Review: "Child Star"

Co-directors Lovato and Nicola Marsh bring a surprising amount of depth to their documentary on child actors.

Using Lovato's own life story as a narrative thread, Child Star analyzes the potential impact of fame and success on children's lives, including aspects personal, mental, physical, interrelational, professional, legal, and more.

It places the 1990s generation of Nickelodeon and Disney stars into the historical context of a century of child actors.

Lovato has a deft touch as an interviewer, someone who can empathize with other former child stars and share stories but who also asks good questions of lawmakers and experts.

It's fascinating to hear on-the-set and behind-the-scenes insights from actors, parents, and directors, and to consider the implications of kids being branded and monetized.

Singer JoJo Siwa's account of being blackballed after coming out as gay is particularly memorable, as is Alyson Stoner's citation of stats suggesting famous people live shorter lives.

Siwa represents a younger generation who share their entire lives online, even despite understanding the pitfalls.

Still, this film isn't for viewers looking for salacious gossip; that's already out there, in spades (another recent docu alleges sexual abuse at Nickelodeon, not a topic in this film).

Instead, it functions as a cautionary tale for others—kids or adults—who are looking to get kids into show business.

Full review at Common Sense Media

Images courtesy of Hulu