Come Away Home is a 2005 American family drama film directed by Doug McKeon, and written by Stephen Zakman, and later the inspiration for the novel of the same name by Robert D. Slane. The film stars Jordan-Claire Green as Annie Lamm, Lea Thompson and Thomas Gibson as her parents, and Paul Dooley as her grandfather.[1][2][3] The film had theatrical release April 29, 2005, and was released to DVD February 5, 2008.[4][5]
| Come Away Home | |
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 film poster | |
| Directed by | Doug McKeon |
| Written by | Stephen Zakman |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Jeff Baustert |
| Edited by | Gillian L. Hutshing |
| Music by | Mark Chait |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by |
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Release date |
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Running time | 102 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Plot edit
While she had planned to spend her summer in New York, Annie Lamm's (Jordan-Claire Green) parents Carol (Lea Thompson) and Gary (Thomas Gibson) force her to spend the summer with her grandfather Donald (Paul Dooley) in Hilton Head, South Carolina. She hates being forced and thinks her summer is ruined, but after her effort to sneak back to New York was stymied, and after nearly drowning in his rickety old boat and then being rescued, she develops a greater appreciation for both her grandfather and the island where he lives. When summer comes to the end, she learns her parents intend placing her grandfather in a retirement home, and she has to convince them otherwise.[6]
Cast edit
- Jordan-Claire Green as Annie Lamm
- Macey Cruthird as Holly
- Will Denton as Jason
- Lea Thompson as Carol Lamm
- Thomas Gibson as Gary Lamm
- Paul Dooley as Grandpa Donald Brooks
- Martin Mull as Barney Green
- Doug McKeon as Woodsy Warner
- Kristen Renton as Ashley Green
- Asher Monroe as Chris
- Michael Rae as Chris' Brother
- Sonya Eddy as Sonya Warfield
- David Keith as Sheriff Steve Jantz
- Gregg Russell as Bearded Man
- Jimmy Walsh as Doug
- Kris Crevani as Teacher
- Sal Catalano as Lance Shoals
- Zach Hanks as Deputy Rob Reed
Reception edit
Pittsburgh City Paper noted that the film "never probes its dysfunctional family roots very deep, preferring instead to present a winsome if not entirely realistic portrait of a simple summer that can change a dozen lives for the better," and concluded the film's "lessons about sharing, family and resolving life's woes are well intended, if a little well worn."[7] Savannah Morning News generally praised the project, writing it was "a remarkably well made film that underscores the importance of family and should make Hilton Head residents proud of their hometown".[8] Atlanta Journal-Constitution also praised, writing “Some of the acting was unprofessional but [it is] otherwise a great family movie to watch with your kids.”[9][10]
Accolades edit
- 2006, won 'Best Motion Picture - Drama' by International Family Film Festival
- 2006, won 'Best Feature Film - Drama' by International Family Film Festival
- 2006, received Young Artist Awards nomination for 'Best Performance in a Feature Film (Comedy or Drama) - Leading Young Actress' for Jordan-Claire Green
References edit
- ^ Vancheri, Barbara (May 13, 2005). "Stars to attend premiere-benefit". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ Hayes, John (May 20, 2005). "'Come Away Home' fails to find its way". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ Hayes, John (May 20, 2005). "Dooley makes himself at home in Everyman roles". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ staff. "Come Away Home, info and review". Dove Foundation. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ staff (November 30, 2006). "review, 'Come Away Home'". Common Sense Media. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ Shehata, Kat; Slane, Robert D.; McElwee, Jo (2005). Come Away Home: Hilton Head Is Calling You Home. Angel Bea Publishing. ISBN 0971784337. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ Hoff, Al (May 19, 2006). "review 'Come Away Home'". Pittsburgh City Paper. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ "Audience Comes Away Home happy". Savannah Morning News. April 13, 2005. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ Ennis, Melinda (April 29, 2005). "Summer with Grandpa treads familiar ground". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
- ^ Blank, Ed (May 20, 2005). "Intentions best part of Come Away Home". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved November 20, 2015.
