Unhook the Stars

Son of revered filmmaker John Cassavetes and actress Gena Rowlands, writer/director Nick Cassavetes has crafted a small slice of reality with Unhook the Stars that is as much about being young as it is about growing old. Whether the characters are 6, 26, or 65, they are struggling to find a sense of identity, even as their worlds continuously change. Rowlands plays Mildred, a prim widow facing her twilight years who befriends her wild neighbor Monica (Marisa Tomei) by babysitting her young son J. J. (Jake Lloyd). As the women become friends, they both learn how to live better, richer lives. With its earnest performances and thoughtful, humorous script, Unhook the Stars manages to entertain and enlighten. Highly recommended. (L. Russo)