Unified Pictures, Amberdale Productions, Bron Studios,
Clark Gregg, Amanda Peet, Sam Rockwell, Felicity Huffman, Molly Shannon, Paul Sparks, Niecy Nash, William H. Macy, Saxon Sharbino, Allison Janney
Howard Holloway (Clark Gregg) is a former child star, now a manager of acting children who is having a hard time. His arch-rival, Aldo Shocklee (Sam Rockwell) would do anything to steal his talent, and a casting director who despises him. When he accidentally runs across talented Lydia (Saxon Sharbino) and tries to land her as the next “big thing” not only does he have to fight everyone else, but now he’s got a demanding and over protecting Father trying to ruin it all. Just as everything begins to fall into place, Howard learns a big secret that could cause him to throw it all away himself.
Living in California and having a child who was a child actress for a short time, I can assure you, the business is as ruthless as it comes. This film is about a really nice guy, played by Clark Gregg, who wants to be ruthless to survive, and plays his cards close to the vest, but who can’t bury his heart of gold. Saxon Sharbino was excellent as the “too big for her britches” wanna-be child star who is really good in this film. Her role may leave you despising her, but there’s no question that she did a great job playing the role. With other excellent performers like Felicity Huffman, Molly Shannon, Niecy Nash, Amanda Peet, and William H Macy, there’s a lot of talent, and it can’t help but shine through. No, this is not a great story, but it’s very passable, and quite interesting. Some of it is really funny as well. There are twists and turns, and crosses and double crosses galore, and so there’s a lot of mystery here as well. But most of all it’s a story with a lot of heart, some good old fashioned values, and some lessons to be learned. I thought it was a rather interesting film, and very well made, and think it’s well worth watching.
EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog
