Unhook the Stars

UNHOOK THE STARS (1996) ***1/2 Gena Rowlands, Marisa Tomei, Gerard Depardeau, Jake Lloyd, Moira Kelly, David Sherrill, Bridgitte Wilson, David Thornton, Clint Howard. Excellent acting by Rowlands and Tomei as a widower and a troubled neighbor, respectively, who become friends after the latter asks the former to babysit her quiet, yet bright boy (Lloyd in a remarkable debut that eschews cuteness for real depth, no easy task for a five year old; Lloyd later was cast as the young Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequel!). Emotionally satisfying thanks to an even-handed directorial debut by Rowlands' son Nick Cassavettes(the late auteur John's prodigy), who co-wrote the well-written scrip with Helen Cladwell. Guaranteed to have you laughing and crying; dare you not to get a lump in your throat by the film's poignant ending between Lloyd and Rowlands. Nice job by all around! ** Personal note: I relate this film to my own upbringing between my mother and grandmother.

"Unhook the stars" marked the directorial film debut of Nick Casavettes, the son of the immensely talented John Casavettes and Gena Rowlands. This is clearly the director's homage to his beautiful mother, which probably was the reason this film was made. The screen play by the director and Helen Caldwell, doesn't translate to a good film, as we watch the finished product. Mr. Casavettes' heart is in the right place, but the movie, as written, doesn't make much sense.

First of all, one wonders where Mildred went wrong. Her daughter Annie is a mess. Her son, the yuppie, lives in his own material world. We would like to think Mildred and her late husband created a nice environment for these two children. They both turned out to be losers in their own right.

Mildred's neighbors don't belong in her neighborhood. One wonders how the probably low wage earner, Monica, can live across the street from Mildred's better than average home. A lady like Mildred would probably have told Monica off from the beginning. The way Monica curses in every sentence would have been a turn off factor for Mildred. Of course, we know she goes along because suddenly she has found the sweet little J.J. that Monica dumps on her.

Monica and Mildred live in two different worlds and it's hard for us to accept their situation because Monica shows no redeeming qualities, except the love for her son. Mildred, on the other hand, doesn't have a clue about how to reach out for her daughter. The only positive thing Mildred does is to sell the house and go into a new life. Miami in her future? The other thing that doesn't make sense is to watch the elegant Mildred going to the dive where Monica takes her to drink. Big Tommy's interest in her, while it might be sexual, is not fully realized either because they stick out like oil and vinegar. There is no chemistry between Mildred and this big French Canadian guy.

Gena Rowlands does an excellent job as Mildred. She is always serene and composed. That's why Marisa Tomei over acting, the way she does, looks completely out of place, next to Mildred. Jake Lloyd is sweet and not bratty as J.J., the boy who loves Mildred until his father comes back home. Moira Kelly's Annie is an enigma. David Sherrill and Bridgette Wilson play Mildred's son and daughter-in-law. Poor Gerard Depardieu, a great star in his native France, doesn't have a thing to show for himself. M. Depardieu should choose more carefully his future films in America!

With the exception of "She's so Lovely", which reminded us more of his father's influence, and "John Q", Nick Casavettes hasn't made a name for himself as of yet. It would be a great help for Mr. Casavettes to study his father's films, then, perhaps, he would find an inspiration for directing more movies that will showcase his talent. This one, or "The Notebook", alas, don't help him at all.

What a collection of screwed up folks. Here we have a woman who has lost control of her life, not to mention her mouth; a permanently aggravated daughter; a goofy wife beater who sings Cocker atrociously; and a hot to trot trucker and his blinky, well meaning girlfriend. Together they form one of the best dramas I've seen in a good while as they try, try, try to get their lives on track so they can just be whole and happy. First rate.

The story of an older woman who realizes that she has a life to live. I rented this from Blockbuster ages ago not knowing what to expect, and to be honest it's about what I expected. Lots of interpersonal clichés regarding how to live your own life and not be someone else's slave. It was in the comedy section, or so I recall, so I took a chance on it.

It's mildly amusing, and actually somewhat revealing about parents' attitudes towards their offspring, and also some hard truths about humanity and how we codify our basic desires to try and put some stability on ourselves, but then wind up causing more problems in the long run.

I can't remember too much more. Not a film I'd recommend for males nor even the family. Still, it was interesting for what it is.

Will start with what did not like from what is visible at IMDB: the title - sounds pretentious. Poster - why Marisa's hair is black ?

Started with showing bad relation with about 20 y. daughter, and by me not that realistic dialog in it. Things gone better and more interesting when loud-mouth neighbor mother came in her life, with her son and marriage problems. While relation with young boy was presented well, and there was developing shown, it missed completely with other and close people. So, we don't have clue why was it bad with her daughter - well, did they think that it is enough that at one point Mildred said that she is good with young children and bad with those older ones ?

I hated that drunk bar scene, especially that goat laughing. Actually, sound was overall pretty bad quality and often irritating.

Whole romance with truck driver seemed very unlikely. Really not sure who to blame more: script or direction. Actors did great job considering given dialogs and direction. And that's for sure best part. Marisa managed to keep it on decent level, even if there was way too much f* word and all kind of trashy talk. Did not see much of comedy in this.

The ending was really weak, better said last 20 minutes. Although it was clearly shown where she will move, but all it was somehow bland and stiff. No wonder that many reviewers asking here where she headed at the end. Well, to the stars, I guess. Or was it alligators ? :-)))