The Last Movie Star (2018)

I've always been a Burt Reynolds fan, but this one blew me away. Probably his best role ever. Even he said it's the most honest role he ever has or ever will play. The part was written just for him. Ariel Winter is also wonderful. Quite the combination. This is a must see!

To those under 50 Burt Reynolds may seem to be merely another bad hangover from the 70's- like disco, polyester suits, bell bottoms and Astroturf. Burt was the worlds #1 male sex symbol, actually doing a fairly innocent nude centerfold for "Playgirl" magazine (is that still around?) and romancing numerous Hollywood actresses both on and off the screen. He popped up on Johnny Carson and other late night tv as well as variety shows, even Monday Night football. His movies were huge at the BO although the quality of his pictures is somewhat limited, at least compared to other male stars of the period such as Nicholson, Eastwood & DiNiro. By the 80's his star power was diminishing and by the 90's his career was limited to supporting roles, the only memorable one being his portrayal of producer Jack Horner in "Boogie Nights" a look back at the 70's so-called golden era of porn flicks.In TLMS, set in present day, Burt plays Vic Edwards- an 80ish retired actor whose career bears an amazing resemblance to Burt's. Like Burt, Vic has found there are several generations who are pretty much unacquainted with his career, perhaps having seen a few of his numerous car chase movies on VCR. His looks and star power are both long gone. I'd imagine the hardest part of acting is to open yourself and expose your innermost feelings and soul in portraying a character at in TLMS Burt Reynolds has to expose himself and all his vulnerabilities, failures and fears. It is masterfully done and I hope (but doubt) that Reynolds receives recognition for Best Actor at the Oscars next year. He is superb in a movie that could have gone off track and turned into a silly farce, but stays with the theme that all fame is fleeting.

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.

I really, really, enjoyed this film. I was a teenager when Burt Reynolds was at his pinnacle. There was no one "cooler" or more charismatic than this movie star. His appearances on Carson are legendary. He was funny, charming, and unbelievably good looking. His wit and self-deprecating humor endeared him to the masses. I know this is certainly not autobiographical, because Burt is still working, but I have to say I fully connected with what Adam Rifkin was creating. I found the acting and story telling wonderful. The interaction with the the Vic of today with his matinee idol self in some of his older movies was perfection. I've been reading both user's and critic's reviews of this film and I have to say if you are not of a "certain age" you're really not going to fully get it.