Punky Brewster' Star Soleil Moon Frye's Unfiltered Look at '90s Child Stars in 'Kid 90'

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, child stars like Soleil Moon Frye ruled television screens with their precocious performances. But behind closed doors, life wasn't always as idyllic for these pint-sized actors.

Now grown up and looking back on her own experiences in Hollywood's harsh spotlight, 'Punky Brewster' star Soleil Moon Frye has taken the helm to direct a deeply personal documentary that delves into the lives of other child stars from this era. Titled 'Kid 90,' this intimate film offers an unfiltered look at what life was like for these young actors as they navigated both fame and adolescence.

From grueling shoot schedules to dealing with demanding co-stars, Moon Frye pulls no punches in her portrayal of growing up on set during the wild '90s. With candid interviews from fellow child stars including Elijah Wood ('E.T.'), Jeremy London ('Party of Five'), and Christine Elise ('Beverly Hills 90210') providing additional context, 'Kid 90' is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane – it's also an honest exploration into the psychological effects that fame can have on impressionable minds.

Moon Frye herself appears throughout the documentary, sharing personal anecdotes about her own experiences shooting both 'Punky Brewsiter' and other projects during this time period. Her frankness is refreshing yet sometimes painful to watch as she opens up about issues such as substance abuse, eating disorders, and even attempted suicide attempts that many of us might not have known about until now.

But despite the heavy subject matter covered throughout much of 'Kid 90,' there's also plenty of levity scattered throughout thanks in large part to Moon Frye's dry sense of humor. From hilarious behind-the-scenes stories involving her co-stars (including a particularly cringe-worthy moment when she accidentally urinated on fellow castmate Mara Wilson during filming) to heartwarming moments capturing the close bonds that formed between these young actors despite their vastly different backgrounds and upbringings, it becomes clear why Moon Frye was always so beloved by audiences alike.

Ultimately though 'Kid 90' is more than just a nostalgic look back at '90s pop culture – it's also an important warning about the dangers of child labor in Hollywood. With temperatures reaching as high as 102 degrees Fahrenheit on set, grueling shoot schedules that left many actors exhausted and sleep-deprived, and often absent or neglectful parental supervision (a problem Moon Frye herself experienced firsthand), it's no wonder why so many former child stars struggle with mental health issues well into adulthood.

Through her deeply personal lens as both a participant and observer in this wild world of Hollywood's golden age for young actors, Soleil Moon Frye offers up an unflinching look at what really went down behind closed doors – warts and all. 'Kid 90' is essential viewing for anyone who grew up watching these beloved child stars on their television screens back then – but also serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of protecting our own children today from falling victim to similar pitfalls tomorrow.

Rating: (4/5)

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