A celebrity from a small community within the Sandusky Bay region is returning for a visit, and the reactions of the locals vary considerably. A teen who doesn’t quite fit in (Ryder) has reservations about this ‘star’ while forming a connection with the school counselor (Laila Robins) and bothering a man with a past involving Roxy (Jeff Daniels). "Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael" (1990) is occasionally categorized as a comedy, but it isn't; it’s more of a coming-of-age drama that incorporates satirical elements and occasional moments of humor. The story isn’t really about the woman named in the title, but rather how her success and fame impact those who knew her or know about her—and also those who are simply pleased she has brought attention to their town. Something similar actually occurred with Dave Grohl, who went back to his hometown, Warren, Ohio, in 2009, where he received the key to the city at a celebration and an alley was named after him. The distinction is that Grohl had been only three years old when his family left Warren, whereas Roxy Carmichael was around eighteen. What I appreciate about this film is how it portrays the everyday lives of people in small-town America as they search for meaning and purpose—and this isn't limited to teenagers; adults too are shown grappling with these issues. For example, did you ever have a secret place that you went to regularly when you were a child, a spot only you knew about and treasured? That’s present in the movie. Some scenes are funny, others aren’t, but they all feel connected to real life: attempting to belong at school, experiencing bullying, finding a mentor figure who feels like family, romance, sexual encounters in the workplace, getting caught, embarrassing social secrets, unrealistic hopes, and so on. The initial portion of the film is somewhat subdued and uneventful, but it eventually finds its rhythm and provides a worthwhile experience despite what you might expect. I say this as someone who’s never been particularly impressed by Winona; she was eighteen during filming (so fans of hers may enjoy it more than I did). Frances Fisher, with her red hair, looked stunning at 37, while another redhead, Dinah Manoff, deserves a mention for her role as Evelyn. The movie has a running time of one hour and thirty-five minutes and was filmed in the Sandusky Bay area of northwest Ohio, including the town of Clyde. GRADE: B-

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