audiences flock to see Reagan biopic despite poor reviews

The film 'Reagan,' starring Dennis Quaid as the 40th president of the United States, debuted in theaters on August 30, 2024. Upon its release, it received a significant amount of criticism, reflected in its 18% 'rotten' rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 40 reviews. Despite this, the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a 98% 'fresh' score from over 5,000 verified users, indicating a strong disconnect between critics and viewers. The film's performance at the box office has been noteworthy, as it is projected to earn $4.7 million over the weekend, which would place it at No. 5 in the rankings. This success is particularly impressive given that it is not being shown in international markets, focusing solely on the North American audience. The film's total domestic earnings are expected to reach $23.5 million if projections hold. The contrasting reviews highlight a trend where audiences are drawn to films that resonate with their personal beliefs or interests, regardless of critical reception. This phenomenon is evident in the case of 'Reagan,' where viewers seem to appreciate the portrayal of a significant political figure, leading to strong box office results. As the film continues to perform well, it raises questions about the influence of critical reviews on audience attendance and the potential for films to succeed based on audience engagement rather than critical acclaim.