When the critics on Rotten Tomatoes give a film a thumbs down while the audience gives it a standing ovation, it’s clear who’s really in touch with the American pulse. The latest box office sensation, ‘Reagan,’ proved to be a cinematic journey that defied expectations on its opening weekend, resonating with audiences across the nation while leaving professional critics disappointed.
Released nationwide on August 30, ‘Reagan’ tells the story of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, from his beginnings in small-town America to his rise in Hollywood and eventually to the most powerful office in the world. Told through the unique perspective of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life intertwined with Reagan’s during the Cold War, the film offers an intriguing look at a man who captivated not only the American people but also his greatest adversaries.
Just finished the Reagan movie. The whole theater burst into applause when it finished. Not a single person left during the credits where they showed actual pics of Reagan throughout his life.
No one was more dedicated to fighting communism than Ronald Reagan. Go see it!🇺🇸
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) September 2, 2024
Starring Dennis Quaid as Ronald Reagan, the film offers an exploration of a man who overcame the odds, sustained by the unwavering support of his wife, Nancy, played by Penelope Ann Miller. The film’s narrative, combined with Quaid’s compelling performance, creates a powerful tribute to one of America’s most revered leaders.
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Yet, despite its widespread appeal to moviegoers, Reagan found itself at odds with Hollywood’s professional critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, only 18% of critics gave the film a positive review, a massive contrast to the 98% audience score it received on its opening weekend.
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Meanwhile, CinemaScore, which measures moviegoer satisfaction, awarded Reagan an “A,” placing it in the same league as blockbuster hits like Deadpool and Wolverine. This stark contrast between critical and audience reception speaks volumes about the disconnect between the Hollywood establishment and everyday Americans.
The film’s success isn’t just limited to audience approval; it also made a significant impact at the box office. Reagan opened in third place, grossing $7.65 million over the weekend and $10 million by the end of Labor Day from 2,754 theaters nationwide. The strong performance is especially notable given the crowded field of new releases. Despite the competition, Reagan was the only newcomer to crack the top five, proving that the American people are still drawn to the story of one of the nation’s most iconic leaders.
The new Reagan movie has a 98% audience score on opening weekend
Hollywood critics gave it an 18%
When the critics give it a thumbs down, but the audience gives it a standing ovation – guess who’s out of touch?
Spoiler alert:
it’s not the American people pic.twitter.com/WJg7Nf86oO
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) August 31, 2024
“First off it was such a privilege. Probably the biggest privilege I’ve had as an actor really,” Quaid said about the role. “The response, before the movie came out, I’ve never really had that before.”
Former exhibition veteran and current president of Showbiz Direct, Kevin Mitchell, expressed his excitement about the company’s successful debut. “We are thrilled to be sitting in the top 5 with our first movie in a competitive market over this holiday weekend,” Mitchell said to Variety. He added, “We expect the film will continue to grow in the weeks ahead especially in the South and Midwest.”
While Hollywood critics may have dismissed the film, the American public has embraced it wholeheartedly. “Oscar-winning performances for Quaid, Voight, and Miller in this heartfelt biopic that pays homage to one of America’s most beloved, admired, and effective Presidents. Standing ovation in a packed theater shows how the audience really loved the subject matter and film,” one review read.
