Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great unique movie, 29 Nov 2000
By A Customer
Yeah of course from the story it sounds like a tv movie, based on real life facts, but this movie is beautiful. Throughout all the movie I had a strange feel that something bad was going to happen (to either one of the characters), and one great thing is that nothing bad happens here (all this bad feelings are caused by all the violence and bad things you see in other movies, which make you expect always this in every movie). I love Gena Rowlands, and here she plays a character you just can't not like: she's so sweet, warm and (I felt) alone and defenceless, I was moved during all the movie. A genuine unique movie.
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0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A womans fight to break free from her selfish children, 7 Nov 2000
By A Customer
Not one for real Depardieu fans, who plays only a small, although important role. The film does however create a feel good factor, as the story of a widdowed woman who begins to rebuild her life through a little boy who has been thrust on her by a single parent neighbour. The film has some very unneccessary strong language, with a bit of a slow start but with a happy ending, which brought a cheer from me and hope to all us over 40 single women!
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely Character Study, 23 Sep 2003
By C. Cook - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Unhook the Stars [DVD] [1997] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] (DVD)
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.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Contrary to Malten's shortsighted review ..., 21 July 1999
By Alan Pollock "Nex" - Published on Amazon.com
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
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful acting, touching movie, 29 Aug 2002
By Rhonda C. Elsaesser "jerseygirlinkentucky" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Unhook the Stars [DVD] [1997] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC] (DVD)
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.
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