It doesn't pretend to be a movie, really, but it's an unexpected treat from a man who made a living out of being silly.
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03/10/09
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Life of Reilly (2007)
100
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Reviews Counted:39
Fresh:39
Rotten:0
Average Rating:7.5/10
Consensus: The Life of Reilly is a humorous and endearing look at the late comedian.
Theatrical Release:Nov 9, 2007 Limited
Synopsis: Beloved late actor Charles Nelson Reilly headlines his one man show SAVE IT FOR THE STAGE: THE LIFE OF REILLY in this filmed performance. The frequent TONIGHT SHOW guest reveals everything from his... [More]
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Reviews for Life of Reilly
See Life of Reilly and you won't see him as a pop culture footnote ever again.
03/10/09
The schmaltzy surface-nature of the show, however, is redeemed by Reilly's performance... and by a final story...
03/10/09
...he's far more candid recalling his grand delusions in a school play than he is when he gets to Broadway and Hollywood.
03/10/09
Top CriticIt... holds wrenching emotional power in its naked, warts-and-all history of one man’s life...
03/10/09
...it's a funny and frequently affecting reminiscence...
03/10/09
Top CriticUnfortunately, I never caught Nelson live, but this film has to be the closest thing to it.
03/10/09
Life of Reilly is vivid proof that living well, and laughing heartily, can be the best revenge.
03/10/09
Top Critic...the man’s sense of stagecraft and storytelling prowess are undeniable.
03/10/09
As this entertaining recording of his one-man show reveals, Reilly was a natural raconteur.
03/10/09
Helmers Frank Anderson and Barry Poltermann had the bright idea to preserve Reilly’s show on film, and... it is indeed an invaluable record.
03/10/09
The Life of Reilly lets us know how much the world has changed.
03/10/09
Top CriticCharles Nelson Reilly's one-man stage show makes for a terrific one-man movie.
05/22/08
This is a story about all wide-eyed dreamers as much as it is about him: When Reilly reads off the roster of his classmates in a New York acting class for the dirt-poor, it's a simple act that's hugely inspiring.
03/06/08
Director Barry Poltermann's sweet little evocation of a show business career captures Reilly at 'the twilight of an extraordinary life,' in Reilly's words.
03/06/08
Top CriticReilly conjures a self-portrait that is insightful, hilarious and completely devoid of self-pity.
12/14/07
There's a genuine wonderment and breathless joy in Reilly's delivery that hints at what a fine stage actor he must have been, particularly when he describes going to a movie for the first time, or his thrill at first getting the lead in the school play.
12/07/07
... a poignant tribute to the one-time Broadway star best known to the public at large as a game-show wit and Johnny Carson guest.
12/06/07
It's fortunate that we have this filmed record -- directed by Barry Poltermann and Frank Anderson -- of a memorable solo performance by a true show business original.
12/03/07
Top CriticFor anyone who appreciates what The Life of Reilly was really all about, it is worthwhile.
11/30/07
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