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The Life of Reilly
  • Release Date: Nov 9, 2007
The Life of Reilly Image
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: If, in 1940, you had a lobotomized aunt, an institutionalized father, and a racist mother, and were the only gay kid on the block, what do you think the odds would be that you'd end up a Tony winner, a staple of television, and a generational icon? Enter The Life of Reilly. The cliché goes that truth is stranger than fiction. In this case, it is also funnier and more heartbreaking. Charles Nelson Reilly, famous for his game show innuendos and X-Files guest appearances, takes us through his bizarre, star-studded, tragic, hilarious, and ultimately amazing life with a potent blend of tenderness and quick one-liners. The Life of Reilly is an adaptation of Mr. Reilly's acclaimed one-man show and was photographed for the screen during Mr. Reilly's final two performances of his play in North Hollywood, California. (Vagrant Films)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Joe Leydon
    80
    With equal measures of prickly wit, gleeful pride and bemused gratitude, Charles Nelson Reilly looks back at his life, and invites his audience to share the view, in this thoroughly engaging filmization of his one-man stage show.
  2. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: K.J. Doughton
    80
    Check out The Life of Reilly, for a real-life example of carpe diem energy too pure and unrefined to be silenced by discrimination or negative family vibes.
  3. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Frank Scheck
    80
    Despite his obvious infirmities, Reilly infuses his performance with a great deal of energy -- frequently shouting his lines for emphasis -- and, of course, perfect comic timing. 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.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. filmtrashreview
    8
    I admit I have been waiting to see this documentary for a while now. Created in 2007 and never leaked online with a 100 on rottentomatoes and no trailer I really don't know what I was in for. I am very surprised, this is a very different and unique experience. Shocking and amazingly funny. This is hands down one of the best stage performances I have ever seen. It's a must see for anyone in the arts/entertainment industry and right now available, netflix instant.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

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