Customer Reviews

Homecoming [VHS]

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I first viewed this movie in 1997, and fell in love with the film immediately.

This film is a rarity in cinema, in regard to the fact that it follows the book (by Cynthia Voight) quite accurately. I've seen so many films, particularily in America, in which the cinematic/television rendition of a novel seems to veer far away from the original story. This film does not, and I credit director Mark Jean for faithfully adapting this wonderful novel to film. Special mention is also due to screenwriter Christopher Carlson for his loyalty to the author's literary art of this story.

The four children in this film will steal your heart. Far too many films attempt the use of 'sentimentalism' as a tactic for capturing the viewer. This film, on the contrary, wins us over through its stark reality in what might happen under such dire circumstances as juvenile-sibling homelessness. We, the viewers, begin to discover ourselves feeling enveloped by the trials & difficulties these children face. The four kids are indeed good actors. Nevertheless, it is their fortitude that we come to admire, (particularily that of 'Dicey', played in a stealth peformance by Kimberlee Peterson).

Moreover, words cannot accurately describe the sheer, stunning performance, (during the latter half of this film), brought forth by Academy Award winner Anne Bancroft. Assuredly, there is not an actress living today who can boast of a talent greater than the awe-inspiring Ms. Bancroft. What separates an 'everyday' actor from the 'great' ones? Simply stated, it is when we view a film and we find ourselves BELIEVING the character we see before us on the screen. For the better part of an hour, I had totally forgotten that the lovely Anne Bancroft had been cast for this film. Instead, I saw Abigail..... a reclusive and mean-stricken (on the surface) old lady, who has such an overwhelming burden of hurt deep within her, one tends to think she is beyond despair. Yet the willed-determination of a child, of grandchildren who desire nothing more than the tiniest sliver of acceptance...... can even the most crotchety of human beings turn away those who need him/her above all else?

In this film, the outcome is not predictable as one might assume. If you're wishing to view a dramatic story/film that you'll not soon forget, "Homecoming" is a choice highly-recommended.

It was one of those Fridays in late Spring when a teacher just wants to pop in a video for the middle schoolers that teaches without a lesson, entertains without 'the bad stuff', and holds the kids' attention through superb acting, and not idiacy.

I had heard several students mention 'Dicey's Song' as a favorite Accelerated Reader book, and decided to rent this film, which is in the same series. Not only did the kids love 'The Homecoming'--I loved it too!

The story centers around Dicey and her younger brothers and sister. They are abandoned by their mother in a mall parking lot, and struggle to find a place in the world to accept them.

Ann Bancroft, a veteran first-rate actress in every respect, carries the 'heavy' role as the reclusive and often strange grandmother. She dominates the film, and must've been a model of acting excellence to the kids! The children are wonderful too. Each of the four is believeable in character, and convincing in performance.

The strength of 'The Homecoming' (besides Bancroft) is the cinematography. It is wonderfully filmed! Shadow and light, water and mist, camera angle and mood creation--all lift the film well above average for this type genre. 'The Homecoming' owes much to the masterful touch of a director's keen knowlege of children, and New England.

I can't find much to criticize in this film. Other than a six-year-old making an overt (though true) reference to all the children having the same father, and later briefly showing his behind in a rainstorm sequence, the film is safe, true to the author's intent, and expertly crafted.

There are few movies which my seventh-graders ask to borrow. This is one.

"Homecoming" tells the story of four siblings in search of their
grandmother after being abandoned in a mall parking lot by their
mother who suffers from a mental illness. Led by the oldest
sister, Dicey (age 13), the children travel many miles on foot
to a grandmother they have never known. Anne Bancroft does a
fantastic job of portraying a cranky old woman who has forgotten
what it is to love and be loved. The children do a great job of
reminding her. You'll be impressed by these believable
characters and script. Superb acting! You'll never forget this
family!

Abandoned by their mother, 3 small children have to rely on the fortitude and strength of their older sister (herself but a child). Determined to keep the family together, she avoids the authorities and, virtually penniless, leads her charges on a long walk in search of an aunt they've never seen. The aunt has died, so they continue in quest of a grandmother, who, left bitter and reclusive by a repressive marriage and loss of her children, gives them a less than warm welcome. The children need someone who can provide security, the grandmother needs someone who can provide love and companionship, but can fulfilment of this mutual need stand against her intransigence? Resolution comes in an underplayed scene without dialogue which is more telling than any I've seen in a movie in a long time. The film can't be faulted: story, script, direction, casting and acting are topnotch, with great performances by the child actors and Anne Bancroft (what a natural actress she was). PS: Bonnie Bedelia is almost unrecognisable in her role as the children's spinsterish cousin, a tribute to her performance and the work of makeup/costume dept.

I thought this movie was very similar to the wonderful book by Cynthia Voigt, except that they took out a lot. But they left in all the really important details and some of the same lines, too. Anne Bancroft did a superb job as Gram! I liked the child actors, too, especially the girl who played Dicey. I really liked this movie, but you definitely have to read the book first.

Showtime started with a great book and a well adapted script, and then spared no expense. Anne Bancroft is luminous as the crochety grandmother. I didn't recognize Bonnie Bedelia until I saw her name in the credits, she so completely transforms herself to play the querelous cousin and the kids are great. Beautiful locations and sets, and no less than a score by G Snuffy Walden (thirtysomething, West wing). Well worth purchasing, for adults as well as kids, as a wonderful tale of self destination.

When i first saw this movie advertised on tv I was so excited. I'd read the books as a teenager and had such fond memories that it was like seeing a long forgotten photo of a dear friend. I sat back that night and eagerly waited for it to start but when it did, I was horrified. Dicey was nothing like I had expected, she didn't even look like a boy which was the whole point of the book, I was so disappointed that I almost turned the thing off. I decided to give it 5 more minutes, if for no other reason than to have a good moan. In that 5 minutes, it won me over. The acting was wonderful: it wasn't over acted, overly dramatic or overly sentimental and when Anne Brancroft came on the scene I laughed and laughed. Her portrayal of the grandmother who lets the children into her heart in spite of herself is alone worth watching. Oh, and the end of this movie has one of the most beautifully understated moments I've seen in a movie in a long time.

I don't watch original movies too often, but this was a great movie. It's about some kids being abandoned by their mother, so they must set off on a journey to find her or someone else in the family. They end up at their grandmother's house. They're only supposed to stay there for a few days, but they find out they don't have any other place to go. Dicey (Kimberlee Peterson) and her younger brothers and sister must find any way they can to get along with their cranky grandmother (Anne Bancroft) in order to have a chance to stay there.

"Homecoming" is a real good overall drama movie. Anne Bancroft and the kids give great performances and the movie will keep you interested. If you like good original drama movies, I recommend getting "Homecoming" if you can find it.

Anne Bancroft gives a stellar performance in this sure to be family classic. The young actors are great in their roles too. You'll want to watch this often.

My 7th graders are reading this in class and really want to watch the movie. I created a lesson based on a book/movie comparison and then went online to order it. I am aghast at the price. REALLY?!?!