In a stunning triumph over the Labor Day weekend, Dennis Quaid’s latest film, *Reagan*, exceeded all expectations, proving that American audiences still have a deep appreciation for stories about one of the nation’s most beloved presidents. While many in Hollywood dismissed the film, the biopic raked in a whopping $7.4 million between Friday and Sunday, with estimates suggesting the total earnings over the four-day weekend could surpass $9 million. This success places *Reagan* in close competition with major blockbusters like *Deadpool & Wolverine*—a remarkable feat for a film that many liberal critics were quick to write off.
Quaid’s portrayal of Ronald Reagan has been met with widespread acclaim from audiences, despite the predictable snub from the mainstream media. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Jon Voight and Penelope Ann Miller, who delivered powerful performances that resonated deeply with viewers. The contrast between the critics’ reviews and the audience’s reaction could not be starker. While the film received a meager 22% score from critics, the audience score shot up to an astonishing 98%, underscoring the disconnect between Hollywood elites and everyday Americans.
One reviewer captured the sentiment of many, writing, “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.” Another reviewer echoed this praise, noting, “Excellent film! Acting superb! Wonderful biopic about a remarkable man. Really liked how the story was told without extreme partisan position. At the end of the showing, the audience burst into applause, something I haven’t experienced in years!”
Quaid himself has been vocal about his admiration for Ronald Reagan, recently discussing the film with Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro. “Reagan was my favorite president,” Quaid shared. “I voted for Jimmy Carter in ’76. It was the first time I could vote, but then I voted for Reagan in ’80.” Quaid’s dedication to accurately portraying the former president is evident in his performance, as he delves into the complexities of Reagan’s character. “There’s this impenetrable space that he always had… a very private place. And I think that was always there with him from childhood, really,” Quaid explained.
The film’s success comes at a time when many Americans are drawing parallels between the current political climate and the challenges faced during the Carter administration. Quaid himself has remarked on the similarities, stating, “These days remind me very much of 1978, ‘79 in the country, with the economy, the Middle East, Iran. There was a malaise during the Carter administration that was admitted, and along came Mr. Reagan. And he asked people: Are you better off than you were four years ago? And I think you can ask the same question today.”
As the film continues to resonate with audiences, Quaid has also voiced his support for former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. In a candid interview with Piers Morgan, Quaid stated, “People might call him an a-hole, but he’s my a-hole. I think I’m gonna vote for him in the next election. It just makes sense. I was ready not to vote for Trump, until what I saw is, more than politics, I see a weaponization of our justice system and a challenge to our Constitution.”
*Reagan* stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of a president who transformed America and the powerful connection between conservative values and the stories that continue to inspire millions.
