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Like every decade preceding it, the 80's had its share
of films that haven't aged as well as we would like and
while there is a certain nostalgia factor in watching these
films they are disappointing in retrospect. I've certainly
found that to be the case with certain movies that I enjoyed
as a kid. "Welcome Home Roxy Carmichael" belongs to this
category of film-the "I thought it was good but it's really
not as good as I remember it" group of movies. ***
The title character is the catalyst for reopening old
wounds, arguments and unresolved issues for the residents
of the small town of Clyde, Ohio where Roxy grew up before
moving on to fame. Denton (Jeff Daniels excellent as always
even in a weak film) was involved with Roxy and her rejection
of him still smarts fifteen years later but even more so
when he finds out she is returning to town. In reality,
Roxy is the "McGuffin" of the plot (something that no one
but the characters care about that propels the plot forward
a concept that's been around for a while but that Hitchcock
gave a name to in the 30's). When Dinky (Winona Ryder) befriends
Denton and learns that he and Roxy had a child he left anonymously
left at the hospital, she becomes convinced that Denton
is her dad and Roxy her mom. Dinky becomes convinced that
Roxy is returning to get her. ***
Most of the failings of the film could be put at Jim
Abrahams ("Hot Shots", "Airplane") doorstep. He hadn't helmed
a quirky dramatic comedy like this before and it's clear
that he's out of his element. The writing hits as often
as it misses leaving the actors struggling with the material.
--- Image & Sound: The film looks quite good although I
did notice some issues with edge enhancement, occasional
bits of dirt and a slight shift in the color values. Audio
sounds pretty good. ---
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