Now, now, “Homecoming” has nothing to do with Spider-Man or that song by Kanye West & Chris Martin. It’s actually a TV movie produced by Showtime. Based on a book published by Cynthia Voigt, Homecoming takes place in the late ’70s. It’s about a group of siblings searching for a place to live after their mother abandoned them at a mall. Afterwards, the kids meet their grandmother. She’s reluctant to let them stay at her home unless they help her finish some chores. Homecoming’s the first entry of a series under Tillerman Cycle spanning a total of seven books.
Homecoming officially aired in 1996 (same year Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet came out) on Showtime. It received positive reviews from critics. As of 2024, this is the only film adaptation of the Tillerman Cycle. I’ll have you know I never read the books. I found out a relative on my mom’s side of the family likes this film. So, I gave it a try. It’s really good. As I wait patiently for the 30th Screen Actors Guild Awards streaming exclusively on Netflix, I wanna share my thoughts on Homecoming.
This review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you a chance to see this underrated movie.
Yay & Nay Aspects
Yay: Kid Actors all did a solid job for their respective performances.
Anne Bancroft (Mel Brooks’ late wife) did a decent job for her performance.
Fun Fact: One of the kids is played by Hanna Hall. She’s known for playing Young Jenny in “Forrest Gump.” She went A.W.O.L. since Homecoming. Even the other kid actors, Kimberlee Peterson, Trevor O’Brien & William Greenblatt are off the radar.
Cinematography didn’t succumb to technical issues throughout.
Chemistry between the kids and their grandma serves as the main highlight.
Although a family drama, there’s a couple of funny moments that gave me a chuckle.
Primary Themes are Survival, Kindness, Bonding & Family. Each one’s handled maturely.
Nay: First half got my attention seeing the kids seeking for shelter. By the time the kids meet their grandma, the movie starts to lose some steam. Second half didn’t keep me invested. The kids only did their chores and hang out with their grandma. I would’ve liked it more if 90% of the story only centers on the kids enduring a difficult journey going on a cross country trip to search for their grandma.
Product Placement featuring brands such as Ruffles, A&W, Coca-Cola, Peter Pan Peanut Butter, Miller Lite, Cheetos & KitKat.
Sorry, but this film didn’t make me shed a single tear. Family films never make me cry.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BETTER!
At first, I thought Homecoming’s a cheesy family drama like any Lifetime TV movie. Turbs out it’s sweet and enjoyable for the whole family. A darn shame Showtime never produced the entire Tillerman Cycle. Someday in the future, another production company might adapt the series going back to the beginning as an attempt to renew interest for a new generation of book readers. I think many schools should introduce students to Homecoming. Teach them about the values of bonding, family and survival.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 