Review of The Last Movie Star (2018) by Brent T — 30 Mar 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.