Unhook the Stars

Rating:
Summary: Lovely Character Study
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: This is one of the most screwed up movies I've ever seen.
Review: When I saw this movie with Gena Rowlands and Marisa Tomei on the cover, I thought it must be good! But in all honesty, it really sucks. It doesn't make any sense. And the character Marisa Tomei plays doesn't know too many more words than the "F" word. The only thing this movie will do is make you sad, for the little boy and the old lady (played by Gena Rowlands).