And as is the usual case, there are some Indians who have been convinced that this is a good idea, and a chance for success, and much more money for the poorest tribe. And this film is really about the extremes one will go through just to try and speed up the process.

But Hawk makes a misjudgment. His hunger for progress is caught up in the Reaganomics of his area. Cash in. And at any price. He, however, does not seem to realize that there are other forces working and that he needs some support, other than the villagers. They have come to accept his ideas, and are ready to sign a deal for the resort, and in the process, show that they are in danger of cutting off their very livelihood to their once glorious past. The real question is: future with no spirit, or future with A spirit.

The film's obvious content is that there is no future without the full and complete spirit, regardless of who we are. Lucky for us, the white man has not been too oppressed as yet, so that they too will lose their burial grounds in this day and age.

Mixed into this is a wonderful child's tale of becoming an adult. The young woman, is on a walkabout of sorts with the younger brother and two friends. And they are to go to the island. Jimmy seems to think that the young Maria is the person who can lift the veil of doom from their own people, and help save them from the oppressing modern forces. She doesn't tell us this, and
she does not explain much of the mystical goings on either, but in many ways that is what makes the film even more attractive, and not pushy. Disguised as a story, and adventure for four kids, is much easier than tackling the livelihood of many indigenous tribes.

While in the island, the children help Maria discover what her dreams really mean, and why they came to the island. They take care of what they have to do, and in the process dismantle the bad intent of Hawk's, who has been going to the island and making sure that the eagles, and various other animals move from the area, so that it can not be considered a natural habitat, and therefore a protected area, which of course, helps the commercial development, if there is going to be any.

An excellent film, never boring, not pushy at all, with no spiritual pretentious. It just does its thing, lightly, and in a subtle way, and in doing so, it keeps us interested, rather than lectured. Pedro Sena Member of the Internet Movie Critics Association

Comic actor Michael McKean delivers a powerful dramatic performance in Father's Homecoming. Long separated from his teenaged son (Jonathan Ward) and daughter (Marcianne Warman), Michael (McKean) comes into contact with them in a most unexpected fashion. He is appointed headmaster of the exclusive New England private school where they both are enrolled. Future Star Trek regular Nana Visitor has a good ... Read moreComic actor Michael McKean delivers a powerful dramatic performance in Father's Homecoming. Long separated from his teenaged son (Jonathan Ward) and daughter (Marcianne Warman), Michael (McKean) comes into contact with them in a most unexpected fashion. He is appointed headmaster of the exclusive New England private school where they both are enrolled. Future Star Trek regular Nana Visitor has a good supporting role. Made for TV, Father's Homecoming was released with a remarkable lack of fanfare on June 19, 1988. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Hide full summary

The Children of Times Square (1986)

Edwin Porter (Robert Pine), a Methodist minister for over seventy years, is sent (by his bishop) to a little church in the little town of Sterling, TX. The church is in financial trouble, and Porter is called there to try to save it. The move is sudden, and is complicated by the fact that Porter's wife (Georgia Engel)and eight(!) children (highlighted by Gennie James as Alyene) are all very comfortable in the large, successful church they have been serving in Dallas. The story of their arrival in Sterling, meeting the church matriarch Missy B (played with charm by Immogene Coca), the banker Jack Murphy (Jerry Haynes) and the challenge at hand is warm, funny, and inspirational.

Special treats include the revivalist Billy Kilgore (Peter Gerety) and his soloist Claudie Walker (Laird Stuart), the shopkeeper Mr. Granger (Rodger Boyce), and the town drunk John White (Dean Stockwell) whose life will hold surprises for all. Each of the children becomes a well-developed character, from Hugh (Dallas Benton), the wise older brother already in seminary at S.M.U., to little Paul (Joshua Butts), who steals several scenes. We learn each of their life-paths at the end of the film. I left the film feeling as if I knew these people well.

The quality casting, depth, and authenticity of the film is truly unusual for a small production, and stands out as one of my favorite films ever.