Customer Reviews

Unhook the Stars [VHS]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The "mature" years are so often neglected in film, unless it's as the butt of a joke. Not here, however. The incomporable Gena Rowlands plays a character whose intelligence and self-possession seem an extension of Rowlands herself, making it a very good fit. Seeing a woman who has raised her children and is now searching for what to become is a refreshing storyline. Tomei adds marvelous support as the "white trash" neighbor, and I really appreciated how the director never gave us easy answers for these characters. Tomei never turns into a lady, and Rowlands never quite figures out where she is going: she merely decides to take the journey. The character of Tomei's son adds a touching poignancy to the story, highlighting Rowland's search for identity at this late stage in her life. This film doesn't jump up and tell you what it's about; it quietly presents Rowland's life and lets you figure it out--perhaps this requires a little more thinking than some viewers would like. Unlike other films that on first viewing seem obtuse, all the answers are there in "Unhook the Stars" if the viewer takes time to look for them. Every performance is subtly nuanced and adds to the theme (a good example is the luncheon scene with the adult son and his wife. Watch the subtle interplay between those two and you will know all you need to know abou their relationship-and why Rowlands chooses not to live with them.) This is a terrific film that can be enjoyed by thinking adults, and might particularly speak to men or women who have reached retirement age and are beginning to reevaluate their identity.

Rather than Depardieu's role being underwritten, it was just right within the rich tableau of the entire movie. His was supposed to be a small role, and just because Depardieu played it doesn't mean it was 'underwritten'. It fit.

Rowlands acted superbly - most reviewers I've seen mention this, justifiably. Yet of the major reviewers only Hebert mentioned Marisa Tomei's equally superb performance. Not the same movie without her. She added the necessary spiced vinegar and humor, providing contrast - a sharper edge to what might otherwise have seemed a touch on the sweet side.

I'd love to see more movies like this - without great implaccable denouements ending with bombs bursting in air. No, this is a heartfelt, charming movie that entertains throughout without resorting to the cheaper methods of garnering our attention. Yet the pace was there, pulling us along easily.

Great acting, unpretentious writing, a lifelike plot - all these elements combine to make Unhook the Stars a thoroughly pleasant watch. Nex

Gena Rowlands and Marisa Tomei star in this wonderful movie about two generation helping each other out through life lessons and love. Rowlands is a lonely lady who helps Tomei watch her little boy, and with that Rowlands comes alive again and the boy brings new meaning to her life. Jake Lloyd plays the little boy and he will tug at your heart strings so perfectly. Superbly acted by these fine Oscar winning ladies, this little-known movie is worth it. Sometimes funny, sad, touching, and honest, it tells the truth about what people can do for one another if we are not afraid to give it a try and look beyond ourselves. Unhook the Stars, be real to yourself and those around you, and don't be afraid to give it a chance.

I absolutely love this movie. Gena Rowlands really is at her BEST in this one. I just could not understand how they classified it as a comedy. I viewed it with a serious point of view.

The emotional manipulations are a bit much here. The cute kid. The estranged daughter. The next door party girl mom. Gena Rowlands plays a middle aged mom with no one to care for until she 'adopts' the mixed up mess next door. It's a bit improbable because the LA neighborhood looks pretty upscale and way too expensive for the Marisa Tomei loser and her even worse hubby. Still, I'd rather watch this than a shoot em up with no redeeming social value. It's a decent drama. Just not particularly special.

An excellent film with talented actors. A real-life drama with little humor. A very touching story about patience, hope & love.

I got hooked from the beginning. The relationship with the little boy warmed my heart. Everyone should grow up with such a great influence in their lives. The emotional torment was a bit to handle with Mother and daughter. Had me crying for acceptance. I think the Mother did in her own way. What choices to make? I think it leaves you to think what your own choices would be. Great movie.

Gena Rowlands' son Nick Cassavetes made his directorial debut with this sympathetic look at a kind hearted mother finally taking the time to find herself. The film is nothing extraordinary, but the stellar performances by the cast, especially Mrs. Rowlands herself, elevate this tale to something truly memorable.

Mildred Hawks is a devoted mother who finds herself being used by her daughter Annie, who refuses to take responsibility for herself. In the wake of her husband's death her family is torn and she finds herself lonely and searching for something, anything, to fill the emptiness. When she meets Monica Warren, her abused next-door-neighbor, her emptiness starts to fade. Monica, having recently split from her husband, needs someone to watch her young son J.J. and Mildred is more than willing. The two form a very close bond, and her relationship with the pair finally helps her to see that a life of serving others is only truly rewarding when you find time to serve yourself.

The story is a simple one, and it has a very unpredictable ending which I truly enjoyed, but it lives and dies with the beautiful performances that dwell within its running time.

Gena Rowlands is a great veteran actress who knows how to develop a natural performance out of any character. Mildred is your average grandmotherly woman who has spent her entire life serving others and it is finally taking its toll. Her daughter is ungrateful, her son is demanding and spoiled and her home is empty. Rowlands allows these circumstances to read all over her face. Her interactions with young Jake Lloyd are also a highlight for she is able to act like your typical grandmother, without all the Hollywood stereotypes. You feel like you know her. Marisa Tomei (one of my favorite actresses) is phenomenal here, even if at first it doesn't seem like it. She seems a little all over the place in the beginning, but as the film progresses and her character develops you can see that she has become a product of her upbringing and her unstable environment and she portrays that perfectly.

`Unhook the Stars' is not a perfect film, but it is a very good one that will definitely leave you entertained and rather enlightened. Rowlands and Tomei are a beautiful duo of performers who understand just what is needed to deliver a thoughtful message, and young Jake Lloyd is not only cute as a button but very effective in his role as the little boy who brings these two women together.

I mean the movie was great and everything but the thing that made the movie GRRRRRRReat was that Jake Lloyd was in it!! He is the cuteset most adorable thing in the world and I love him!

I love Anakin Skywalke