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Even the Reagan clan has a fondness for the cinema, and during the Season 14, Episode 8 dinner scene for “Wicked Games,” the whole family came together to opine about what the best movie in the world is. Sparked up by Henry Reagan’s (“Murder…She Wrote” mainstay Len Cariou) love of the straightforward morality of war pictures, each clan member has a different opinion about what makes a good theatrical experience. But the most interesting thought of them all belongs to Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck). To the entire family’s surprise, Frank says his two favorite movies are “Galaxy Quest” and “When Harry Met Sally…”
Reagan’s children react with predictable incredulity. Calling “Galaxy Quest” a very close second, Reagan explains to the group that he likes the latter film because of the poetic snapshot it gives of New York City. “Romance and an ode to New York, it’s got it all.” Jamie (Will Estes), Danny (Donnie Wahlberg), and Erin (Bridget Moynahan) are shocked their father’s favorite flick isn’t a John Wayne western, “The Godfather” or a police documentary, respectively. Frank demands they not tell anyone about this out of fear that they might think he’s gone soft.
But Frank’s not the only Reagan with some unusual favorite flicks in his back pocket.
Blue Bloods shows that the Reagan family has some interesting movie preferences
The rest of the Reagan family confesses to having some interesting favorite films of their own. Aside from Henry’s preference for war films and Frank’s apparent love of rom-coms, Eddie Janko-Reagan (Vanessa Ray) confesses that she’s a huge fan of horror, to the shock of almost everyone else at the table except for Jamie; she also names the detail-strewn “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and “The Ring,” among other grisly favorites. Bridget likes “The Verdict” and other legal dramas, much to the resentment of Jamie in particular. Meanwhile, he adores the family comedy classic “The Mighty Ducks.” And Danny Reagan? It’s an untold truth that he’s partial to the comic capers of “Caddyshack.”
It turns out that movie opinions are definitely a matter of the generation gap. While everyone protests Henry’s love of war pictures and is exhausted from seeing them, comic-book-loving Sean (Andrew Terraciano) expresses his love of Batman without naming a specific franchise and gets approval from the rest of the clan. Hopefully, the Reagans will find harmony in streaming one day … but knowing what we know about them, that’ll probably never happen.
A Look at the Reagan Family’s Movie Preferences
Each member of the Reagan family brings a unique perspective when it comes to their favorite films:
- Frank Reagan: His top picks include “Galaxy Quest” and “When Harry Met Sally.” He appreciates the romantic elements and the portrayal of New York City in the latter.
- Henry Reagan: A fan of war films, his taste leans toward the moral clarity and straightforward storytelling found in such movies.
- Eddie Janko-Reagan: She has a strong interest in horror films, citing “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and “The Ring” as favorites.
- Jamie Reagan: He enjoys legal dramas like “The Verdict” and has a soft spot for the family comedy “The Mighty Ducks.”
- Danny Reagan: Surprisingly, he loves the comedic antics of “Caddyshack.”
- Sean Reagan: A comic book enthusiast, he expresses admiration for Batman, though he doesn’t specify a particular franchise.
The Influence of Generational Differences
The Reagan family’s diverse tastes highlight the impact of generational differences on cinematic preferences. While older members like Henry gravitate towards war films, younger members like Sean show a more modern appreciation for superhero stories. This contrast is evident in how the family reacts to each other’s choices, often with a mix of surprise and amusement.
The Role of Personal Experience
Personal experiences also play a significant role in shaping these preferences. For instance, Frank’s love for “When Harry Met Sally” stems from its emotional depth and nostalgic value. Similarly, Eddie’s fascination with horror films may be influenced by her own experiences or interests. These personal connections make the films more than just entertainment—they become part of the family’s shared history.
The Future of Family Movie Nights
While the Reagans may have differing tastes, their discussions about movies reveal a deeper bond. Despite their disagreements, they seem to enjoy the conversations and the opportunity to learn about each other’s perspectives. Whether they ever manage to agree on a movie night remains to be seen, but their interactions suggest that they value the time spent together, even if it’s over a debate about film choices.
In a world where streaming services offer endless options, the Reagan family’s varied preferences could lead to some interesting movie nights. However, given their established dynamics, it seems unlikely that they will ever fully align on a single choice. Instead, their differences may continue to be a source of both humor and connection within the family.