Bienvenida a casa

A rather condescending view of small-town hoopla. I suppose the film is an extended character study. Nothing wrong with that, but the film fails to engage. Interesting, the only passing reference to a lesbian affair, or fling, between two of the peripheral characters. I wonder if some of that subplot ended up on the cutting room floor. Inspired performances by Winona Ryder and Laila Robins couldn't save this movie. Grade: C

Roxy Carmicheal was quite a treat. It showcases a young Winona Ryder's very obvious talent for acting, especially outcast roles, continuing her alternative edged film performances beginning with Lucas and Beetle Juice, which would continue onward into the future. The film viewed as a character study is much more enjoyable than the film viewed as a story about the prodigal homecoming of the immortalized Roxy Carmicheal to which the title refers. The real beauty of the film is witnessing the trials, the pathos, the dilemmas, and the funny stunts of social misfit Dinky (Ryder's character). I fell in love with this character, seeing her as almost a female equivalent to myself (or as I once was anyway). If you are in any way a misfit or rebel, whether you are male or female, you will instantly relate and have empathy for the character of Dinky, who virtually carries the film on her back (due credit should be given to Jeff Daniels' performance though, as another testimonial to his fine dramatic acting abilities). Unfortunately it somehow does not really work as a unified whole, but I agree with those who say this is underrated. It succeeds in creating a memorable and poignant atmosphere that may linger in the viewers' hearts and minds for a time afterward.

15 years ago, Roxy Carmichael left town leaving behind her boyfriend and new baby. Now, she's coming home as a success story. Her former boyfriend Denton Webb (Jeff Daniels) is still not over her despite being married with kids. Dinky Bossetti (Winona Ryder) is adopted, bullied at school and a loner who keeps lots of animals at an abandoned boat. Dinky is convinced that she's the love child of Roxy and Denton. She's interested in class hunk Gerald Howells but he's reluctant to show affection for the class freak. Her only friend is the school counselor Elizabeth Zaks.

Winona Ryder is perfectly cast as this sensitive outsider teen. She is great at playing this type of character. The rest of the movie lacks humor. It tries to be a sharp black comedy but the writing isn't good enough. Director Jim Abrahams is more known for his spoof movies. He doesn't seem to have a solid hold on a sensitive serious coming-of-age movie. The tone is awkward. The attempted comedy slams into Denton's anger and his side of the story. The movie works with Ryder but struggles without her.

'Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael", is an endearing, and utterly underrated picture, with more heart and intelligence than it is given credit for. Winona Ryder's portrayal of a sexually confused, socially dysfunctional, and emotionally reserved character, is charming and convincing, bringing truth and credibility to the film. Set over a week dedicated to the return of obscure legend, "Roxy Carmichael", whose most famous contribution to society was having her name in a song, in the small town of Clyde, Dinky Bosseti (Winona Ryder), feels a connection for the first time in her life. The film focuses on the need for mother/ daughter relationships through adolescence, and the sexual development of a young woman through self-discovery and fascination. Relationships between her guidance councillor, her adopted father, and a young town's boy, contrast the romantic appeal of celebrity to highlight the importance of human interaction, allowing for Ryder's character to re-assess her life. If you pass this film in the "comedy" section of your video store, as it is so wrongly placed, pick it up. You will be surprised. If you have ever felt detached from society, or inadequate (particularly during your teenage years), this film is something you will certainly relate to.

This movie is much more about Dinky Bossetti (Winona Ryder) than Roxy Carmichael. It is about unjustified discrimination. It is generic discrimination; it is not a racial, sexual or any typical reason for discrimination. Dinky is different and for that reason alone she is discriminated against. In my opinion, the reason for that discrimination seems too vague. You will enjoy the story if you can identify with the discrimination. In my opinion however it does not explain well enough why she is different.

At the beginning of the movie, Roxy Carmichael is frustrated by her life and leaves her husband and child in the hopes of success. The movie builds up the Roxy Carmichael character so strong that we just have to see what she is really like when she returns.