Is Doing Life Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Doing Life is likely a skip if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 96 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Doing Life Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1986, Doing Life emerges as a significant entry in the TV Movie, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Tony Danza stars in this prison drama about Jerome "Jerry" Rosenburg, a self-professed "jailhouse lawyer" who defends himself against the homicide charge that has put him on death row. Unlike standard genre fare, Doing Life attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any TV Movie is often anchored by its ensemble, and Doing Life features a noteworthy lineup led by Tony Danza . Supported by the likes of Jon DeVries and J. Winston Carroll , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Doing Life (1986) is negative. With an audience rating of 3.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Doing Life Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Doing Life is a TV Movie, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Doing Life Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Doing Life attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to tv movie resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the tv movie themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Doing Life reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Doing Life?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for TV Movie films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Doing Life
- Tony Danza – Jerry Rosenberg
- Jon DeVries – Warden Felber
- J. Winston Carroll – Editor
- Alvin Epstein – Lou Rosenberg
- Reginald VelJohnson – Taylor
Top Highlights
Tony DanzaJerry Rosenberg
Jon DeVriesWarden Felber
J. Winston CarrollEditor
Alvin EpsteinLou Rosenberg
Reginald VelJohnsonTaylor
Rocco SistoAnthony Portelli
Where to Watch Doing Life Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Doing Life has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3/10, and global collection metrics, Doing Life stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1986 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Doing Life movie hit or flop?
Doing Life is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3/10 and lower collections.
Is Doing Life worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3/10, Doing Life may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Doing Life online?
Doing Life is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
How Doing Life Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Doing Life
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
