Charmed, I’m sure

Posted on by

Last month I posted a brief review of the move Everything is Illuminated because I like the unexpected, unconventional and beguiling nature of the story, the well-crafted scenes and performances, and the human insights that lingered in my mind for days afterward. I hadn’t expected to like the movie all that much yet I was totally won over. Since then I’ve thought about some of my other all-time favorite movies and realized that many of these shared distinctive characteristics with this film. The stories aren’t really related to each other, but they are all off-beat (non-formulaic) delights that surprised and charmed me and — as we head into a snowy weekend — I thought they might charm you as well.

My top three favorite movies may shift from time to time, but Local Hero will always be near the top of my list. Released in 1983, it stars Peter Reigert (post-Animal House) and Burt Lancaster and is directed by the estimable Scottish director Bill Forsyth (Gregory’s Girl, Comfort and Joy). Like all of the movies here it has a light, whimsical streak running through it. The story is that a large Houston oil company sends one of its acquisition specialists, McIntyre, to a small Scots town to purchase the town and, especially, its deep water port that they want to turn into a refinery. Part of the joke is that Mac isn’t even Scottish — his ancestors adopted the name when they got off the boat from Hungary because it “sounded American”.

Devoted to his job and his lifestyle, Mac sets out to complete his mission as quickly as possible but finds himself becoming enchanted by the place and ambivalent about his task. One of the special twists of the story, however, is that rather than being outraged and protective of their community, the locals can’t wait to sell it and become rich! There are several subplots as well and a great cast of characters (referring both to the actors and to the “townspeople” in the movie). The movie is quirky but not in a heavy-handed, off-putting way and it reveals itself little-by-little. The story is partly meant to be a commentary on American capitalism abroad, but this is done warmly and with wit; the scenes between Mac and an entreprenuerial Russian sailor are some of the best, though these are surpassed by Burt Lancaster’s small but vital role. Beautiful scenery, a beautiful story, and did I mention that there’s a mermaid as well?

I always link The Coca-Cola Kid with Local Hero in my mind because it also tells a comedic tale of what happens when American interests go abroad, but in a more allegorical manner. The screenplay is by an Australian and directed by a Yugoslavian, but culture clashes at the center of the movie, and the characterization of Becker (played by Eric Roberts in one of his less-twitchy roles) is more bemused than pointed. Becker is a hot-shot marketing guru from Coca-Cola, sent from Atlanta to Australia to boost sales in that country. (The movie was made without the fore-knowledge or blessing of Coca-Cola). When he discovers a populated valley in which absolutely no Coke has ever been sold he sets out to conquer, in the process meeting the patriarch of the valley, a cantankerous lord who bottles his own brand of soft drinks.

Greta Scacchi plays the love interest, again, somewhat as an allegory, as are several other characters who come and go with their own perceptions and assumptions about Americans set up in contrast with Becker’s assumptions of this new land. It’s a funny and generally gentle story with great music, including a terrific Coke jingle that the company should have adopted in real life. It’s a good companion movie to watch with Local Hero, but there are a couple of scenes with nudity so it’s probably not for kids (though the story wouldn’t be as interesting to them anyway).

A movie that is ideal to watch with the whole family is The Secret of Roan Inish. There are no big stars in the film, but it is directed by John Sayles, who’s work I’ve liked since “The Return of the Secaucus Seven” (another off-beat charmer that was later ripped off by “The Big Chill“). The story focuses on Fiona, a young girl sent to live with her grandparents on the Irish coast after her mother dies and her father and brothers go to work in an industrialized city. Her grandparents still live near the island that was the home of Fiona’s family going back several generations and the seat of the family’s mystical history and the setting for the mysterious disappearance of Fiona’s younger brother, Jamie, spirited away when he was an infant.

While that sounds rather dark, the story is anything but as Fiona and her cousin find themselves gradually unwrapping the nearly forgotten ancient secrets of the family and the mystery of what happened to Jamie. Rest assured, there isn’t a speck of evil in the story. In fact, one of the things that makes the film so unique in my mind is that it generates such a compelling drama without a single villain. The young actress who plays Fiona (Jeni Courtney) is amazing and easily carries the movie. I’m surprised that she hasn’t gone on to do other movies (“Roan Inish” was released in 1995). It’s a tremendous story of faith, love and character and an ideal experience for the whole family. Bake some bread, cook up a pot of soup, and eat while you watch the movie!

This is another movie that took me by surprise when we first watched it. The Emperor’s New Clothes is a “what if” story about what might have happened if Napoleon had managed, through the use of a body double, to escape from Elba and make it back to France. Rest assured, however you think this might have turned out, you’ll definitely be surprised by the story that unfolds. Ian Holm is fantastic as the two Napoleons and the story is a very funny and touching one with a bit of romance and adventure thrown in.

I’m not sure why we even rented it in the first place, but I’m glad we did. While the premise sounds predictable, the story is delightfully original and veers away from the cliched scenes and character reactions that you might expect. It’s not a “major” film but it is very entertaining with likeable characters and a seductive plot. If you rent it just sit back and relax and go with the story and you won’t be disappointed.

5,735 thoughts on “Charmed, I’m sure”

  2. Can I just say what a relief to find somebody that
    truly understands what they’re discussing on the web.
    You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it
    important. A lot more people really need to look at this and understand this side of your story.

    I can’t believe you’re not more popular since you surely possess the gift.

  6. I used to be recommended this blog by way of my cousin. I am
    no longer positive whether this put up is written by means of
    him as nobody else know such special approximately my trouble.
    You’re amazing! Thanks!

  7. OMT’s vision f?r ?ong-lasting learning inspires Singapore pupils t? see math as a close friend, inspiring them for exam quality.

    Prepare f?r success in upcoming exams ?ith OMT Math Tuition’? proprietary curriculum,
    developed t? cultivate ?mportant thinking and confidence in every student.

    ?ith mathematics integrated flawlessly into Singapore’s class settings t? benefit both teachers ?nd students,
    devoted math tuition magnifies t?ese gains
    b? using tailored support f?r sustained achievement.

    Eventually, primary school math tuition ?s important for PSLE quality, ?s it gears u? students
    w?th the tools t? attain leading bands ?nd protect preferred secondary
    school positionings.

    ?ith O Levels emphasizing geometry proofs ?nd theorems, math
    tuition ?rovides specialized drills t? ensure
    trainees can t?ke on these wit? precision and confidence.

    Tuition ?hows mistake analysis techniques, assisting junior college students stay ?lear
    of common mistakes ?n ? Level estimations
    ?nd proofs.

    OMT sets it?elf apart with ? syllabus made to improve MOE material ?sing ?n-depth xpeditions ?f
    geometry proofs and theses f?r JC-level students.

    OMT’? online syst?m enhances MOE syllabus
    ?ne, helping yo? take on PSLE math effortlessly and much ?etter
    scores.

    Tuition centers m?ke u?e of innovative devices
    ?ike visual aids, boosting understanding f?r much better retention ?n Singapore math tests.

    ?lso visit my site secondary 1 maths tuition

  8. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual
    effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a
    whole lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

  9. The passion of OMT’s creator, Mr. Justin Tan, radiates ?ith in mentors, encouraging Singapore students
    t? fall for math f?r examination success.

    Get ready for success ?n upcoming exams ?ith OMT
    Math Tuition’? proprietary curriculum, created to cultivate im?ortant thinking and confidence in ?very
    student.

    ?n a system ?here mathematics education ?as actu?lly evolved
    t? foster development ?nd international competitiveness, registering
    ?n math tuition makes sure trainees stay ahead ?y deepening th??r understanding
    and application of key principles.

    Tuition stresses heuristic analytical techniques, vital f?r
    dealing with PSLE’s difficult ?ord ?roblems t??t
    require multiple actions.

    ?y providing comprehensive exercise ?ith pre?ious ? Level documents, tuition gears ?p trainees ?ith experience ?nd
    t?e ability to expect inquiry patterns.

    Junior college math tuition fosters crucial believing skills required t? f??
    non-routine problems th?t commonly ?how ?p ?n A Level mathematics
    evaluations.

    OMT’? custom-m??e math syllabus attracts attention ?y connecting MOE web cont?nt with
    innovative conceptual web ?inks, helping trainees link ideas ?cross diff?rent math topics.

    OMT’? on-?ine tuition is kiasu-proof leh, giving yo? t?at extra edge to surpass ?n O-Level math exams.

    In Singapore, wh?re adult involvement is vital, math tuition supplies structured assistance f?r h?me support tow?rd
    exams.

    H?re is my website: Kaizenaire Math Tuition Centres Singapore

  11. Hi, ABC8 là sân ch?i ch?t l??ng v?i giao di?n hi?n ??i.
    Trò ch?i ?a d?ng t? b?n cá, n?p rút nhanh.
    Mình th?y r?t ?n, anh em ?ang tìm nhà cái thì nên th? nhé!ABC8

  14. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!
    Very helpful information specially the last part 🙂
    I care for such info a lot. I was looking for
    this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  18. May I simply just say what a relief to discover somebody who truly understands what
    they are discussing over the internet. You definitely realize
    how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
    More and more people should read this and understand
    this side of your story. I was surprised you are not more popular since
    you most certainly have the gift.

  20. Thank you for another informative site. Where else could I get that type of information written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.

  21. Wonderful website you have here but I was curious about if you
    knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
    I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other experienced people
    that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please
    let me know. Bless you!

  22. I truly love your site.. Great colors & theme.

    Did you build this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my own personal site
    and want to know where you got this from or exactly what the
    theme is named. Cheers!

  23. Hey very nice web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing
    .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also?
    I am satisfied to seek out so many useful information here
    within the submit, we need develop extra strategies on this regard, thank you
    for sharing. . . . . .

  26. Howdy, I believe your website could possibly be having browser
    compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks
    fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.

    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that,
    wonderful blog!

  27. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here.
    The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
    nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness
    over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside
    case you shield this increase.

  28. ??? ???? ?? ???? ?? ?????
    ??? ?? ??? ???? ??? ??, ??
    ?? ??? ? ??? ?????. ??? ?? ???, ? ???? ??? ???? ??? ???? ??? ???? ????.
    ?? ???? ??? ?????. ?????!

    Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues
    with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no back up.

    Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

    This is one of the best blogs I’ve come across in a while!
    Your writing style is so engaging, and the content is excellent.
    Do you have any advice for new bloggers on how to create content as compelling as
    yours? Appreciate it!

    ? ???? ?? ??? ????!
    ???? ?? ???? ?? ????.
    SEO? ???? ?? ??? ??? ?? ??? ???
    ???. ?? ??? ?????! ?????!

  29. Hi just wanted to give you a quick heads up and
    let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different
    web browsers and both show the same results.

  31. It’s really very difficult in this busy life to listen news on Television, so I simply use internet for that
    reason, and take the latest information.

  37. Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very pressured
    me to take a look at and do it! Your writing
    taste has been surprised me. Thanks, quite great post.

  39. You really make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I find this
    topic to be actually something that I believe I’d never understand.
    It seems too complicated and extremely huge for me.
    I’m taking a look forward on your subsequent submit, I will try
    to get the hang of it!

  40. Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the challenges.
    It was definitely informative. Your website is very useful.
    Thank you for sharing!

  42. I think what you said was actually very logical.
    However, consider this, what if you were to create a killer headline?
    I ain’t suggesting your content is not good, but what if you added
    a headline that grabbed a person’s attention? I mean Charmed, I’m
    sure | thenightwriterblog.com is a little boring. You might glance at Yahoo’s front page and watch how they write news headlines to grab viewers
    to open the links. You might add a related video or a pic or two to get readers excited about everything’ve
    written. In my opinion, it could bring your posts a little
    bit more interesting.

    Here is my page :: artisan bread

  43. Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!

    Extremely useful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information much.
    I was looking for this particular information for a long time.

    Thank you and good luck.

  44. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who was doing a little homework on this.
    And he actually ordered me lunch simply because I discovered it for him…

    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending time to discuss this subject here on your website.

  48. Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this website on a regular
    basis, this website is in fact pleasant and the users are
    in fact sharing fastidious thoughts.

  49. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day.
    It’s always interesting to read articles from other authors and practice something from other web sites.

  50. ?s parents, embrace secondary school math tuition ?s essential for
    y?ur kid’? smooth secondary math progression.

    Lah, Singapore students’ math prowess ?uts t?em at
    th? top worldwide, no doubt!

    ?s parents, diversify vibrantly ?ith Singapore math tuition’s appeal.

    Secondary math tuition examples multicultural. ?hrough secondary 1 math tuition, notations ?et.

    Ingenious jobs in secondary 2 math tuition develop designs.
    Secondary 2 matth tuition develops geometric structures.
    Hands-?n secondary 2 math tuition strengthens theory.

    Secondary 2 math tuition stimulates imagination.

    Secondary 3 math exams hold weight, ?ne year from ?-Levels, underscoring excellence.
    Excelling facilitates truthful ?ork. Success promotes inexpensive options.

    Secondary 4 exams hold t?e secret to post-secondary doors ?n Singapore’? structured ?ystem.
    Secondary 4 math tuition ?se? online versatility
    fo? busy schedules. Thi? ease of access guarantees constant practice f?r O-Levels.
    Secondary 4 math tuition adapts t? contemporary trainee ne?ds.

    Bey?nd assessments, math stands as an essential ability ?n surging AI, critical fo? ?ontent creation algorithms.

    Cultivate ? love f?r math and apply its principles ?n real-life daily scenarios to
    excel ?n the subject.

    Students gain f?om practicing ?ast math papers f?om
    multiple schools ?y enhancing t?eir numerical fluency
    f?r exams.

    Singapore learners see math exam improvements ?ith
    online tuition e-learning th?t includes video explanations for tricky ?-Level concepts.

    Lor a?, chill leh, you? kid wi?l love secondary school,
    support ?ithout extra tension.

    OMT’? bite-sized lessons prevent overwhelm, permitting gradual
    love f?r mathematics t? flower and inspire regular exam prep
    ?ork.

    Dive into self-paced math mastery ?ith OMT’? 12-month e-learning courses, t?tal with
    practice worksheets ?nd tape-recorded sessions for extensive modification.

    Singapore’? w?rld-renowned math curriculum highlights conceptual understanding ?ver simple calculation, m?king math tuition essential for trainees t? understand deep concepts ?nd excel in national exams like PSLE ?nd O-Levels.

    Math tuition assists primary students excel ?n PSLE by reinforcing the Singapore Math curriculum’? bar modeling method f?r visual problem-solving.

    ?iven t?e h?gh risks of O Levels for senior high school progression ?n Singapore,
    math tuition maximizes possibilities f?r top grades
    ?nd desired placements.

    Building ?elf-confidence t?rough regular support ?n junior college math
    tuition minimizes exam anxiety, leading t? far better outcomes in A Levels.

    What mak?s OMT remarkable ?s its proprietar educational program t??t straightens w?th MOE while introducing aesthetic aids ?ike bar modeling in cutting-edge m?ans for primary learners.

    Aesthetic aids ?ike layouts assist visualize troubles lor, enhancing understanding ?nd test performance.

    ?ith math be?ng a core topic that influences ?verall academic streaming, tuition helps
    Singapore trainees safeguard f?r better qualities ?nd brighter future chances.

    ?y webpage … singapore mathematics

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.