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The Reagan Show

Play trailer Poster for The Reagan Show 2017 1h 15m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 49 Reviews 54% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Ronald Reagan changes the presidency with his focus on public image and use of film crews that continually document his movements.
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The Reagan Show

The Reagan Show

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Critics Consensus

The Reagan Show takes an entertaining -- and suitably superficial -- look at a turning point in the way American politics intersect with modern media.

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Critics Reviews

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Simran Hans Observer (UK) 10/08/2017
2/5
Uncritical, infatuated with Reagan's charisma rather than searching for the chinks in his armour, the film's lively score keeping things balefully light. Go to Full Review Ed Potton The Times (UK) 10/06/2017
4/5
This wry documentary focuses on the original entertainer-turned-president and his box of showbiz tricks. Go to Full Review Nigel Andrews Financial Times 10/05/2017
2/5
The aim of directors Sierra Pettengill and Pacho Velez, anthologising their media moments, is elusive, unless it's to expose the actor-president as a skilful showman. Go to Full Review Dustin Chang ScreenAnarchy 07/17/2020
The Reagan Show highlights how the president used the relatively new technology to his advantage. But this documentary isn't merely a walk down memory lane. Go to Full Review Craig Hubert Hyperallergic 02/07/2020
The most fascinating moments of The Reagan Show are when the line between politics and public relations is shattered. Reagan is best when he has learned his lines... When somebody goes off script, you can see the energy drain out of his face. Go to Full Review Phil Guie Film-Forward.com 03/21/2019
Incisive, occasionally surreal... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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03/17/2018 I enjoyed this. This was part of my childhood. I remember these films very well. It was a confusing time. See more 07/06/2017 The reliance on archival footage here (as opposed to talking heads) proves the most effective in criticizing Reagan's administration as shallow while still demonstrating the reasons for his popularity. See more 07/05/2017 Deplorable. The description of the film masks the political hit job that was its real premise. If this was truly about Reagan's masterful communication skills, shouldn't his greatest speeches and discourse have been featured? Rather than sole focus on nuclear weapons and Iran Contra? Such a massive miss and completely misleading. See more dave d 07/01/2017 "The Reagan Show" doesn't offer anything earth shattering about the actor turned politician who became President, Ronald Reagan, however the documentary is captivating. Made exclusively with archival footage from news clips, his movies and behind the scenes shots taken by his administration. It's an interesting look into the way the White House cultivated Reagan's image. For me, there's something nostalgic about watching this, but it doesn't break any new ground or give us any insight to a man that many wondered if he was actually up to the job in his latter years. One thing we do know, Reagan would have a hard time getting elected as a Republican in today's world. Final Score: 7.3/10 See more Read all reviews
The Reagan Show

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Cast & Crew

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Sierra Pettengill

Director

Pacho Velez

Director

Josh Alexander

Writer

Francisco Bello

Writer

Pacho Velez

Writer

Dan Cogan

Executive Producer

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The Reagan Show

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Movie Info

Synopsis Ronald Reagan changes the presidency with his focus on public image and use of film crews that continually document his movements.
Director
Sierra Pettengill, Pacho Velez
Producer
Sierra Pettengill
Screenwriter
Josh Alexander, Francisco Bello, Pacho Velez
Distributor
Gravitas Ventures
Production Co
Gravitas Ventures
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 30, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 4, 2017
Runtime
1h 15m
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