Reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

March 9, 2024
6.0
**_Teenage Winona Ryder as a misfit coming-of-age in northwest Ohio_** A celebrity from a small town in the Sandusky Bay region is finally returning home for a visit and members of the town react in different ways. A nonconformist teen (Ryder) has suspicions about the ‘star’ while developing a relationship with the school’s guidance counselor (Laila Robins) and pestering a man who has a history with Roxy (Jeff Daniels). "Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael" (1990) is sometimes listed as a comedy, but it’s not; it’s a coming-of-age drama with satirical bits and occasional amusement. It’s not about the title character but about how that person’s ‘success’ and fame affect the locals who knew her or knew about her, not to mention those who appreciate her simply for putting their town on the map. This happened in real life with Dave Grohl, who returned to his birthplace, Warren, Ohio, in 2009, wherein he was given the key to the city at the celebration and an alley was named after him. The difference is that Grohl was only 3 years-old when his family left Warren whereas Roxy Carmichael was about 18. What I like is that the flick captures the mundane existence of people in small town America, trying to find meaning and fulfillment, and not just teens, but adults too. For instance, did you ever have a solitary place where you went regularly as a kid that only you knew about and valued? That’s in this movie. Some bits are comical and some aren’t, but they’re all relevant to real-life: Trying to fit-in at school, being bullied, finding a surrogate mother or father (a mentor), romance, sex in the workplace, getting caught, shameful social secrets, delusional wishful thinking, and more. The first half is too low-key and uneventful, but the movie finds its footing and delivers a worthwhile viewing experience despite foregone conclusions. I’m speaking as someone who was never smitten with Winona, who happened to be 18 years-old during shooting (in other words, fans of hers might appreciate this more than me). Redhead Frances Fisher was at the height of her physical beauty at 37 while another redhead, Dinah Manoff, is worth a mention as Evelyn. The movie runs 1 hour, 35 minutes, and was shot in the Sandusky Bay area of northwest Ohio, including the town of Clyde. GRADE: B-

Recommendation Movies

6
Action
View
6
Foxfire
Foxfire1996
6.9
Comedy
View
6.9
Blithe Spirit
Blithe Spirit1945
5.2
Comedy
View
5.2
Getting Even with Dad
Getting Even with Dad1994
6.8
Drama
View
6.8
Le Amiche
Le Amiche1955
5.1
Comedy
View
5.1
The Bitch Who Stole Christmas
The Bitch Who Stole Christmas2021
5
Comedy
View
5
Girl
Girl1998
4.9
Drama
View
4.9
The Surrogate
The Surrogate2021
6.3
Action
View
6.3
The Way of the Gun
The Way of the Gun2000
6.6
Comedy
View
6.6
The Little Bather
The Little Bather1968
6.7
Comedy
View
6.7
Mermaids
Mermaids1990
6.4
Romance
View
6.4
Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts2012
6
Horror
View
6
The Invasion
The Invasion2007
7.6
Drama
View
7.6
October Sky
October Sky1999
6.6
Action
View
6.6
Hot Shots!
Hot Shots!1991
5.9
Comedy
View
5.9
The Wedding Planner
The Wedding Planner2001
6.5
Thriller
View
6.5
Before I Go to Sleep
Before I Go to Sleep2014
6.4
Drama
View
6.4
Jackie
Jackie2016
7.2
Comedy
View
7.2
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation1989
6.8
Comedy
View
6.8
Coming to America
Coming to America1988
7.7
Drama
View
7.7
Misery
Misery1990
© 2024 MoovieTime. All rights reserved.Made with Nuxt