Welcome Home, Franklin – Movie Review and Summary

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Plot Summary

With being a military kid, Franklin Armstrong has had the benefit of living in various places around the world, but feeling he has found a home, never mind friends? That has long been a struggle. But, with a guidebook his grandpa gave him, from jokes to ways to win people over, Franklin tries to get to know people in his new town. However, the only one who initially takes to his charm is Charlie Brown, whom he befriends as they prep to compete in a soapbox derby race.

Character Descriptions

Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.

Franklin (Caleb Bellavance)

A military brat, via his father, Franklin has lived in multiple cities, in and out of the United States, and while he has had many friends, none have seemingly been for life. But with his grandpa’s notes on how to make friends, which include jokes, Franklin hopes to be able to make new friends soon and share with them all he knows, like his newfound love of John Coltrane and jazz.

Charlie Brown (Etienne Kellici)

You know Charlie Brown. He teeter totters between optimism and pessimism, is forgiving, maybe naïve, but is one of the sweetest guys you know.

Linus (Wyatt White)

Linus is who Charlie Brown considers his closest friend, though he barely talks to him in the movie.

Review

Good If You Like

• Seeing kids overcome adversity
• Don’t mind getting in your feelings a little bit

Notable Performances or Moments

Franklin’s Struggle With Making Friends

As someone who moved around a bit when I was younger, watching Franklin struggle with making friends, especially since the Peanuts tunes exist in a world without phones or the internet, took me back. For those feelings of putting your best foot forward, trying to be nice and charming, and it sometimes not working. Or as soon as you find out you leave, what you thought were close relationships crumble like a sand castle too close to shore?

If you relate to those feelings or memories, Franklin will have you right back where you were, which could lead to some unexpected tears. But, because Franklin’s story is simple yet earnest, you get invested in “Welcome Home, Franklin.”

Highlights

Charlie Brown

Most of the Peanuts gang are seen throughout the movie, all with personalities that will have you frustrated with the fact you may not remember so-and-so’s name, but the memories flood of you watching various cartoons featuring them. But no one beats Charlie Brown, and the reason we highlight Charlie Brown is because he shows the opposite side of Franklin’s issue.

Charlie Brown says he has friends, like Linus, but we all know Charlie Brown’s use of that word isn’t always apt. He has lived in that town for who knows how long, yet even his dog doesn’t consistently want to spend time with him. Heck, a lot of people make fun of him.

So his friendship with Franklin, them sharing their dreams, working on a project together, and their bond goes beyond all the meanings the word “wholesome” holds and makes you appreciate both old and new friends for their place in your life.

Background Information

Director(s)	Raymond S. Persi
Written By	Robb Armstrong, Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, Cornelius Uliano
Based On Work By	Charles M. Schulz
Date Released	February 16, 2024
Where To Watch	Apple TV Plus
Genre(s)	Comedy, Youth, Animation
Film Length	39 Minutes
Content Rating	Rated TV-G

Content Information

• Dialog: N/A
• Violence: N/A
• Sexual Content: N/A
• Miscellaneous: N/A

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