Movie Nights with the Reagans: A Memoir

For many children of the 1980s, Ronald Reagan is the archetype of an American President, an inspiration much like JFK is to many boomers. This book will most definitely appeal to those formed in the Reagan era. But it should also appeal to many more than just Republican members of Generation X. While the author is upfront about his admiration for the Reagans, he has served up a charming personal account of the first couple gleaned as a press aide and told through the lens of movie nights at Camp David. It’s a mostly apolitical and nostalgic tour through both events and hit movies of the 80s (as well as a few Golden oldies). Moreover, it coincides nicely with Reagan’s rising place in history as reflected by recent popular biographies like that of HW Brands and the top ten ranking Reagan has been afforded in widely respected contemporary surveys of scholars such as C-Span’s survey of presidential historians. While this book will not contribute much to the scholarly assessments, it is simply a fun ride and a poignant account of Ronald Reagan's (and Nancy Reagan’s) grace and decency. A grace and decency that helps explain—along with what most now acknowledge was the general success of the policies of the 80s—why the Gipper has endured as one of our most popular presidents.

This was a fun, insightful, and enjoyable read. I loved it cover to cover. I grew up in the 80's so whenever I think of the Oval Office, I think of President Reagan.This well-written memoir takes you behind closed doors to see President Reagan and his staff at Camp David, watching some of the most memorable movies of that decade. I loved hearing these accounts and the President's thoughts on some of my favorite movies, like Back to the Future and WarGames. The author had a close relationship with the President and shares some great stories.Please note this is not a political book. It's more about the President's personal life, which is why I enjoyed it so much. If you have any interest in President Reagan, the 80's, or 80's movies, I highly recommend it.

My wife said it was pretty good. I talked about the movies the Reagan's watched in the White House.

First off, I am definitely not a fan of Reagan’s politics, and what he did while President. But, as a historical figure, he is undeniably interesting. I love films, and love reading about other people’s reactions and how certain films fit into their lives or helped define a certain viewpoint. This book is kind of similar to something like Payton Oswalt’s Silver Screen Fiend, but instead of a firsthand take, it is written by a third-party, in this case Reagan aide/fanboy Mark Weinberg. Weinberg spent fifteen years literally by the Reagans’ side at nearly every waking moment. He doesn’t come right out and say it but he essentially considers himself part of their family, in that he loved the Reagans unconditionally and he feels that they recognized his golden-retriever-like devotion as indispensable. Weinberg writes that he watched hundreds of films with the Reagans and he details a couple dozen of them in the book. He talks about literally watching the films and how those films related to what was going on in politics and Reagan’s White House at the time they viewed them. There are lots of interesting tidbits and insights, but it is abundantly clear that Weinberg’s devotion to the Reagans is actual sycophancy. He writes this book as if both Nancy and Ronald are looking over his shoulder as he wrote it. Never daring to say anything that doesn’t paint the Reagan’s in the most positive light. I don’t think he’s outright lying about some of the things he writes about, but he’s obviously an astute and experienced public relations man and never reveals anything about his benefactor that could be construed as negativity. More than a few times does he go out of his way to say “Reagan didn’t take naps!” But then says something like “but this one time, he did take a nap and this happened....” it’s kind of funny to read Weinberg trying to spin Reagan’s presidency nearly 30 years after he left office... it’s an easy read, and very interesting to hear about some inside details about the Reagan’s and how even in the White House they longed for their heyday in Hollywood... check it out if you love the 80s, 80s culture, 80s movies, presidential history, film history, any of these. But just go into it knowing that Weinberg is not a journalist, he is a lover of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. So take what he says with a grain of salt, and find the truth between the lines.

Great inside stories of the Reagans personally. Well written, humorous, and real, by the former White House Deputy Press Secretary. Clever premise of movies at Camp David serves as an insider's review of the Reagan Presidential years and beyond. Very personal and up close of one of America's most cherished Presidents.