Rate this Movie 
Life of Reilly (2007)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work
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.
Runtime: 87 mins
Genre: Television
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]
Reviews for Life of Reilly
| Tomatometer | Critic | Review | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
As this entertaining recording of his one-man show reveals, Reilly was a natural raconteur. Full Review |
||
|
|
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. Full Review |
||
|
|
See Life of Reilly and you won't see him as a pop culture footnote ever again. Full Review |
||
|
4/5 |
The schmaltzy surface-nature of the show, however, is redeemed by Reilly's performance... and by a final story... Full Review |
||
|
B- |
...he's far more candid recalling his grand delusions in a school play than he is when he gets to Broadway and Hollywood. Full Review |
||
|
4/4 |
It... holds wrenching emotional power in its naked, warts-and-all history of one man’s life... Full Review |
||
|
|
...it's a funny and frequently affecting reminiscence... Full Review |
||
|
3.5/4 |
Unfortunately, I never caught Nelson live, but this film has to be the closest thing to it. Full Review |
||
|
|
Life of Reilly is vivid proof that living well, and laughing heartily, can be the best revenge. Full Review |
||
|
3/5 |
...the man’s sense of stagecraft and storytelling prowess are undeniable. Full Review |
||
|
|
Helmers Frank Anderson and Barry Poltermann had the bright idea to preserve Reilly’s show on film, and... it is indeed an invaluable record. Full Review |
||
|
|
The Life of Reilly lets us know how much the world has changed. Full Review |
||
|
|
Charles Nelson Reilly's one-man stage show makes for a terrific one-man movie. Full Review |
||
|
|
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. Full Review |
||
|
3/4 |
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. Full Review |
||
|
3/4 |
Reilly conjures a self-portrait that is insightful, hilarious and completely devoid of self-pity. Full Review |
||
|
3.5/4 |
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. Full Review |
||
|
B |
... 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. Full Review |
||
|
|
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. Full Review |
||
|
3.5/5 |
For anyone who appreciates what The Life of Reilly was really all about, it is worthwhile. Full Review |
CommentMore Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 81% | Departures | 04/12 |
| 79% | Disgrace | 04/12 |
| 79% | Me and Orson Welles | 04/12 |
| 66% | The Merry Gentleman | 04/12 |
| 61% | The Girlfriend Experience | 04/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Fresh Links
Featured
Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.
Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.
IGN RSS Feeds