Killing Reagan is a biopic film based on the book of the same name by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard. It premiered on the National Geographic Channel in October and was directed by Rod Lurie. It stars Tim Matheson, Cynthia Nixon, Joe Chrest, Joel Murray, Kyle S. More, Michael H. Cole, Patrick St. Esprit, and a few others. I rarely review Television Movies, but I figured this one was worth it.

The film tells the backstory of John Hinckley, Jr., the would be assassin of President Ronald Reagan. It shows the events leading up to the attempt assassination and Reagan’s movements with his wife Nancy.

As Reagan prepares for a new economic and foreign policy shift, Hinckley begins to stalk actress Jodi Foster. When he hears of his hero John Lennon’s death, he soon becomes enamored with the idea of killing Foster, himself, and later Reagan.

It shows the shooting and the chaos that ensued with the press and with the President’s cabinet.

Tim Matheson and Cynthia Nixon had great chemistry as the First Family. I have heard it said that they act nothing like the President and the First Lady. However, for the movie’s sake, they were well developed.

I want to also praise Patrick St. Esprit’s performance as then Secretary of State Alex Haig. I am shocked to see that, despite being a strong supporting character, he is not seen on the cast list on Wikipedia or IMDB. Strange, because he was one of the best of the supporting cast.

FAVORITE QUOTE: Honey, I forgot to duck.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language, violence, some disturbing material

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