That was an excellent one.

Nice effects though.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

I recall seeing this film over a decade ago and eventually bought the video because I liked it so much. It's not particularly fantastic but it is good sweet endearing little film which I can kind of relate to as well as a lot of people who felt a little different and that they stood out during their puberty years. The only popular actors/actresses I can recall in this film is Winona Ryder, Jeff Daniels, Dinah Manoff and Frances Fisher(before the Titanic franchise).The basic premise of this film is about a former town outcast and title of this film Roxy Carmichael who 15 years ago fled from the small town of Clyde, Ohio to seek fame and fortune. Now a legendary figure, she is set to return to her hometown as the town now rallies around awaiting her arrival. But that's only the backdrop of the story. The main focus is revolves around 15 year old Dinky Bossetti(Ryder), a gifted misfit and social outcast whom nobody likes as she is often ostracized by her peers and teachers alike at school. Even her well to do adoptive parents seem embarrassed by her "weirdness" and are constantly sending her away to school and plan on sending her to another special school. The only solace Dinky finds is her menagerie of animals she takes care of on an ark around an abandoned boat as well of her fascination with Roxy Carmichael whom she feels drawn to for some reason. She does find a few allies namely Gerald Howells(Thomas Wilson Brown), a boy in school who doesn't sneer at her and actually smitten with her. Miss Zaks(Laila Robins), the new guidance counselor who takes an interest in Dinky and sees potential in her. And Denton Webb(Daniels)a carpenter and a former flame of Roxy's who can't seem to get over is fixation on her that is causing strain in his marriage. Soon Dinky and Denton bond over Roxy and he reveals to her that they once had a baby girl together shortly before she left town. After this revelation Dinky is convinced that Roxy is her birth mother and she can't wait more than ever for her Roxy's return so she can go live with her "mother".This decent flick has humor as well as sentimental moments, and it's with interesting characters including Manoff as a former rival maybe a lesbian lover of Roxy's. Ryder stands out as Dinky and is portrayed rather convincing as girl who is a social outcast with depth as she deals with all the things around her, her ostracism from her peers, her disconnect with her parents, her sexual discovery and the fears that goes with it regarding her interaction with the cute boy at school, her need to search for her own identity and escape from the dreariness of her surroundings. Ryder never comes off weak or pathetic despite her outcome but headstrong, tough and vulnerable.I also liked the soundrack sung by Melissa Etheridge which are quite memorable. Anyway, this flick can be entertaining as be relatable, like wanting to escape your life and be someone else and learning to except what you have.

Stunningly beautiful in places, surprisingly funny, often deeply touching. At just 19, Winona Ryder had already scored two massive hits with Beetlejuice and Heathers, but this performance eclipses them easily - and is possibly one of her best ever. She is hugely talented, and I can't get enough of her when she's on this kind of form - which sadly isn't often enough in recent years. Jeff Daniels' performance is spot-on, and together on screen these two stars shine brightly - not to take anything away from the superb supporting cast.One of my all-time favourite movies, and one that still looks as fresh today as it did 16 years ago - testament to the people who made it. Quite under-stated, almost apologetic, but it will delight you. Someone else here described it as a 'hidden treasure' and I agree - it is hugely underrated and is a must-see for anyone who loves movies, Winona Ryder, Jeff Daniels, or has ever felt something was missing, confused or that they didn't belong. If I had to choose one movie to rescue from my burning house, this would certainly be the one.

Bad teen soap movie about high school missfit and her small town life.Below average production and the good acting by Winona could not save this one too much.Leads one along to a promised climactic end but does not deliver.Only for fans of missfit teen trouble dramas,big fans of teen movies and Winona fans as well......

Winona Ryder is a brilliant actress,but what is she doing in this mess? WELCOME HOME,ROXY CARMICHAEL is a dreadfully boring film that teases the viewer until the absolutely unforgivable ending. You'll be too angry to see straight when this movie ends,believe me.