New Theatrical Run for “Reagan” Biopic

The biographical film “Reagan,” featuring Dennis Quaid as the former President, is set to return to theaters with additional scenes just in time for America’s 250th anniversary.

Plans include a limited screening in over a dozen cities on July 4, followed by a wider release in 600 theaters come September. This re-release will add an extra 10 minutes of footage that was not part of its initial showing.

Newly included scenes feature moments between Reagan and his wife Nancy, portrayed by Penelope Ann Miller, interactions with his father Jack, and scenes from the Reagans’ ranch near Santa Barbara. Upon its original release, the film brought in over $30 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

Director Sean McNamara expressed his excitement about the extended cut, saying, “One of the hardest things about directing a feature film is leaving great moments on the cutting room floor. I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite scenes with audiences for the first time.”

Controversies Surrounding the Film

Interestingly, the film’s screenwriter claims he was overlooked for Best Picture consideration due to Oscar diversity requirements.

One noteworthy aspect of the film was how its narrative mirrored Reagan’s own rise. Paul Kengor, the author whose book inspired the film, noted the disparity between audience and critic ratings—a phenomenon he likened to Reagan’s landslide election in 1980.

Currently, “Reagan” has a sharp divide on Rotten Tomatoes, boasting a mere 17% from critics while audiences have rated it at an impressive 98%.

Critics have mixed opinions, with a Boston Globe writer calling it “an interminable hagiography” and labeling it a tedious watch, while a Washington Post review deemed it “worthless” as historical content. In contrast, The Daily Beast referred to it as the year’s worst film.

Kengor reflected on how the viewer-critic divide echoed the political climate of 1980 when Reagan won against Jimmy Carter. He shared, “In 1984, Reagan won 49 out of 50 states. If you factor in the votes, he had roughly 60% of the total and dominated the Electoral College. There are always critics who had their biases against him, but it’s interesting to consider, weren’t people clearly fond of him?”