Adding to the emotion of the trip, the Cape Breton homecoming turns out to be a surprising final gift to Pete from Joey.

"[3] According to Jayne Eastwood, Cayle Chernin was a strong advocate convincing director Shebib to make this sequel to his 1970 film.

[3] The film was shot in 18 days for "just $2 million", largely in Toronto, with Cherry Beach serving as the Atlantic Ocean as Joey's ashes are scattered.

"[6] Stephen Cole gave the film 2.5 stars out of 4: "If Shebib's original seemed a draining neighbourhood experience, the 2011 follow-up comes off as canny entertainment.

And the film showcases Shebib's greatest storytelling talent – a tender honesty that brings characters alive."

", but, speaking of lead McGrath, admired how "the wry, wistful resignation of his performance—intercut with glimpses of the young Pete, dumb and wild with the wind in his hair—speaks volumes.

He thought Kathleen Robertson brought "some energy", but that "Shebib's script is only interested in her symbolic function", concluding: "it's all such a waste.