ematerso The writer is maybe better as an actress. The story told was overlong and disjointed. Why did the seemingly very acceptable, lover/boyfriend become an assailant and why did his girl friend submit? Why was her new male interest so very apathetic while at the same time being totally available? The difficulty of having a blended family and also caring for a critically ill person was very well expressed. while at the same time the heroine, seemed unnecessarily testy with the patient, her father. And this is maybe a silly complaint but the people who were supposed to be related by blood bore no physical relationship to each other. That was disconcerting. Still kudos to a writer/director/actress for putting it out there. My family also has a budding film maker so I realize what a rocky path it is.

countryshack If you are ever having a bad time in your life, watch this miserable movie. It will make your life seem like a great day at Disney World. The movie starts off slow and depressing and then goes down from there. I challenge any guy to keep his eyes open for the whole hour and thirty minutes that this misery is on screen. I noticed that 3 people rated this anchor a 10! What? Is there another movie named Gold Star or something? Because this complete waste of time is a 3 at best. The acting is good so maybe it would be something for a student to watch or something. Other than than, avoid this waste of film and watch Anything else.

Jennifer Fiore Victoria Negri's partially autobiographical narrative feature film debut, "Gold Star," is an honest, artful, and nuanced portrayal of how the illness and loss of a much older parent impacts a young Juilliard dropout's self-perception, identity, and ability to connect with those around her. Negri plays Vicki, who initially wants nothing more than to continue her life in New York City with her boyfriend. She resents the set of circumstances that requires her to move home to Connecticut to become the primary caregiver to her elderly father who has suffered a stroke, is confined to a wheelchair, and has lost his ability to speak. The father is masterfully played by Oscar-nominated actor Robert Vaughn (The Young Philadelphians, The Magnificent Seven) appearing in his final film role before his death.Negri's raw scenes skillfully portray Vicki's alienation from her father and her exasperation at not understanding what he needs. Assuming the responsibility of being a caregiver does not come naturally for her, causing her to question not only how her parents raised her, but also whether she could be a good wife and mother in the future. However, amidst the tense complexities of family dynamics, the journey home moves Vicki out of her paralyzing self-absorption and discontent, and allows her to see and understand the importance of compassion and the responsibility that adult children have toward aging parents. The film's artful cinematography, polished direction and editing, together with moments of humorous relief add special texture and human warmth to the film. Vaughn's performance is remarkable in that he speaks no audible lines in the entire film, instead "voicing" everything through his powerfully expressive eyes. Vicki's revealing conversations with her new friend and prospective love interest, Chris (Jacob Heimer) complement the silent "speaking" of her father.Thematically, "Gold Star" traces how Vicki, new to adult life, realizes that she has more in common with her father in the last stage of his than she could have ever imagined. By learning how to care for and communicate with her father, she in turn, comes to a mature appreciation of relationships that are healthy, and finds the courage to end those that are not. "Gold Star," with its well-crafted script, notable performances, and thoughtful filmmaking, poignantly entertains, moves, and engages the audience from beginning to end.26 June 2017 Jennifer Emily Fiore (United States)

Michael Goldburg Victoria Negri's "Gold Star" is a beautifully shot, well-acted, and moving debut feature inspired by events in her own life. A twenty-something music school dropout, Vicki (exceptionally played by Negri herself) is aimless in her life until her father (played by Robert Vaughan, incredible in his final screen role) suffers a stroke and she becomes one of his reluctant caregivers. Drawing closer to her father, her mother (brilliantly played by Catherine Curtin), and ultimately herself, Vicki finally confronts the crossroads in her life, with a little help from a budding relationship with Chris (Jacob Heimer), who's struggling with his own personal demons. Full of authentic details and performances, "Gold Star" also employs poetic, lyrical visuals to frame Vicki's isolation at her dead-end job as well as her running in front of an omnipresent island off the Connecticut coast where the film was shot. Negri has mentioned "Five Easy Pieces" as an influence, and the comparison is apt. Both films have protagonists struggling with personal, existential crises while trying to connect with fathers who have suffered strokes. Vicki is ultimately more successful than Jack Nicholson's character as evident in the transcendent final scene of the film where Vaughan and Negri share an intimate moment, staring out across the ocean together. You get a real sense of Vicki finally becoming her true self, ironically through a deeper connection with her father.