From unnoticed stunt man, to handsome leading man, Vic Edwards (Burt Reynolds) has spent the majority of his life as an idol of young men and lover to many Hollywood starlets. Those times are long gone, though. His present life is spent lunching with his only friend (Chevy Chase) and ogling groups of women partaking in outdoor yoga sessions. When a letter arrives from a Nashville Film Festival set to honor Vic’s achievements, he is quick to dismiss it. However, when his only friend alerts Vic to the prestigious nature of the award being offered by the festival, Vic decides to bite the bullet and make an appearance.  Apart from the fact that the film stars Burt Reynolds, a man who really has never stopped working as he grew older, the biggest attraction of Dog Years is the use of old Burt film and TV footage. While it’s fun to revisit some classic images and appearances from Burt’s illustrious career presented as those of the life of Vic Edwards, the main attraction comes from watching Mr. Reynolds act against his younger self as he is transported back into clips from Smokey and the Bandit and Deliverance. The conversation aspects of these moments are nothing to write home about. It’s hard to write meaningful dialogue that fits your brand new film with those of a movie with completely different thematic journeys. This leads to a lot of dialogue from the older Burt, with young Burt just nodding, or faintly paying attention. That being said, it says volumes for the cathartic nature of Dog Years‘ story. As a whole, the film solidly lives off its actors more than its tale. As Lil, the unenthusiastic, love sick time bomb assigned to assist and aid Vic during his weekend festival excursion, Ariel Winter has an opportunity to shed the goody-two-shoes aspect of her Modern Family character, for one of a more outwardly troubled personality. Though it’s expected, the bonding experience that ends up taking place between Vic and Lil does feel rushed, but gives the actors an opportunity to flourish in the roles. Dog Years is standard film fare, by most accounts, but it has its moments and can keep you engaged when it really needs to. If you’re nostalgic for a strange trip down the old road of Hollywood, it works as a perfect viewing option, but if you desire a deeper, truly invigorating journey, Dog Years may have to wait that 7 years to find its way to a screen near you.