Watch Ithaca

"Ithaca" is a heartwarming drama movie released in 2015, directed by Meg Ryan, based on the novel "The Human Comedy" by William Saroyan. The movie follows the life of a young boy named Homer Macauley (Alex Neustaedter), who becomes the bread-winner of his family during World War II. The movie is set in Ithaca, California, a small town where everyone knows everyone. The movie starts with Homer getting his first job as a telegraph messenger in the local telegram office. Homer's father has gone to fight in the war, leaving Homer to take up the family duties. Homer is good at his job, and he takes his responsibilities seriously.

As Homer delivers telegrams, he begins to understand the seriousness of war and how it can affect people's lives in different ways. He learns about the loss of life, the pain of separation, and the fear of the unknown.

Meg Ryan's character, Mrs. Grogan, is the owner of the local newspaper office where Homer's older brother works. Meg Ryan delivers an excellent performance as a widow who has lost her husband in the war. She is a motherly figure to Homer and provides him with the guidance and encouragement that he needs to grow.

Sam Shepard's character, Tom Spangler, is a drunken drifter who Homer and his friends come across. Homer is fascinated by Tom's stories about the world outside of Ithaca, and he sees this interaction with Tom as an opportunity to escape the mundane life of his small town.

Throughout the movie, we see how Homer tries to balance his job, the responsibilities at home, and his life as a teenager. He learns about the value of family, the importance of friendship, and the beauty of life. There are moments of sadness, laughter, and hope, making it a well-rounded movie.

The cinematography of the movie is beautiful, and the movie's score is soothing and sets the perfect tone for the movie's various scenes. The movie's plot touches on themes of love, loss, and family that are sure to tug at the audience's heartstrings.

One of the central ideas of the movie is that even in times of war, life goes on, and people continue to look for meaning and purpose in their everyday lives. Homer's character embodies this idea, who despite the challenges of war and the loss of his loved ones, finds meaning in his job and his relationships.

The cast of "Ithaca" deliver powerful performances that make the movie's emotional moments feel real and organic. Alex Neustaedter manages to capture the innocence and maturity of a teenage boy who is thrown into adulthood too soon. Meg Ryan's portrayal of Mrs. Grogan is sensitive, gentle and yet strong enough to lead the narrative.

In conclusion, "Ithaca" is a beautifully crafted movie that paints a vivid picture of a small town in wartime America. With its heartfelt storytelling and strong performances, the movie takes viewers on an emotional journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression. It's a movie about life, love, and the human spirit, making it a must-watch for all those who appreciate the beauty of the human experience.

Ithaca is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 36.