Unhook the Stars (1996)

Director:

Nick Cassavetes

Writers:

Helen Caldwell (writer)
Nick Cassavetes (writer)

Release Date:

14 February 1997 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

When prim & proper meets wild & crazy get ready to ...

Plot:

Character study about Mildred, an elderly woman who has spent her life caring for others. When her daughter finally leaves home...

Plot Keywords:

Cigarette Smoking | Little Boy | Crucifix | Convertible | Monologue

Awards:

2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Gena Rowlands	...	Mildred 'Millie' Hawks
Marisa Tomei	...	Monica Warren
Gérard Depardieu	...	Big Tommy Bellaveau (as Gerard Depardieu)
Jake Lloyd	...	Jake 'J.J.' Warren
Moira Kelly	...	Ann Mary Margaret 'Annie' Hawks
David Sherrill	...	Ethan Hawks
David Thornton	...	Frankie Warren
Bridgette Wilson	...	Jeannie Hawks
Bobby Cooper	...	Bernt
Clint Howard	...	Gus
David Rowlands	...	George (as Dave Rowlands)
Jamie Bozian	...	Jason (as James Bozian)
Christy Lenk	...	Miss Mannis
Brittney Lewis	...	Hospital Receptionist
Vinnie Curto	...	Danny (as Vinny Curto)

Also Known As:

Décroche les étoiles (France)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong language.

Runtime:

Argentina:102 min | USA:103 min | UK:105 min

Country:

France | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Canada:14A (Ontario) | Iceland:L | Argentina:13 | Chile:14 | France:U | Portugal:M/12 | Spain:7 | Sweden:7 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Company:

Hachette Première

Trivia:

There are 80+ uses of the "f" word in this film, and almost all of them are said by Marisa Tomei. In fact, 95% of all swear words are said by Tomei.

Quotes:

Mildred: You're not an adult. An adult is someone who works and takes care of themselves.

Movie Connections:

References "The Brady Bunch" (1969)

Soundtrack:

Reckless Kind

Golden Gena & Magnificent Marisa; a gem

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.