Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romantic sequel lacks spark; passionate foreplay, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Stars Fell Again
What's the Story?
In STARS FELL AGAIN, Hollywood agent Bryce Dixon (James Maslow) plans to pop the question to his movie star girlfriend, Madison Belle (Ciara Hanna), when they visit her family for Christmas. But upon arriving to the family's home in rural Oregon, they learn that Maddie's younger sister, Harper (Ali Faulkner), is newly engaged and is planning to get married over the weekend. As the household is thrown into a whirlwind preparing for Harper's wedding, Bryce can't find a moment alone with Madison.
Is It Any Good?
As star Maslow might express it, the follow-up to Stars Fell on Alabama feels Big Time Rushed. The first film had a certain charm, but it appears producers moved quickly to capitalize on its unexpected success: The sequel's script feels slapped together and as half-thought-out as the title. As a result, the energy and magic of the characters is drained.
The sequel has a big problem: The fact that Bryce is an awesome boyfriend who's just trying to ask his amazing girlfriend to marry him isn't enough to sustain a film. The writers seem to recognize this by switching the focus to Harper. But we don't get enough backstory to understand why she would agree to immediately marry a guy she's only known for three months. There's also no insight provided as to why no one in her family is suggesting that she slow down, even when she expresses her own doubts. The story takes place around Christmas, which feels like a marketing ploy, but then it mostly ignores the holiday other than throwing in a couple of holiday movie clichés and offering Maslow the chance to sing a carol. And some stuff is just ridiculous. For example, Bryce is challenged to do a couples' dance with Madison and, lo and behold, he just happens to have a pair of tap shoes and turns out to be a modern-day Fred Astaire. That may be the film's biggest flaw. It's one thing for Bryce and Madison to be good people. It's quite another when they're perfect at everything they attempt. It's like the movie equivalent of social media filters. And who needs more of that?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why marriage is such a big decision. How do movies typically portray falling in love and choosing a partner? How do you think Stars Fell Again compares to other romances you've seen?
How could Harper and Josh have communicated better? Do you think the film's outcome is realistic?
How is Harper's fiancé, Noah, depicted? Sometimes this type of character will have negative traits so that audiences don't root for them -- but he seems to be a good guy who truly loves Harper. Which do you prefer, and how do you think either type of depiction impacts teen viewers' opinion on love? How might this story be told from Noah's point of view?
Is drinking glamorized in Stars Fell Again? Why, or why not? Why does it matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 3, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : February 3, 2023
- Cast : James Maslow , Ciara Hanna , Ali Faulkner
- Director : V.W. Scheich
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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