The long buildup to 2024's "Reagan" biopic made one thing crystal clear.
This wouldn't be a Hollywood sneak attack on The Gipper. The film, starring a dialed-in Dennis Quaid, came from filmmakers who respected the nation's 40th president and understood what he achieved in two consequential terms.
"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"
The film, set for a re-release next month, was a far cry from previous films and TV shows featuring the GOP icon. The worst of the worst never made it to the big screen, thank goodness. Will Ferrell was briefly attached to a comedy featuring a dementia-addled Reagan doddering around the Oval Office.
News of the project shocked the nation, and the "Saturday Night Live" alum swiftly backpedaled, claiming he had never been officially attached to the project in the first place.
Awkward.
So when audiences saw teasers for "The Brink of War," a film recalling the 1986 Reagan/Gorbachev summit, they likely feared another Hollywood hit piece.
Except the film is nothing of the kind.
Jeff Daniels, a notoriously liberal star, plays President Reagan during this historic meeting between world leaders. Jared Harris co-stars as Gorbachev, and their battle of wills makes for a compelling drama.
The film doesn't take cheap shots at President Reagan. It captures his wit, resolve and folksy charm. He's ... human, a political figure who helped change history for the better.
Quibble with the film if you will, but "The Brink of War" is a respectful drama that understands the sweep of history.
And it's not faring well at the U.S. box office. The Angel Studios' film will make roughly $2.5 million on 2,000 screens in its debut frame.
Not good. But why?
Daniels did a fair number of press interviews tied to the film. He even sang its praises on, gulp, MS NOW.
That's to his credit. The film's core audience is conservative, and that appearance didn't move the needle like a visit to Fox News' "Gutfeld!" might.
Angel Studios doesn't have the cash to flood the marketing zone like major studios routinely do. Still, it wouldn't hurt to have the film's first-time writer/director, Michael Russell Gunn, talk up any number of conservative podcast hosts and radio stars on the Right.
Perhaps astute conservatives recall seeing Daniels trash GOP figures like President Donald Trump across media outlets in recent years and figured he wouldn't be part of a pro-Reagan biopic.
That's fair. To Daniels' credit, he inhabits the former President well without mimicking his vocal tics or undergoing an extreme makeover to resemble the former Hollywood star.
There's a silver lining here. "The Brink of War" may stumble at the box office before its theatrical run wraps, but it could have a second life on a streaming service or two. Or, the movie will be made available on VOD platforms.
That's the kind of impact that lasts longer than the theatrical window. It means that casual audiences may give it a chance at home. And, after the film wraps, have a newfound appreciation for The Gipper.
Note (Ed): Normally, Christian writes exclusively for our VIP members, but I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to consider this as a movie choice this weekend.
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