GROWING up under the Hollywood spotlight has never been easy, with cinematic history peppered with Macaulay Culkin, Corey Haim and even one half of the Olsen twins succumbing to the pressures of early stardom. In fact, it’s almost a rule of thumb that to become famous during one’s earliest formative years is to also endure a spectacular fall from grace in the public eye. Wilting under the pressure of celebrity is commonplace, as personal issues are amplified under the glare of the spotlight, but how about those that have overcome their less than ordinary childhoods?

Alongside such actors as Christian Bale and Kurt Russell, Drew Barrymore is an example of a child star that has been able to escape the pitfalls of coming-of-age under the watchful eye of audiences around the world. After a well documented past that commenced with a winning turn in ET before plunging headlong into drug addiction and resultant recovery – all before her 15th birthday – this week sees Barrymore starring in the romantic comedy Going the Distance, continuing her successful career as a recovered child actor.

Teaming up with the frequently hilarious Tom Long, together they play a couple who attempt to maintain a long distance relationship living on opposite coasts in America. With fellow child star, Married with Children’s Christina Applegate, in tow, advance word suggests there are worse ways in which one can spend their time.

Elsewhere this week sees the release of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender, hoping to win back audiences’ favour after a string of disappointing films from the director culminating in The Happening a couple of years ago.

Known for his eye for spotting young talent after casting Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense late last century, here Shyamalan introduces us to Noah Ringer as the reluctant hero of the title, bringing the popular animated children’s show Avatar: The Last Airbender to the screen for the first time.

With fellow young star Dev Patel along for the ride after his impressive turn in the acclaimed Slumdog Millionaire, heaven knows what can be done to win back critics’ favour as the film has already made itself comfortable in worst-of-the-year lists around the world. As the first part of a proposed trilogy, things are not looking too promising for Shyamalan.

JAMES O’SULLIVAN - HT