There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Blistering performances.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

Watching this was like watching a Shirley Temple Lifetime movie, or a less bratty version of 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?'. It follows the childhood of young actress Shirley Temple as she makes her way to the top of the line by tap dancing at the age of five. Emily Hart was amazing, I doubt anyone could've portrayed Temple any better, but the movie seemed to stretch on despite solid acting performances. The soundtrack was next to null and the plot froze at some parts, making them longer than they needed to be. Still, this movie shows the underlying corruption in the world of child actors (Drew Barrymore and the Olsen Twins went through it and came out as twisted, spoiled brats). There were many powerful scenes in this movie, it's not the best but it passes the time if you're looking for something interesting to watch while cleaning or studying or something.

This movie is one of my favorites! Ashley was awesome like what others say Ashley might not look like Shirley Temple but is her acting that really counts not because if she looks like her or anything like that. It was a movie that the whole family could watch and enjoy the acting and the story that goes behind it. I love Shirley Temple and all her movies but it was so awesome to see the real life behinde this child star!!

As others have stated, I too grew up watching and loving Shirley Temple movies. I even bought the whole collection for my daughter; generation after generation, the sparkle and talent of Shirley Temple can not be denied. Prediction: 50 years from now, the same will be said about Ms. Orr...if only people will get beyond the fact that she isn't Shirley Temple's physical clone! Why cast some one not Shirley's mirror image? Because talent like Ms. Orr's, just like Ms. Temple's, is hard to come by. A triple threat barely breaking the single digit age bracket, Ms. Orr had what it took to allow me to enjoy "Child Star" and the child portraying (not imitating) Shirley Temple. The fact that Ms. Orr's talent shone through the mantle of another's personae makes me wonder what we'd see if she were turned loose. Time to look forward to a new child star. Thank you Disney and Mr. Eisner for introducing us!

Excellent movie. Ashley Orr is an outstanding young actress and she was the perfect person to play as Shirley Temple. They should bring the movie back out so people who missed it can have an opportunity to enjoy Shirley Temple like I did.