Unhook the Stars is a 1996 American drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes, and starring his mother Gena Rowlands, Marisa Tomei, Gérard Depardieu, Jake Lloyd in his film debut, David Sherrill, David Thornton, Bridgette Wilson and Moira Kelly.

The film's title refers to a song of the same name by Cyndi Lauper, which can be heard over the closing credits.

Mildred is a widow living with her rebellious, irresponsible twentysomething daughter Annie in Salt Lake City.

One day after a fight, Annie goes to live as a vagrant with her boyfriend, leaving Mildred alone for the first time in her life.

Her wayward neighbor Monica knocks on Mildred's door, begging her to watch her young son J.J. so she can go to her work shift.

Establishing a close relationship with J.J. and Monica, he eventually comes to refer to her as "Auntie Mildred."

At Thanksgiving, Mildred invites Monica and J.J. over for dinner as well as her yuppie son Ethan and his wife Jeannie.

Jeannie is perturbed by Monica's brash behavior and cursing, though Ethan and Mildred seem disaffected by her personality.