When critics on Rotten Tomatoes dismiss a film while audiences embrace it enthusiastically, it really underscores a disconnect between professional reviews and popular opinion. The recent box office success Reagan exemplifies this phenomenon.
Released on August 30, the film chronicles the late Ronald Reagan’s journey from his modest beginnings in small-town America through his Hollywood career and eventual presidency.
Told from the perspective of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent who encountered Reagan during the Cold War, the movie provides a compelling portrayal of a figure who intrigued both Americans and his global adversaries.
Despite critic disapproval, Reagan has resonated with audiences nationwide.
Starring Dennis Quaid as Ronald Reagan, the biopic explores the life of a man who overcame adversity with the steadfast support of his wife, Nancy, played by Penelope Ann Miller. The film’s engaging narrative and Quaid’s captivating performance offer a poignant tribute to one of America’s most respected leaders.
Women’s rights in sports advocate Riley Gaines noted on X: “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!”
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
Despite its broad appeal among moviegoers, Reagan faced significant criticism from Hollywood professionals. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a mere 18% positive rating from critics, a stark contrast to its 98% audience score on opening weekend.
CinemaScore, which gauges moviegoer satisfaction, awarded Reagan an “A,” placing it alongside blockbuster successes like Deadpool and Wolverine. This dramatic divergence between critical reviews and audience reactions highlights a notable disconnect between Hollywood insiders and everyday viewers.
Check out the trailer:
