Burt Reynolds is a great actor.
He took a few departures for the money during his career, but he's still one great actor.
Watching this thing hurt, because I'm in my mid-60's. This is coming... 5 years, 10 years, 15 years... I dunno, but it's coming.
And Burt pulled this off beautifully which is something most of us couldn't do at his age.
I'm glad I watched it and I hate that I watched it.
125 Reviews
Nice Film
Sober-Friend6 April 2018
Burt Reynolds plays a version of himself (he even interacts with his old movies) and the film delivers not only huge laughs but also has an emotional center that at times make you hate then love the main character in the span of a few seconds.
In this film an older actor is invited to a film festival to pick up his life achievement award. This prompts him to do some serious soul searching. Along the way he realizes how lucky he was and most of see the errors of his life.
Well worth seeing.
In this film an older actor is invited to a film festival to pick up his life achievement award. This prompts him to do some serious soul searching. Along the way he realizes how lucky he was and most of see the errors of his life.
Well worth seeing.
Pleasantly surprised, emotionally touched
jakeh30 March 2018
Quite honestly I was prepared to dislike this movie. I couldn't pin down exactly why but was I very wrong. I was extremely touched with this thought provoking look at celebrity and age. I have not seen any actor portray their aging with such honesty in their later movies. Reynolds was fabulous and still as blunt and straight forward in his approach to the part as he has before in most of his movies. Ariel Winter, whose character I detested at the beginning, did an excellent job as Reynolds escort at a film festival in Nashville. His life story was a learning experience for her and a teaching lesson on how growing older comes with trials, tribulations, and regrets which she could learn from as she goes on with her own life. Wonderful acting by both, and a must see movie. Simply put, I think it's the best work Reynolds has ever done.
Finally, Burt's Swan Song.
imbluzclooby8 September 2018
Burt was my hero growing up for many of the reasons why many other guys liked him: his charisma, charm, smarmy attitude, rogue behavior and wit. He had qualities that so many stars lack. In his most personal role ever he recounts the pivotal cornerstones of his life, the good times. the bad times and the success which also destroyed much of what he cherished. The most touching part comes at the end where he addresses the audience at his award ceremony with painful honesty and humility. It's definitely a humanistic picture where we see a former icon come to terms with himself. Worth a look.
I have no idea how this great movie still rated 6 out of 10
MarwanMohsen9119 April 2018
"the last movie star"
what a journey for an hour and a half, this movie not like most of you would thought, it has a great depth that will not only touch your heart but believe me it will touch your soul.
most of you gonna think yeah its about a legend actor who isn't have much fame like he used to be but no
this movie is talk about our fear, no one afraid from death believe me we just afraid of be forgotton, we fear getting old and see every one we love just disappear this movie its just great, great acting, wonderful directing and writing from Adam Rifkin who i want to really thanks and no im not crying I think something got into my eye and Burt Reynolds you are a real legend thanks for all you give us
this movie is talk about our fear, no one afraid from death believe me we just afraid of be forgotton, we fear getting old and see every one we love just disappear this movie its just great, great acting, wonderful directing and writing from Adam Rifkin who i want to really thanks and no im not crying I think something got into my eye and Burt Reynolds you are a real legend thanks for all you give us
Blindsided
rmcne8888 September 2018
RIP Burt Reynolds. Watched Smokey & the Bandit last night then saw The Last Movie Star tonight. Wow was not expecting the rush of emotions, the laughter, reminiscence and enjoyment I would get. Is this movie ironic? Maybe. It was well done, and the timing is chilling. If you grew up appreciating good old fashioned, twinkle in the eye, tongue in cheek movie stars, you'll truly appreciate everything this movie encompasses. Didn't know much about Ariel Winter but you pull for her character to get to where she ends up in this movie. I hope you enjoy this, raise a glass and give a fond farewell to a really flawed, yet truly decent dude.
Flawed But a Nice End for Reynolds
Michael_Elliott28 September 2018
The Last Movie Star (2017)
*** (out of 4)
Burt Reynolds plays Vic Edwards who is basically a version of himself. In the movie Vic finds himself being invited to a Nashville film festival, which he thinks is a grand finale to his career. What he doesn't realize is that it's a very low-rent festival ran by some young fans of his and it turns out to be an event where he really gets to question of the of choices that he made with his life.
THE LAST MOVIE STAR wouldn't be Reynolds' final film but there's no question that it's a rather fitting way for the actor to do go. This here would be an April release and the actor would be able to do a lot of press for it before his death that September. If you're a fan of the legendary actor then you're going to get a lot of the nods that are in the film including some clips used from DELIVERANCE and SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT. This film certainly has a fair number of flaws but there's no question that it allows Reynolds a time to shine.
There's no doubt that the movie is quite depressing and especially considering most will be watching it after Reynolds' death. I watched it a couple weeks afterwards and there's no question that you'll be rather depressed watching it as it's clear the star was playing himself and also dealing with a lot of personal issues. You can't help but watch the film and be somewhat depressed as Reynolds talks about getting old and and having to face the end broke and alone. It's even more depressing hearing him talk about the bad choices that he made throughout his career.
Writer-director Adam Rifkin certainly knows his star very well and his tender direction perfectly captures what it must be like growing old and having to look back at your life with some regret as well as some happiness at what you were able to do. Of course, the main reason to watch this is for Reynolds performance and he is actually quite great here. Playing yourself is never an easy thing to do and it was great getting to see the star get to shine one more time. Ariel Winter does a nice job with her role as the sidekick and Clark Duke was also good as is Chevy Chase in his couple scenes.
THE LAST MOVIE STAR isn't exactly original as there have been many other movies with fading stars coming to terms with the end of their careers. I'd say the film also owes a little to SCENT OF A WOMAN but with that being said, Reynolds' shines once more so fans of his will want to check this out.
*** (out of 4)
Burt Reynolds plays Vic Edwards who is basically a version of himself. In the movie Vic finds himself being invited to a Nashville film festival, which he thinks is a grand finale to his career. What he doesn't realize is that it's a very low-rent festival ran by some young fans of his and it turns out to be an event where he really gets to question of the of choices that he made with his life.
THE LAST MOVIE STAR wouldn't be Reynolds' final film but there's no question that it's a rather fitting way for the actor to do go. This here would be an April release and the actor would be able to do a lot of press for it before his death that September. If you're a fan of the legendary actor then you're going to get a lot of the nods that are in the film including some clips used from DELIVERANCE and SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT. This film certainly has a fair number of flaws but there's no question that it allows Reynolds a time to shine.
There's no doubt that the movie is quite depressing and especially considering most will be watching it after Reynolds' death. I watched it a couple weeks afterwards and there's no question that you'll be rather depressed watching it as it's clear the star was playing himself and also dealing with a lot of personal issues. You can't help but watch the film and be somewhat depressed as Reynolds talks about getting old and and having to face the end broke and alone. It's even more depressing hearing him talk about the bad choices that he made throughout his career.
Writer-director Adam Rifkin certainly knows his star very well and his tender direction perfectly captures what it must be like growing old and having to look back at your life with some regret as well as some happiness at what you were able to do. Of course, the main reason to watch this is for Reynolds performance and he is actually quite great here. Playing yourself is never an easy thing to do and it was great getting to see the star get to shine one more time. Ariel Winter does a nice job with her role as the sidekick and Clark Duke was also good as is Chevy Chase in his couple scenes.
THE LAST MOVIE STAR isn't exactly original as there have been many other movies with fading stars coming to terms with the end of their careers. I'd say the film also owes a little to SCENT OF A WOMAN but with that being said, Reynolds' shines once more so fans of his will want to check this out.
Heart warming story of life
markccorcoran28 March 2018
I watched the movie with my elderly parents and all 3 of us really enjoyed this movie. It is a role only Burt Reynolds could do. Good acting. It was heart warming and had good comedy to it. Reflection of a life time with a very entertaining way of telling the story.
Just a good movie
pambosk3 May 2018
There are few male movie stars such as John Wayne, James Stewart, Henry Fonda of the 40s and 50s and 60s era, and after like Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, who when the movie is below average, they would still give a good performance. Burt Reynolds is in that group. He always gave his best. The last time I saw Reynolds was on an episode of Fastn Loud where they were replicating the Smokey and the Bandit Transam. At the time I thought, Burt has really aged, and proberbly he won't make another movie. How wrong I was.
What a really refreshing movie, Burt gave an excellent performance as a semi-biographical actor. Don't miss it.
After watching Deliverance again, you realized Burt made alot of mistakes with his movie career, but we still love him. Amen
Life Imitates Art Imitates Life
nomadatoll28 March 2018
Given the difficulties and constraints of completing a project like this, I was pleasantly surprised. Solid performances by all, both legendary and fresh talent. A few scenes struggled, but in general an enjoyable romp down memory lane for Vic Edwards the character and Burt Reynolds the actor.
Burt Reynolds awe-inspiring performance is not to be missed!
amyschulz31 March 2018
This smartly written, emotional rollercoaster masterpiece by Adam Rifkin showcases Burt Reynolds acting at his best. Burt's genuine vulnerability and charisma pops off the screen and into your heart. You cannot help but love the movie and Burt. It's incredible!
Touching movie
jmoore-3763930 March 2018
I can't believe how much I was affected by this movie. I rarely if ever cry watching a movie, and this one brought tears to my eyes. Watching Burt Reynolds examine his life made me think of my own. The mistakes I've made. The joys I've experienced. And how much I regretably just let pass me by. This is possibly one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.
Great farewell
siderite20 January 2019
I vaguely remember Burt Reynolds from the movies I was watching when I was a kid. Never was one for westerns so I remember him from the crazy car movies he did. Still, to see him so damn old was painful. I was expecting one of those "I am old but feisty" kind of movie, a funny contrast between an old person and a very young one, but it was way more than that. I don't dare say it was Reynolds' best role, but it was damn close. He basically played himself, apologized for his mistakes, made his peace and said farewell. And then he died, right then in 2018.
It was a beautiful, emotional film, and it made me cry. Grown man, watching a movie and crying like a baby. It's not even sad, but it's so very nostalgic. A film about time, regret and living with it. I am so very glad to have watched it.
It was a beautiful, emotional film, and it made me cry. Grown man, watching a movie and crying like a baby. It's not even sad, but it's so very nostalgic. A film about time, regret and living with it. I am so very glad to have watched it.
A Superb, Heartwarming Film
prhayhurst5 April 2018
To see a frail looking Burt Reynolds is quite shocking at first, though when you get used to him looking like that, glimmers of the old Burt shine through.
This script could actually be about him, with a few exceptions of course. To see him go through the story, it's emotional as it relates not just to his character, but to him, which tugs on the heartstrings. Although there are quite humorous parts aswell, so it is an emotional rollercoaster, as you relate the story to him in most parts rather than the character which I did.
It is definitely worth a watch.
Charming and moving
Sarema24 February 2018
I've been seeing the trailer on my Facenook page this last week. I caught this movie last spring in the Tribeca Film Festival. It really sucked me in. So full of feeling. Lots of humor but also coming to terms with the irretreivable loss of youth and glory. I loved it.
Thank you, Mr. Reynolds
nodak525 August 2018
I grew up watching Burt Reynolds, Clint Eastwood, Frank Sinatra and all the greats. For me, this movie touched me in a special way. Growing old, looking back, yearning for the treasures of youth, the mistakes we make, the ones we lost. It hits home. Thank you, Mr. Reynolds. Thank you...
Movie Stars of this elevated pedigree are nearly gone-nostalgia...
steven-913974 April 2018
In my opinion this films falls in the genre of Dramedy, a dark drama/comedy.
Burt Reynolds, gives a deeply touching performance with an emotional rollercoaster masterpiece. This movie was brilliant and beautifully written, a bold film that captures the frightful terms with himself of growing old and coming to terms with the irretrievable loss of youth.
This movie was certainly different from the rest as it was extremely clever to have him play alongside his younger self from previous movie clips. It was an utter delight, all the characters fit their roles and as much as I was not convinced about the casting at the beginning of the film, they make the plot come to life. Exquisitely done, I hope it is acknowledged at Oscar season.
Burt Reynolds, gives a deeply touching performance with an emotional rollercoaster masterpiece. This movie was brilliant and beautifully written, a bold film that captures the frightful terms with himself of growing old and coming to terms with the irretrievable loss of youth.
This movie was certainly different from the rest as it was extremely clever to have him play alongside his younger self from previous movie clips. It was an utter delight, all the characters fit their roles and as much as I was not convinced about the casting at the beginning of the film, they make the plot come to life. Exquisitely done, I hope it is acknowledged at Oscar season.
A great endearing film
gmbhosp31 March 2018
Throughout the 70's and 80's many of us grew up on the films of Burt Reynolds from "Deliverance" to "The Longest Yard" from "Smokey and The Bandit" to "Hooper" and from "Sharky's Machine" to "Best Friends" and through all of it, Burt Reynolds has become an icon and a true living legend.
Like most of us, along the way we all encounter some regrets and at times it is difficult for any of us to truly face our demons and reflect on the would haves and should haves that is life and "The Last Movie Star" is Reynolds chance to do just that. Not only does he show off his acting chops here, but he takes on a role where his character's reflective trip down memory lane parallels his real life in many ways. At a screening in Los Angeles with a Q&A with writer/director Adam Rifkin, Rifkin details a conversation with Mr. Reynolds, where Reynolds admits that years ago he wouldn't have been willing to make this film, but now as a man in his 80's he is willing to be more open and show his vulnerability. Rifkin admits that he was concerned that moments within the film could hit too close to home for Mr. Reynolds, but through the director/actor collaboration, Mr. Reynolds assured Rifkin that he was fully prepared to face his regrets and let his real life persona shine through in a way that can only be done when looking back through the eyes of experience.
The film is well directed as Rifkin does a god job in artfully walking the line between real-life and fiction especially when Reynold's character interacts with his younger self in clips from some of Reynold's actual films like "Smokey and The Bandit" and "Deliverance". Reynold's acting performance proves just why he truly is a living legend. Reynolds co-star, Ariel Winters, gives a great performance that should help her break out of the smart nerdy role that she is known for from Modern Family. The camaraderie between Reynolds and Winters is endearing and feels authentic. In the end, the film may bring a tear to your eyes and as you leave the theater you may even find yourself reflecting back upon your own life, the choices you have made, the paths not taken and how to move forward to make the most out of the rest of your life. Reynolds has always been a bigger than life persona and the big screen is a fitting place to take in this film and in my humble opinion, it is a film worth seeing!
A surprise treat!
tharpnl28 March 2018
This is a memorable performance by a versatile, veteran actor, made all the more poignant by a role that often echoes his real-life movie star career.
Beautifully written and brilliantly edited and choreographed, interspersed with Reynolds variously and hilariously playing alongside his younger self in clips from earlier films, this is a sweet and fitting addition to his already impressive legacy. It's one he can certainly be proud of, and worthy of recognition come awards season.
Absolutely brilliant
gaylehamiltongh20 April 2018
What a fantastic film that makes you think of your own life. The film was funny and emotional. Brought tears to my eyes and it was clear that it was delivering a message. Enjoy life, don't have regrets, time passes too quickly. I can't understand anyone who would not appreciate this great film. Once watched you continue to think about it. It's clear a lot of the regrets, decisions are truly about Burt Reynolds life.
Really glad I stumbled across this film and credit to it. You know a good film when you can't stop thinking about it! Well done to all involved I would highly recommend a watch.
Really glad I stumbled across this film and credit to it. You know a good film when you can't stop thinking about it! Well done to all involved I would highly recommend a watch.
A proper movie star
bryangary6524 January 2019
Must admit that in the past have never really been interested in a Burt Reynolds film
So a pleasant surprise to say that I enjoyed this movie, where Burt basically played himself
Cleverly done and a grand supporting role by young Ariel Winter who is going to be a big star
So a pleasant surprise to say that I enjoyed this movie, where Burt basically played himself
Cleverly done and a grand supporting role by young Ariel Winter who is going to be a big star
Burt Reynold's tribute to himself is his very best movie
RuthlessGoat28 August 2022
I usually just leave my review at my website, but this great film deserves a double dose of praise.
Anyone who was alive in the last century has to be aware of Burt Reynolds. He burst on the scene as the arrow-slinging hot hunk in Deliverance and then was immortalized in Smokey And The Bandit as a Coors Beer runner who stayed just ahead of the venerable Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford. After that, the dozens of movies that he made were pure crap. The only really memorable one was Boogie Nights, where he was not even the star, but just a porn producer.
"Oh, what it might have been" was lamented in real life and brought to life in the wonderful and heart-breaking film, The Last Movie Star. I was skeptical of this movie at first, and yes, it was hard to watch from the very beginning. There was a scene that most pet owners and lovers have been through. It is not easy to say goodbye to your loyal and loving mutt. I knew that I was on a ride with this one, and not a comfortable one.
Vic Edwards was an aging has-been movie star who received an unwanted and suspicious expense-paid invite to a film festival. He was to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award to join the ranks of Eastwood and DiNiro. Urged to attend by his friend and fellow actor Sonny (Chevy Chase), who has never looked worse, he finally decided to fly to Nashville to accept his award.
His doubts about the legitimacy of this "award" were immediately confirmed as he arrived in Nashville. He was picked up not by a limo but by a skanky-looking Goth THOT who had the better part of her assets hanging out of some ragged denim hot pants. The luxury hotel was a Motel 6 and the film festival was at a dive bar, organized by enthusiastic, but basement-dwelling fanboys. Vic was not impressed, got totally soused, insulted his hosts and exited.
Instead of coming back for the next night's session, Vic instructed Lil to drive him to Knoxville for a trip down memory lane. This is the beginning of where a cringe-worthy movie and its characters flip a hard to watch film into something beautiful.
The trip to Knoxville has many reveals, reveals that I will not spoil in this review. I will say that Vic and Lil soften, expose their own missteps, foibles and frailties to bond in quite satisfying turnaround. Lil is haunted by her bad choice in men, and Vic is haunted by his career choices and dubious 5 marriages. He does, however, have one true love and one devastating regret. Ariel Winter was just wonderful as Lil in this movie. She was just an annoying young lady at first, but quickly developed into a strong character and ally for Vic. Their relationship (not sexual) was one of the high points of this movie.
I really have to give it to director Adam Rifkin for his use of flashbacks that featured the old and young Burt Reynolds, seen through Vic's mind's eye. Vic and Lil visit some of Edward's childhood and college memories in Knoxville and these shots are very well orchestrated. Before he was a movie star, he was a football star for the University of Tennessee until a knee injury ended his promising career.
The visit to his childhood home and the nursing home that housed the love of his life were some of the tear-jerking highlights of this film. Eventually, Vic and Lil made their way back to Nashville, where his fans were still patiently and loyally waiting for him, in spite of his earlier insults. This film is all about redemption and fulfilling the loose-ends that are almost never re-tied after the mistakes and heartbreaks of a lifetime. Vic acknowledges both his fans and his mistakes. The ending is quite satisfying.
I don't like to use my review time to rail and complain about other critic's reviews of movies, but the professional and user ratings of this film are an outrage. 46/100 at Metacritic. Really? I just do not understand. The user reviews at IMDB were much more in line with my thinking, but like many of the 80s Action Movies, the Burt Reynolds films are automatically set up for a failure. He addresses this in this film as his "bad choices", but that does not excuse the failure to give credit for this best ever performance for Burt Reynolds. He died 5 months after making this movie. R. I. P., Bandit, R. I. P.
Anyone who was alive in the last century has to be aware of Burt Reynolds. He burst on the scene as the arrow-slinging hot hunk in Deliverance and then was immortalized in Smokey And The Bandit as a Coors Beer runner who stayed just ahead of the venerable Jackie Gleason as Sheriff Buford. After that, the dozens of movies that he made were pure crap. The only really memorable one was Boogie Nights, where he was not even the star, but just a porn producer.
"Oh, what it might have been" was lamented in real life and brought to life in the wonderful and heart-breaking film, The Last Movie Star. I was skeptical of this movie at first, and yes, it was hard to watch from the very beginning. There was a scene that most pet owners and lovers have been through. It is not easy to say goodbye to your loyal and loving mutt. I knew that I was on a ride with this one, and not a comfortable one.
Vic Edwards was an aging has-been movie star who received an unwanted and suspicious expense-paid invite to a film festival. He was to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award to join the ranks of Eastwood and DiNiro. Urged to attend by his friend and fellow actor Sonny (Chevy Chase), who has never looked worse, he finally decided to fly to Nashville to accept his award.
His doubts about the legitimacy of this "award" were immediately confirmed as he arrived in Nashville. He was picked up not by a limo but by a skanky-looking Goth THOT who had the better part of her assets hanging out of some ragged denim hot pants. The luxury hotel was a Motel 6 and the film festival was at a dive bar, organized by enthusiastic, but basement-dwelling fanboys. Vic was not impressed, got totally soused, insulted his hosts and exited.
Instead of coming back for the next night's session, Vic instructed Lil to drive him to Knoxville for a trip down memory lane. This is the beginning of where a cringe-worthy movie and its characters flip a hard to watch film into something beautiful.
The trip to Knoxville has many reveals, reveals that I will not spoil in this review. I will say that Vic and Lil soften, expose their own missteps, foibles and frailties to bond in quite satisfying turnaround. Lil is haunted by her bad choice in men, and Vic is haunted by his career choices and dubious 5 marriages. He does, however, have one true love and one devastating regret. Ariel Winter was just wonderful as Lil in this movie. She was just an annoying young lady at first, but quickly developed into a strong character and ally for Vic. Their relationship (not sexual) was one of the high points of this movie.
I really have to give it to director Adam Rifkin for his use of flashbacks that featured the old and young Burt Reynolds, seen through Vic's mind's eye. Vic and Lil visit some of Edward's childhood and college memories in Knoxville and these shots are very well orchestrated. Before he was a movie star, he was a football star for the University of Tennessee until a knee injury ended his promising career.
The visit to his childhood home and the nursing home that housed the love of his life were some of the tear-jerking highlights of this film. Eventually, Vic and Lil made their way back to Nashville, where his fans were still patiently and loyally waiting for him, in spite of his earlier insults. This film is all about redemption and fulfilling the loose-ends that are almost never re-tied after the mistakes and heartbreaks of a lifetime. Vic acknowledges both his fans and his mistakes. The ending is quite satisfying.
I don't like to use my review time to rail and complain about other critic's reviews of movies, but the professional and user ratings of this film are an outrage. 46/100 at Metacritic. Really? I just do not understand. The user reviews at IMDB were much more in line with my thinking, but like many of the 80s Action Movies, the Burt Reynolds films are automatically set up for a failure. He addresses this in this film as his "bad choices", but that does not excuse the failure to give credit for this best ever performance for Burt Reynolds. He died 5 months after making this movie. R. I. P., Bandit, R. I. P.
The Best Reynolds Film since "Sharky's Machine" in 1981
Ricktrumpetman3 June 2018
Well written, well acted and not anymore "breaking the fourth wall" than can legitimately be expected for the "wink and a nod" Vic Edwards (Single syllable first name, Two for the second) thinly veiled hommage to Reynolds' career arc. I suspect he's neither as impoverished as Edwards is made to appear, and one would sincerely hope not. I didn't really care for the "Bandit" movies, but Machine, Deliverance and any number of others are TRUE Classics. Note to Hollywood:
Please, don't remake them...thank you...
A good film
Wizard-81 July 2018
It's a shame that "The Last Movie Star" didn't get much of a theatrical release, because that means it will almost certainly be looked over at Oscar time next year. The Oscar worthy work on this movie goes to veteran actor Burt Reynolds. Yes, it's true that in this movie he is more or less playing a version of his true persona and career. But Reynolds all the same gives a full performance, one that shows multiple dimensions of his character. He isn't even afraid to show a dark and sometimes unlikable side to his character. As for the other aspects of the movie, like the direction and the screenplay, I will admit that a number of times the story plays out in a somewhat predictable manner. But all the same, it doesn't come across as cliched or really dumb; you will believe that the events of this movie could play in real life as they do in this movie. While I wouldn't say that this movie is some modern day classic, it's a solid effort by everyone involved, and everybody involved should be proud of the end results. Good job!
Burt Reynolds at his best
briggs-245079 June 2018
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