The Waltons: Homecoming

I guess I am biased by the 1971 version which is classic and a yearly watch. To me the first thing I noticed is how clean and new everything looked, clothing to the furniture to the cars just to clean. The family going to church, not the church they attend but the black church had to be put in to be socially correct, many other things I could mention but will stop there.

I gave a 5 for the effort given CW good try but not there and did not like the end at all. I will stick to the original, a one time watch is all this version gets from me.

I wanted to like this update, but it was lacking in soul. There was a desperation to the original given the depression, the financial straits the family was in and the fear the father might be... This version was too sunny and you felt nothing of a family living in angst. Someone didn't do their homework in the language - way too contemporary references and the swearing didn't fit. I would have been open to a new holiday tradition, but alas, even the original John Boy couldn't save this half-baked turkey.

The original "The Homecoming: A Christmas" is not only one of the best Christmas movies ever made it's also one of the best made-for-tv movies ever made. So "The Waltons: Homecoming" had very big shoes to fill. I have seen the original dozens of times. Watching this movie felt strange. Nothing really clicked. It certainly didn't feel like the 1930s. But still, I found "The Waltons: Homecoming" strangely fascinating. I can't wait to see it again.

I remember watching the original Homecoming in 1970s, and the series when it ran and in reruns. This was a modernized, diversified, and sanitized version of the classic movie that I love. I was looking forward to seeing it, and sadly I was disappointed. It didn't have the feel of the original that showed the struggles of a large family during the depression in 1933. A time when money and jobs were hard to find, and most were living hand to mouth.

Everything from the clothing, to the house appeared too perfect, and new. That left me asking, did the production team do any research into what a family and home really look like in 1933 rural Virginia?

The characters were a bit too modern in the way they spoke and actions for 1933. Especially Mary Ellen, who should have been wearing a NOW button. Also, where was Ben???

I did enjoy Richard Thomas' narration.

I tuned in to watch this movie thinking it was the one with Patricia Neal. I was a bit disappointed, but continued to watch. My disappointment in not being able to see Ms Neal on my screen turned into dismay when it became obvious that the film makers didn't do their homework or simply chose to dismiss it.

This story took place during the depression and involved mountain-folk. Olivia Walton wakes up with a full face of make-up and her hair perfectly groomed? This would not have happened, period. Also, throughout the portions I did watch hoping it would improve I noticed the clothing and household items appeared brand new.

Perhaps the film-makers didn't live through the Great Depression, but their parents and grandparents did. Even so, with the internet research is far easier than when the original movie was made. Even if the studios do have clothing from the period, I am sure they may not be fit to wear, but they do possess the ability to 'age' fabric and make it look like they ave been well worn as most people during that period, especially mountain folk would have worn.