The Way Home: Movie Review

In The Way Home, actor Dean Cain stars as Randy Simpkins, an on-the-go dad and husband who far too often chooses work over his family. While watching his two-year-old son, Randy yet again is distracted, and when he turns around Little Joe is gone. In a frantic search, Randy and his wife Crystal look for their son, even as their worst fears begin to take root.

Bottom Line

The Way Home storyline shows the contrast between the Simpkins' fears and the overwhelming love they feel when as family, friends, and even complete strangers pitch in to help find their little boy. Randy and Crystal (Lori Beth Edgeman) struggle to keep their marriage and hope afloat. After crying out to God and seeing the hundreds of volunteers out scouting for his son, Randy has the chance to return home and support his wife. The story is full of differing characters. Some have no hope at all, while others won’t give up until they find Joe. The movie's bottom line is one of hope, faith, and what is truly important in life.

Thumbs Up

The story gets you right from the beginning. Joe disappears and you actually feel the emotions rise as the characters become more and more afraid about the possible outcomes. Dean Cain and Lori Beth Edgeman both deliver good performances. Cain, of Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman fame, especially does a good job as the conflicted father. He kicks the door down on his Superman stereotype and shows his vulnerable, human side. From start to finish, The Way Home draws you in until you find out what happens to the family.

Thumbs Down

While the movie was good and can be enjoyed by the whole family, there are a few holes. These came in the form of the supporting cast. While some offered good performances, Sonny Shroyer and Tom Nowicki were particularly genuine and engaging, many of the supporting cast seemed like cardboard cutouts with little to no depth. They distracted from an otherwise good film.

How I Rate it

Family Friendly: The Way Home earns a 4.5 stars for being family friendly. The only issue parents might have is that there are some tobacco images and the theme itself might be scary to younger children.

Degree of Excellence: It deserves a 3.25 star rating for excellence. The story was strong and engaging, but the supporting cast was, as mentioned, distracting.

Take Away: For delivering a positive message in a quality way, The Way Home gets 5 stars. In our world, today men and women need less office talk and more family time.