Reagan – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Reagan

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2024

35%

WISE Score

A 2024 documentary about Reagan's 1981 presidency—basically homework disguised as entertainment for anyone under 40.

Reagan

movie

NR, 2024

35%

WISE Score

A 2024 documentary about Reagan's 1981 presidency—basically homework disguised as entertainment for anyone under 40.

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be real: this is a political documentary about events from 1981. Unless your teen is writing a history paper or genuinely fascinated by Cold War politics, they're not choosing this over literally anything else.

The 8.8 IMDb rating likely reflects the political leanings of people who sought out a Reagan documentary in 2024, not its quality as engaging educational content. It's informational, sure, but it's also the kind of thing that makes kids understand why they find history class boring.

If you have a high schooler studying this era or a politically-engaged teen, it could provide historical context. For everyone else? This is background noise for adults who already have opinions about Reagan. Not recommended for family viewing unless you're specifically looking for educational content about 1980s politics.

Age Fit

This is adult educational content, realistically appropriate for ages 16+ who are studying American history or have genuine interest in political documentaries. Younger viewers will find it incredibly boring, and even high schoolers will struggle unless they're already engaged with political history.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Documentary format presents political history with a generally respectful tone. Focuses on leadership and American political narrative without gratuitous content. However, political documentaries inherently carry partisan perspectives that may not model balanced discourse.

Imaginative

As a historical documentary about political events from 1981, this offers limited creative or imaginative engagement. It's informational rather than thought-provoking or curiosity-sparking for younger audiences. No invitation to build, explore, or express creativity.

Safe

Documentary format typically avoids graphic content. Political history may include discussion of Cold War tensions and economic challenges but unlikely to contain surprise violence, gore, or inappropriate material. IMDb 8.8 suggests audience found it accessible, though this could reflect political alignment rather than content safety.

Enriching

Offers historical context about 1980s American politics, Cold War tensions, and economic policy. Could build civic awareness and understanding of recent history. However, single-perspective documentary format limits balanced enrichment. Entertainment value for younger audiences is questionable—this is educational content that most kids would find dry.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Provides historical context about Cold War era politics and economic challenges that shaped modern America
Documentary format means no manufactured drama or sensationalism—just straight historical narrative
Could spark interest in political history and civic engagement for high schoolers studying this era
High IMDb rating (8.8) suggests it resonates with its target audience

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What to Watch For

This is unapologetically a political documentary with a clear perspective—not balanced educational content
Extremely dry material for anyone who isn't already interested in 1980s American politics
Zero entertainment value for kids or teens—this is adult educational programming
May present complex economic and geopolitical concepts without much context for younger viewers

Conversation Starters

"What surprised you most about what America was dealing with in 1981? Does any of it sound familiar to today?"
"How do you think historians will talk about our current president 40 years from now?"
"What do you think makes a good leader during difficult times?"

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