Unhook the Stars (1996) User Reviews

Melodrama without the melo

[=G= · 6/10 · 1 May 2002]

"Unhook the Stars" is all about Rowlands who plays a middle aged widow with grown kids who wakes up one day to find herself no longer needed as a wife and mother. An uneventful and even character study which builds enough interest in the Rowlands character to make it not too difficult to overlook her supporting cast who play obvious stereotypes, "Unhook..." is a flick with no punchline which plays like a meal with no dessert. The entertainment is in the ride, not the destination. A good slice of mature life flick worth a look.

nice drama,good acting

[Sebastian-20 · 8/10 · 21 December 2000]

This is a story of a mature woman who gets to take care of a little boy,after her own daughter moves out.The two have a great time,and the woman even becomes friends with the boy's mother, who is completely different from her.The older woman is very proper,but caring and the boy's mother is the wilder type. Then there also is a truck-driver, who is a friend of the wild woman,and he falls in love with the older woman.By that time her life isn't what it used to be anymore!

The acting was very good,especially Marisa Tomei was great as Monica Warren,the little boy's mom! Also I very much liked Gerard Depardieu as the truck-driver,but then again, he is always funny. Jake Lloyd put on a great show too,as "JJ" Warren,and also I liked the acting of daughter Annie (Moira Kelly)!

Overall this is a nice drama/comedy!

Sometimes you deserve to have your stars unhooked

[helpless_dancer · 7/10 · 12 April 2003]

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.

Interesting contrasts

[DeeDee-10 · 12 March 1999]

Two very different women, one a demure, middle-aged woman with an over-bearing son and a rebellious daughter; the other, an "in -your-face" young woman. They are neighbors and find a need for each other in a very human way. Depardieu is the fellow who makes a difference in Rowland's life -we never know how much. I wish more had been made of the relationship between Rowland and her daughter. It never becomes clear what their problem really is, and nothing is really resolved. Another exit to the airport ending leaving the viewer with many questions unanswered -very annoying, but overall a good film.

Unlikely neighbors

[jotix100 · 6/10 · 23 April 2005]

"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.

Good, though flawed

[PeterJackson · 7/10 · 16 December 2000]

This is a nice little film that will bring a smile to your face. An excellent character study too, of an aging woman on a crossroads in her life. Gena Rowlands is excellent as that woman, and Marisa Tomei too is good in her usual "on the edge"-performance. Unfortunately, this film has some major flaws. In fact, this film is a bit too "normal" and predictable. I mean, I've seen SHE'S SO LOVELY too, another film by Nick Cassavetes and was surprised to see how edgy and surprising that film was. I guess I expected to see that here too.

Also, there were some less convincing characters in this film. It's a shame to see how little Gerard Depardieu gets to do here. He's a great actor(just watch JEAN DE FLORETTE), but in Hollywood he always gets to play the part of "some French/Canadian drifter", most notable for his accent. That's just a terrible waste of talent. And then there was the young Jake Lloyd. Boy, was he unconvincing. There are so many good child actors these days(though some less talented ones too), but young Lloyd here is not one of them (for now) in my opinion. And does that boy ever smile? Not a very likeable character in this film.

But anyways, you'll surely like this film. It's not a masterpiece, but if you like the leads(Rowlands and Tomei), you'll be pleased. They carry this a long way. 7/10

Good idea for story, not well developed

[pkpera · 6/10 · 31 May 2019]

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 ? :-)))

all about Mildred

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 12 December 2021]

Mildred Hawks (Gena Rowlands) has a troubled relationship with her angry adult daughter Annie (Moira Kelly). She gets Annie a paper route but is forced to do it herself. Annie leaves home in frustration. Her neighbor Monica Warren (Marisa Tomei) is an unstable drunk with abusive husband Frankie and their son J. J. (Jake Lloyd). Mildred's son Ethan and his wife Jeannie are moving to San Francisco. Big Tommy (Gérard Depardieu) is Monica's barfly friend.

At first, I thought this is a movie about Mildred and J. J. Then, it's Mildred and Monica. Annie comes back for a couple of great moments. I don't want to describe this as meandering. Meandering implies a lack of intent in its directions. More than anything, it settles into a movie about Mildred herself. Gena Rowlands and the others are all great actors. Well, Jake is a little kid like that other iconic role. I would probably cut out Big Tommy. I'm not sure what he does to the ending. I'm not sure about a lot of this Nick Cassavetes film except it's a bit of a journey.

Gena Rolands is superb...

[MarieGabrielle · 9/10 · 20 October 2006]

the title of this film goes along with the song ..."nothing left to do here, but unhook the stars".... After the death of her husband, Gena Rowlands finds herself in a big house, with no family, and nothing to take care of.

She begins to care for the young son of Marisa Tomei, who is involved with an abusive soon to be ex-husband. The actor playing her son does very well, he develops a relationship with Rolands, she becomes a surrogate grandmother.

Such a nice story, because it is realistic, and not overdone. Rolands has another son who lives in San Francisco, and wants her to move into his penthouse; when she realizes her daughter-in-law just wants a live-in babysitter, she says ..."No-I'm done"...; While she loves her children she now realizes it is her turn; her time to do something SHE actually wants.

At the end we see her packing up the house; her younger daughter is upset; there will be no more family home. But Rowlands realizes she is doing the right thing; her relationship with the young boy has faded; she now needs to do something for herself.

There are also a few amusing scenes with Gerard Depardieu, as a truck driver who she meets at a bar with Tomei and her friends. Overall a bittersweet movie which is a nice change, showing a mature woman re-discovering her life, and not taking care of everyone else, at the expense of her own identity. 9/10.

A superlative Rowlands

[rjspark · 7/10 · 6 August 2023]

Back in the 90s when this film was first released, it immediately brought to mind a film about the relationship between an older woman and a young boy under her care, Gloria, by John Cassavettes, also starring Gena. That film had a rawness that overcame its flaws, and centred on the relationship but mostly on the toughness of one woman.

The woman is now older, and coming to terms with different relationships with her children and her neighbours and friends. A sense of isolation that rapidly develops into a sense of abandonment. The films develops too quickly to the latter, but it is in the strength of Rowlands' performance that we reach there with an intimate understanding...

Ignore the opening scenes, the minor cast, the lack of "rawness", but wait for the closing for the full impact of the Lady's performance.

Did I miss something? I want my money back!!

[b_makibbin · 1/10 · 16 December 2000]

I am a great fan of Gerard Depardieu and I purchased this film based on the fact that he was in it. However, I'm sure that Mr. Depardieu was disappointed in the final product. Did most of his scenes end up on the cutting room floor? Was I just "out to lunch" when I was watching this film? What a lot of nonsense this movie is!

Depardieu's character was never allowed to be developed. I am convinced that he gave his usual stellar performance, but there was just not enough screen time to give dimension or depth to the character. One could wonder what was the purpose of having him in the film. His character was supposed to be one of many catalysts in the life of the character that Ms. Rowlands played. The contrast of these two was never fully realized.

I am not acquainted with Ms. Rowlands' work, but she seemed competent in this role. The film was, I suppose, too much like a slice of someone's life - boring, and with no impetus toward an end. There was no continuity in the film - it merely meandered like a sluggish stream.

Ms. Tomei was acting? Perhaps not. Perhaps she was just being herself. She did not invoke my sympathy, or even my interest. She was supposed to have brought about a change in the lead character, or the lead was supposed to have brought about a change in her character. Neither was apparent.

I found it very difficult to remain watching this movie. I kept longing for the end, or else for something to be of value so that I would not have wasted my time or my money. The woman (Rowlands) is leaving her best friend (the little JJ who gave the best performance in my opinion) for what? -for Miami, that Depardieu's character briefly mentioned and never developed or planned out the idea? Is the point supposed to be that she's being a martyr? That was never developed. The whole movie was never developed! It was vague and disjointed, with no feeling of closure or of even wondering what would become of the heroine. Who cares!

I love a good cerebral movie, but this wasn't it. I'm not sure what it was, except forgettable!

One of the Most Emotionally Arousing Movies I've Ever Seen

[jzappa · 9/10 · 9 April 2007]

Marisa Tomei has always been one of my favorite actresses. She has a very individual, very strong, not to mention incredibly hot, presence and is one of the major scene thieves of our time. She is by far the best thing about My Cousin Vinny, which would hardly be even close to being as worthwhile without her. She is the only reason to watch Just A Kiss. She is wonderful in Happy Accidents and In the Bedroom. In Unhook the Stars, she is a joy to see, not just for her presence and ability to intrigue even inaminate objects but also for the freedom-emblazoned attitude she fleshes out in her character. She is not at all subtle, but she is a realistically subtle contrast to Gene Rowlands, who plays opposite her. However, in this film, Gena Rowlands serves to be the first person I've ever seen who's stolen any scene from the likes of Marisa Tomei. Tomei's earliest scenes are brilliantly fiery, both hilarious and alarming, one of these great instances involving dialogue with other characters while she is in another room cursing and raving into the phone incidentally during the natural pauses in between the other characters' exchanges. But gradually, Rowlands earns our focus a bit more, because I've hardly felt more deeply for many other characters in many other movies.

Gena Rowlands plays a mother on the latter end of middle age whose daughter gives her great disrespect and constantly runs off, leaving her to do her paper route. She has a highly serious and successful son who lives for admiration and objectifies his wife. Rowlands is lonely, riding the gentle winds through the motions of life at home. When Tomei, grungy, aggressive young mother, asks her to babysit her young son while she's at work, a new and beautiful relationship emerges into Rowlands's life, giving her great happiness and fulfillment, but the natural interferences and oncoming decisions of life seem to taper it. The scenes with her and the young boy are so touching and full of emotion. I won't explain further into her character or the story that is driven by her, but I will say that what she is is a touching, very very deeply felt characterization of a common, lonely mother of great selflessness, surrounded by the self-absorption of the people she cares the most for. And you will be surprised at how much you care for such overlooked people, people who rarely come to be the lead character in a movie.

Though Nick Cassavettes doesn't quite have the intensity or fluently original technique that his father, John Cassavettes, had, he does carry on in the Cassavettes tradition of plain and direct interpretations of reality. His film is about loneliness, and about the sort of person who takes so little from us in return for so much that she gives, and how she is prompted to live.

Not a cookie-cutter comedy-drama...but not much of anything else either

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 3 November 2007]

Gena Rowlands, sturdy and glowing, gives an admirable performance in an unconvincing role. She plays an elderly widow who forms a shaky bond with her neighbors, a hard-partying single woman (Marisa Tomei) and her young son. Directed and co-written by Rowlands' real-life son Nick Cassavetes, who gives his talented mom some lovely scenes to play, the film thankfully does not pander to commercial tastes. Still, it's too bad the language is so trashy--and the Tomei character so unappealing--making the second-half of the picture tough to get through. Supporting player Gerard Depardieu, who also co-produced, has a surprisingly sweet role as a lovestruck trucker, and the memorable finale is thoughtful and well-realized. ** from ****

Golden Gena & Magnificent Marisa; a gem

[george.schmidt · 23 April 2003]

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.

Intelligent, well written and brilliantly acted

[flicker-16 · 10/10 · 7 May 1999]

Targeted to the intelligent, non-adolescent. Character driven story, extraordinarily well written. How did this ever get the green light from a major studio? Marisa Tomei displays her trademark ability to portray hard edged, gritty women.

A pure delight from a director who doesn't get in the way of a good drama.

[DukeEman · 8/10 · 26 January 2002]

Gena plays a suburban widow who comes at a crossroad in life. To help her along the journey is her two children who have their own problems to deal with. There is also the loud mouth mother and her little boy from across the road as well as the loving French truck driver who romances her. All of this brings a new meaning to her life and we the audience get to journey with her.

charming

[unamachita · 8/10 · 5 December 2001]

I saw this movie about a year before Star Wars: The Phantom Menance came out. It's an enjoyable movie, non-formulaic and with some good acting. I particularly enjoyed Jake Lloyd's performance, which is why I looked forward to seeing him as Anakin Skywalker. Boy, all I can say is that direction must make a huge difference. He was much stiffer and forced in SW:TPM than in this movie, in which he was natural and sweet. Worth a rental just to see how talented this kid actually is.

Unhook the Stars- Needs A Closer: Where Did Mildred Go?

[edwagreen · 8/10 · 26 June 2012]

The film starts out very well with Mildred's daughter, a rebellious teenager, leaving her widowed mother's home. Mildred forms a bond with next door neighbor, played in a wonderful performance by Marisa Tomei, a crude low-life with an even lower-life husband. He walks out on her and Mildred agrees to watch their young child while Tomei works.

This all sounds good. Mildred finds romance with Gerard Depardieu at a bar while with the Tomei character. Mildred's son and daughter-in-law want her to join them in San Francisco. Fine.

Suddenly the writing goes awry. Tomei reconciles with her husband who comes back as a changed man. Mildred suddenly sells her house and by the picture's end, we don't know where she is going to. Also, since the Tomei and Mildred's daughter had so much in common, it would have been nice to see them in the same scenes together.

A lot of fun

[HotToastyRag · 8/10 · 15 August 2019]

All you empty-nesters out there, go out and rent Unhook the Stars. If you like similar movies like The Meddler and The Guilt Trip, you'll love it. Gena Rowlands stars as an empty nester without a life purpose. Marisa Tomei moves in next door, and she's got a young kid in tow with an ex-husband out of the picture. Gena becomes an instant babysitter, but even though it first seems like she's repeating her old pattern of taking care of everyone else besides herself, she also starts living her own life. Marisa helps her out of her shell and shows her that life after fifty doesn't have to include knitting and sensible shoes.

This is a pretty popular storyline, because there's a great demand in the audience. What makes this movie special? The cast. Gena is the perfect choice for the protagonist, letting the women in the audience see themselves in her and taking them slowly along her journey of self-discovery. Little Jake Lloyd is adorable and irresistible, and Marisa is spunky, low-class, and fun. I love the energy she brings to her roles, and it's always fun to see her movies. And what's a "old folks still got it" movie without a romance? Those of you who want to see the proper Gena get her hands dirty will easily root for Gérard Depardieu, a truck driver she meets in a dive bar. He's such a cutie! Check this movie out with your girlfriends or your daughter. It's a lot of fun.

influenced woman meets Mona Lisa Vito meets Cyrano de Bergerac meets Anakin Skywalker meets Opie's brother

[lee_eisenberg · 8/10 · 23 July 2019]

Gena Rowlands strikes me as the sort of person whom it's impossible to dislike in a movie, and her son's "Unhook the Stars" affirms that. She plays a straight-laced widow who gets a new lease on life when she befriends the wayward woman (Marisa Tomei) across the street. Lots of lessons are going to arise from this friendship, all of it well done in this movie.

The movie will also be of note for an early appearance of Jake Lloyd, soon to be known as a prepubescent Darth Vader in a certain George Lucas movie.

What a combination. Had to call every friend I have to recommend it.

[victorcasals · 7 August 2003]

Two accomplished thespians (Gena and Marisa) team up to give us another unforgettable performance. Gena, as the giver who could not longer give, comes to the unavoidable conclusion that before it's all over, she had better take a little time out for herself.

She finally stops helping the man-addicted neighbor. Nick Cassavetes does a help of a job directing.

Victor Casals, SAG

Marisa Tomei, Jake Lloyd, Gerard Depardieu...What More Could You Ask For?!

[AncientLegends · 10/10 · 28 August 1999]

I recently purchased this film at a local video store as I am a big fan of Jake Lloyd, Marisa Tomei and Gerard Depardieu. They're all excellent actors with tremendous talent - they all shine in this spectacular comedy. One of the most memorable scenes is when Monica (Marisa Tomei) swears openly to her "date" on the phone with her son J.J. (Jake Lloyd) a few feet away at the dinner table during Thanksgiving (check out the dinner). I mean, what would a movie starring Marisa Tomei be like without having her saying "f***" in it? Honestly. And what about Gerard....how can you not get hungry watching his movies - the man and food, I don't know. He did, of course, a great job as a French-Canadian truck driver. Then there's Jake Lloyd. Does this kid ever not give an excellent performance? I mean really. He shines as sweet little J.J. Also look for other great performances by Moira Kelly, David Thornton, and Bridgette Wilson. Great cast overall. This film was well worth the purchase and just cries out for multiple viewings. However Cyndi Lauper's theme song is terrible. But of course R.E.M.'s "Country Feedback" is always welcome. Terrific film.

Kind of interesting

[Blueghost · 11 November 2017]

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.