Critics Gave This Dramedy Only 59% on RT, but It's an Ultimate Must-See For All Burt Reynolds Fans

The Last Movie Star received a mere 59% score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it has earned the sincere love of ordinary viewers, particularly fans of Burt Reynolds' films.

Written and directed by Adam Rifkin specifically for Reynolds, the movie tells the story of old age, loneliness, memory, and the difficulties of being a star when the world has forgotten your name.

Although critics deemed the drama predictable and found it overly sentimental, Reynolds' sincerity and self-deprecation make The Last Movie Star a touching farewell to an era.

What Is 'The Last Movie Star' About?

Vic Edwards was once one of Hollywood's most flamboyant actors: his name loomed large on movie theater billboards, and crowds of fans besieged theaters. But time is relentless, and today, Vic is a grumpy old man living alone in his mansion.

An old friend unexpectedly persuades him to attend a film festival in Nashville, where Vic is to receive an honorary lifetime achievement award. The actor sets out, but upon arrival, he's in for a bitter disappointment: the "festival" is a pitiful amateur bar party.

Offended, Vic asks one of the organizers, a young woman named Lil, to take him to neighboring Knoxville – the town where he spent his childhood and youth and hasn't returned to for decades.

'The Last Movie Star' Is a Touching Autobiographical Confession

It's impossible to imagine The Last Movie Star without Burt Reynolds – Adam Rifkin wrote the script specifically for Reynolds and announced that the project wouldn't happen without his consent.

Reynolds, who long ago abandoned leading roles in big studio films, unexpectedly agreed. In this movie, he plays not just a fictional character, but himself: his destiny, his fears, and his disappointments.

Vic Edwards is a mirror image of Burt Reynolds: a 1970s star and idol to millions who has become a forgotten shadow today.

Reynolds isn't afraid of self-irony: he laughs at his age, former fame, and how he's been forgotten and does so with such dignity that it's impossible not to respect him.

'The Last Movie Star' Talks About the Fact That Fame Is Not Eternity, but Only a Moment That Must Be Appreciated

Beyond its deep dramatic core, The Last Movie Star is also a very funny film. The humor stems from the poignant dialogue, the aging star's awkward situations, and the unlikely bond between Vic and Lil.

Their story is a classic tale of two people from different backgrounds learning to understand each other. Initially viewing the old man as a burden, Lil gradually sees the genuine pain and loneliness behind his grumpiness.

Vic, accustomed to being fussed over and pleased, unexpectedly encounters an honest and straightforward person who isn't afraid to challenge him. Their arguments and reconciliations, and their joint attempts to find common ground, are the movie's true highlights.

The Last Movie Star is a warm farewell to an era of Hollywood. Those who give this movie a chance will enjoy over an hour of genuine fun, hearty laughs, and perhaps even tears.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'The Last Movie Star'?

• The Last Movie Star has 59% from critics and 72% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.0/10.

• On Letterboxd, The Last Movie Star scored 3.2/5.0.

Where to Watch 'The Last Movie Star'?

The Last Movie Star is available to stream on Tubi.