The Reagan Show

Released Jun 30, 2017

1h 15m

Documentary

List

80%

49 Reviews

Tomatometer

54%

50+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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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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Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

Uncritical, infatuated with Reagan's charisma rather than searching for the chinks in his armour, the film's lively score keeping things balefully light.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 8, 2017

Full Review

Ed Potton

Times (UK)

This wry documentary focuses on the original entertainer-turned-president and his box of showbiz tricks.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 6, 2017

Full Review

Nigel Andrews

Financial Times

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.

Rated: 2/5

Oct 5, 2017

Full Review

Dustin Chang

ScreenAnarchy

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.

Jul 17, 2020

Full Review

Craig Hubert

Hyperallergic

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.

Feb 7, 2020

Full Review

Phil Guie

Film-Forward.com

Incisive, occasionally surreal...

Mar 21, 2019

Full Review

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Manny P

He did love the cameras, but unfortunately it shows him ( regularly ) as being rather poor at his original craft. I don't doubt what he achieved regards fiscal policies or east west relations, but regards the latter, he did rather stir up the paranoia at the time. This documentary didn't really delve into the individual or his mindset, so I didn't really learn anything new.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/21/22

Full Review

Audience Member

I enjoyed this. This was part of my childhood. I remember these films very well. It was a confusing time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

dave d

"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

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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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: Dan Cogan, Amy Entelis
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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