Welcome to the 1980s.

The economy needs saving, the world is filled with chaos and political turmoil, and one of the presidential nominees  comes from the entertainment industry.

In an election year unlike any other, “Reagan” serves as both a warning and reminder to Americans of where America was and where it should go. 

Throughout the film, viewers are reminded of what “Morning Again in America” means. The film drives home the American ideas of promoting freedom, standing with our allies, and never giving up — no matter who or what stands in our way. The most prominent way in which this is done is subtle, yet impactful to the overall political meaning of the movie. 

Instead of an outside narrator explaining the story, the movie is narrated by Jon Voight, who plays Vitktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent. In making this directorial choice, the film perfectly encapsulates Reagan’s foreign policy expertise and the fact that he intimidated enemies, even prior to his rise to political power. 

Viewers are reminded of Reagan’s power and convictions, whether it be him cracking jokes after being shot or standing up to the Soviet Union. The film balances both the humorous side of the late president and his ability to make other leaders listen to him. 

While the president’s unwavering commitment to freedom shines throughout the movie, it is clear Reagan is not unreasonable. One of the highlights of the film is watching the portrayal of his relationship with then Democrat Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill. Their friendship was one of personality and not politics, which hits home for viewers in America’s current divisive and disheartening political climate.

Besides the political storyline, “Reagan” depicts the former president’s life and struggles. Ronald Reagan did not grow up in a rich and thriving family. Instead, his father struggled with alcoholism, and his mother tried piecing together a family as much as she could. It’s a story of strength and power, as Reagan and his mother fight with faith and hope. 

Even amidst the personal storyline, Reagan possesses a strong moral clarity and desire for justice. One of the most compelling scenes in the movie depicts Reagan during his college years. The Gipper, as he would later be called, played on Eureka College’s football team. While on the road for a game, a hotel denied two black players entry. Reagan invited the two players to stay at his home with his family and him. 

Within the film, Dennis Quaid portrayed the multiple hats Reagan wore brilliantly. From Reagan’s strong and powerful rhetoric to his loving and peaceful demeanor around Nancy Reagan, Quaid grasped it. 

It is one thing to make a movie about Reagan’s politics, but it’s another thing to make a movie about Reagan and who he was. The movie did not politicize his entire life. Instead, it showed the real Reagan. It showed the values he stood for. It showed why he stood for those values.

“Reagan” is not for Republicans or Democrats. It is for all Americans. It is for those who love history. It is for those who want to relive history. It is for Americans looking for a glimmer of hope in the 2024 political world.