Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Former child stars discuss fame's effects; language, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Child Star
What's the Story?
CHILD STAR tells the story behind Demi Lovato's rise to fame and very public personal problems. But her story, already addressed in two previous documentaries focused on her substance dependencies and other personal problems, isn't the main focus. Instead, it's used to position Demi as interviewer of other child stars, like Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, JoJo Siwa, Kenan Thompson, and Alyson Stoner, allowing her to probe their own recollections of the impact celebrity had on them as children. The documentary also speaks with lawmakers, legal scholars, book authors, and psychologists to consider child fame from other angles. The film is divided into sections, including The Dream, Living the Dream, The Reality, The Crash, and A New Path.
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the "Quit Clicking Kids" policy proposal discussed in Child Star. Does this seem like an important proposal? Where can you go to find more information about it and whether it's under consideration in your state?
What are some of your key takeaways from the experiences described by former child actors in this film? What surprised you the most? Do their experiences make you reconsider the idea of child-oriented entertainment and merchandising?
How have the former child actors demonstrated perseverance in overcoming the negative effects of fame?
The Looking Ahead Program offers support to kids and their families navigating the entertainment industry. Why is this important, based on what you learned in this documentary? Where can you go for more details or to get involved?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 17, 2024
- Cast : Demi Lovato , Drew Barrymore , Christina Ricci
- Directors : Demi Lovato , Nicola Marsh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s) , Non-Binary Movie Actor(s) , Pansexual Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Hulu
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Arts , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School ) , History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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