Review of The Last Movie Star (2018) by Bob L — 20 Feb 2018

THE LAST MOVIE STAR is simply both Burt Reynolds and Adam Rifkin's finest work to date.

I have seen this wonderful picture with four different film festival audiences, and I could count on one hand the dry eyes at those screenings. Rifkin has written and directed a film that, as others have observed, a love letter to his childhood hero, Reynolds. But beyond that, Rifkin's film is a poignant commentary on aging, both in Hollywood and beyond, and it makes its comment in a way that should draw in the generations who don't understand how big a star Reynolds really was in his day or that there will never be another star as big as he was.

Reynolds delivers the most honest, sincere performance of his career. I've seen audiences and industry insiders alike comment that the performance is worthy of Academy recognition. To say more about that would be to spoil the experience for anyone who hasn't yet seen the film.

The film is not flawless; few are. But Rifkin's writing and directing are well supported by impeccable cinematography, outstanding editing, and a perfectly crafted soundtrack. All involved deserve recognition for their work.