Reagan
Thursday, September 12, 2024 8:25:51 PM | (Age Not Specified)
A stirring evocation of a patriot's life. Reagan struggled in his early life with his Dad's alcoholism and resulting fecklessness, but his devoted Christian mother kept things going, instilled faith and loved her sons and husband. I would have loved more on Reagan's vigorous routing of the Communists from screen union(s) during his Hollywood years. And the strategic alliance with Maggie Thatcher was short-shrifted. But how much of an event-filled life can you cram in?
His accomplishments are protean- crushing the Iron Curtain, restoring faith in America, turning back to prosperity. Great job by Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller as Ronnie and Nancy. The film's art direction, sets and costumes were superb, as the settings shift from Illinois, to California, Moscow, Iceland, the White House, his beloved ranch. WARNING- SPOILER AHEAD--
The final scenes, when, years after leaving office, he must face the onset of Alzheimer's, are indescribably moving. Reagan's last ride with his horse over the ranch, while Bob Dylan performs "Don't Fence Me In", and Clint Black warbles "Country Roads, Take Me Home", is beautifully done. All the while Dennis Quaid, in character as Reagan, reads his famous letter to the country, in which he simply and honestly discloses his condition, and expresses his optimism and belief in America.
