Childstar

REVIEW
At first glance this film might appear to be a wacky, comical look at the life of an all-too familiar figure in our society: the juvenile celebrity. Once past this initial impression, however, Childstar is actually a thoughtful, sometimes poignant story that has its light moments but really succeeds as a moving character study. Writer-director Don McKellar casts himself as Rick, a would-be serious filmmaker turned star chauffeur. The always reliable Jennifer Jason Leigh dives deep into her role as a jaded stage-mom, weary and wise after too many years in the business. More than a mere send-up of kids in show-biz, the film has a lot to say about life in front of, behind and far from the camera.