors.
The Dove Take: It’s good that this is a movie that most of the family can enjoy, and it has earned our Dove Seal for Ages 12+. It does a remarkable job in re-creating special and memorable moments from the life of President Ronald Reagan.
