Both a celebration of child actors and a cautionary tale about the profession, Alex Winter’s “Showbiz Kids” (2020, 105 minutes) offers a revelatory perspective on the pitfalls and rewards of Hollywood stardom. Featuring a story and a fan fascination as old as Hollywood, the docu offers a wealth of interviews with former child actors who reflect on their unique experiences and what they gained and lost by becoming beloved celebrities before they could master long division. Written and directed by former child actor Alex Winter (“Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”), the film includes interviews with Henry Thomas (“E.T.”), Mara Wilson (“Mrs. Doubtfire”), Todd Bridges (“Diff’rent Strokes”), the late Cameron Boyce (“Jessie”), Milla Jovovich, Evan Rachel Wood, Jada Pinkett Smith, Wil Wheaton and others. Without ever delving into sensationalism, Winter presents a calm, lucid, and enlightening case for why kids should stay away from showbiz and parents shouldn’t encourage them – not that the ones who are so inclined will listen, of course.

English subs.
Free Entrance.