Angels in Stardust
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Angels in Stardust, a weak attempt at a meaningful coming-of-age story, is filled with scenes showing both teens and adults in a highly sexual atmosphere, drinking and getting drunk, and threatening a likable heroine and her very vulnerable little brother. Characters behave despicably toward one another, specifically an irresponsible mother, sex-driven young men, and most of the teen girls. A Native American, one of the only decent adults, is the object of racial scorn. A community of very poor people is depicted as a hub of alcoholism, sexual promiscuity, and abuse. Language includes swearing, insults, ethnic slurs, and endless sexual innuendo and threats.
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What's the Story?
Vallie Jo (AJ Michalka), a teen in a desolate trailer park somewhere between Texas and Oklahoma, is at one of life's most perilous crossroads in ANGELS IN STARDUST. The obstacles in Vallie Jo's path seem relentless. They're the adults who've already given up on life, the teens who accept a bleak future, and the predators who take advantage of everyone. Increasingly neglected by her irresponsible mother (Alicia Silverstone), Vallie Jo finds solace in the company of an unnamed cowboy, who mysteriously appears and disappears as she needs him. As events force Vallie to choose her life's path, her strong will and intelligence lead her to understand that she, herself, is her most reliable resource. Supported by her loving little brother, a caring teacher, and a concerned neighbor, Vallie begins her journey. Will she summon her courage, natural talents, and a loving nature to find a way out of the poverty and dead-end life that is all around her?
Is It Any Good?
Except for a winning performance by AJ Michalka as Vallie Jo, this is a mess of a movie. Characters are one-dimensional, and their behavior is mostly despicable. The portrayal of a community of those left behind and poverty-stricken is abhorrent. Everyone is either drunk or consumed by their sexual appetites. Even normally good performers are left helpless by the mean-spirited story, heavy-handed dialogue, and generally inept filmmaking. Not recommended.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the changing portrayal of Tenkill. How did different characters describe him? What were your initial feelings about him? Were you surprised by his behavior?
Who was The Cowboy (Billy Burke)? What purpose did he have in the movie?
What, if anything, do you think this movie reveals about the filmmakers' attitude regarding the people of Tardust and poor people in general?
Movie Details
- In theaters: February 21, 2014
- On DVD or streaming: March 25, 2014
- Cast: Alicia Silverstone, Billy Burke, AJ Michalka
- Director: William Robert Carey
- Studio: High Motion Productions
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: thematic elements, sexual material, some menace, language, smoking, and teen drinking
- Last updated: March 3, 2022
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