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. |
Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
When I look at your website in Chrome, it looks fine
but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb
blog!
??? ??????? ???? ??? ?????????? ???????? ? ????????? ??
?????? ???.
I savor, cause I discovered exactly what I used to be having a look for.
You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day.
Bye
Hello Dear, are you in fact visiting this web page daily, if so afterward you will absolutely obtain nice experience.
H?, jut wanted t?o tell you, I liked this article. It was funny.
?eep onn posting!
Feeel free to s?rf t? my blog ?ost :: ???? ??????
This is a really good tip especially to those fresh to the
blogosphere. Simple but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this one.
A must read post!
Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read
stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess
I will just bookmark this site.
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok.
I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
It’s very straightforward to find out any topic on web as compared to
textbooks, as I found this piece of writing at this site.
Thank you for another wonderful post. The place else could anyone get
that kind of information in such an ideal approach of writing?
I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such
info.
What’s up, always i used to check blog posts here early in the morning, as i enjoy to learn more and more.
Quality posts is the important to interest the visitors to go to
see the web site, that’s what this site is providing.
my website ???????????????
Singapore’s b?st furniture store and comprehensive furniture showroom stands ?s your ultimate ?ne-st?p shop for premium h?me furnishings ?nd practical furniture f?r HDB interior design in Singapore.
We b?ing trendy and ?alue-for-money solutions thro?gh exciting
furniture promotions, sofa promotions ?nd Singapore furniture
sale ?ffers made fo? e?ery HDB ?ome. Recognising t?e imp?rtance ?f furniture ?n interior design ?hen buying furniture for HDB interior design m?ans investing in space-optimising sofas, quality mattresses, sturdy bed f?ames, functional
study desks ?nd stylish coffee tables ?hile using expert tips t?
buy quality sofa bed ?nd quality ccoffee table f?r durability and elegance.
?hether refreshing ??ur HDB living room furniture, bedroom furniture Singapore ?r dining ar?a with
the ?atest furniture sale ?ffers and affordable HDB furniture Singapore,
?ur thoughtfully curated collections combine contemporary design,
superior comfort ?nd lasting durability t? creatye beautiful, functional living spaces
perfect f?r Singapore’s modern lifestyles.
Singapore’? ?est furniture store and expansive furniture
showroom stands ?s yo?r ultimate one-st?p shop for premium ?ome furnishings ?nd practical furniture f?r HDB interior design ?n Singapore.
We ??ing contemporary ?nd affokrdable solutions
t?rough exciting Singapore furniture promotions, sofa promotions
?nd Singapore furniture sale ?ffers m?de for ?v?ry HDB h?me.
Recognising the ?mportance of furniture in interior design ?hen buying furniture for HDB interior design m?ans
investing in multi-functional L-shaped sofas, quality mattresses,
sturdy bed f?ames, functional ?omputer desks and stylish coffee tables while using expert tips t?
buy quality bedd f?ame, quality sofa bed ?nd quality coffee table f?r lasating value.
Whether refreshing your Singapore living ?oom furniture, bedroom furniture
Singapore ?r dining area wit? the l?test furniture sale ?ffers and affordable HDB
furniture Singapore, ?ur thoughtfully curated collections combine contemporary design, superior
comfort ?nd lasting durability t? ?reate beautiful, functional living
spaces perfect f?r Singapore’s modern lifestyles.
?s Singapore’s best furniture store ?nd comprehensive furniture showroom ?n Singapore, we are you? ultimate one-?t?p shop for quality ?ome furnishings ?nd smart furniture for HDB interior design.
?e deliver contemporary and affordable solutions ?ith
exciting furniture promotions, mattress promotions ?nd affordable HDB furniture Singapore tailored t? eve?? hom?.
Recognising the impo?tance ?f furniture ?n interior design ?hile buying furniture f?r
HDB interior design m?ans selecting space-efficient pieces ?uch as plush L-shaped sectional sofas f?r living r?om furniture,
premium queen ?nd king mattresses, sturdy storage
bed frames, functional c?mputer desks f?r study ?oom furniture
and elegant coffee tables — follow ?ur expert tips t? buy
quality bed fram?, quality sofa bed ?nd quality
coffee table f?r maximum comfort and durability ?n Singapore’s compact homes.
?hether you’re refreshing ?o?r living room furniture Singapore, bedroom
furniture ?r study space ?ith th? l?test furniture promotions, ?ur thoughtfully
curated collections combine contemporary design, superior comfort ?nd lasting
durability to cre?te beautiful, functional living spaces that suit modern lifestyles ?cross Singapore.
As the leading furniture store ?nd larg?-scale furniture showroom
?n Singapore, we provide t?e perfect one-?t?p shopping experience for quality mattresses.
?e offer contemporary ?nd valu?-packed solutions
packed ?ith furniture deals, mattress deals ?nd Singapore furniture sale offers for e?ery Singapore household.
Mastering t?e import?nce of furniture in interior design wh?le buying
furniture for HDB interior design ?tarts ?ith selecting t?e
r?ght mattresses — queen size natural latex mattresses, king size cooling gel mattresses,
super single firm orthopedic mattresses ?nd premium
hybrid mattresses t??t perfectly suit humid Singapore climates
?nd HDB layouts. Wheth?r y?u are revamping your Singapore bedroom
furniture ?ith the late?t furniture sale off?rs, our thoughtfully selected collections deliver contemporary design, ujmatched comfort ?nd long-lasting durability fo? modern Singapore living spaces.
Experience Singapore’? leading furniture store ?nd expansive furniture
showroom ?s your perfect one-stop destination for premium sofas ?n Singapore.
Enjoy trendy and affordable solutions featuring exciting furniture deals, sofa promotions ?nd Singapore furniture sale ?ffers designed for ?v?ry HDB ?ome.
?he importanc? of furniture ?n interior design shines ?hen buying furniture f?r HDB interior design —
invest ?n quality sofas like L-shaped sectional sofas, elegant 3-seater fabric sofas,
modular recliner sofas ?nd stylish corner sofas t?at maximise space ?nd comfort in space-conscious Singapore living ?ooms.
Wheth?r updating ?our Singapore living ?oom
furniture ?ith t?e atest affordable sofa Singapore, ?ur carefully
curated collections blend contemporary design, superior comfort ?nd lasting durability to create beautiful, functional living spaces t?at suit modern lifestyles ?cross Singapore.
T?ke a look at my site – furniture shop
Yes! Finally something about click.
Singapore Mattress Guide: ?he Real Factors Th?t Matter in 2026
Choosing ? new mattress i? one of the biggest furniture
singapore investments m??t households ?ill make, yet it’s surprisingly easy to get wrong.
Most people spend m?re time choosing ? sofa bed than t?ey
do choosing the bed frame th?? ?se e?ery night.
Megafurniture’? Somnuz mattresses ?ive
you a practical w?y to compare t?e most popular mattress singapore
types ?ide by s??e ?n one furniture showroom.
Singapore’s unique living environment t?rns mattress buying ?nto
a higher-stakes decision t?an m?ny fi?st-time buyers expect.
Singapore’? year-round humidity ?uts extra pressure
on moisture management inside ?ny mattress singapore.
? large number of Singapore families deal ?ith dust-mite reactions,
?ven if the? haven’t connected t?e dots t? their mattress.
??? widespread ??e ?f aircon at night ?an ma?e certain foam types feel firmer ?r les? comfortable t?an thery ??d ?nder bright furniture showroom lights.
Most mattress options sold ?n Singapore f?ll int? one of
f?ur main construction categories, ?nd understanding
t?e real differences helps ??u choose smarter. Individual
pocketed spring systems ?ive good support ?nd stay noticeably
cooler t?an solid foam blocks. Memory foam ?s loved f?r it? hugging
feel ?nd motion isolation, th?ugh raditional versions
?ometimes retain warmth ?n Singapore bedrooms.
Latex mattresses stand ?ut for the?r responsive bounce, superior breathability, ?nd built-in resistance to allergens ?nd mould.
Hybrid constructions combine pocketed springs ?ith foam or latex
comfort layers t? deliver t?e ?e?t ?f both worlds.
At Megafurniture ?ou can test t?e f?ll Somnuz line
—from basic pocketed spring to advanced water-repellent ?nd latex hybrids
— ?ll in their furniture store. Firmness ?s the most disc?ssed mattress feature, ??t
it’s a?so t?e most misunderstood ?ecause it feels ?ompletely ?ifferent depending ?n your
body weight ?nd sleeping position. ?f ?o? sleep ?n your s??e, a medium to medium-soft mattress helps relieve pressure ?t the shoulder
?nd hip. For back sleepers, medium t? medium-firm ?sually provide? the
best balance ?f support and comfort. Firm mattresses ?ork better for stomach sleepers ?ecause they keep th? spine in ?etter alignment.
?ecause most Singapore homes have tighter bedroom dimensions, choosing tthe ?ight mattress size prevents t?e room f?om feeling cramped.
Cover fabric choice matters m??e in Singapore than mo?t buyers initially think.
Models ?ith bamboo fabric covers stay noticeably drier
?nd fresher ?n humid Singapore bedrooms.
Water-repellent finishes ?n certain Somnuz mattresses ad? practical protection ?gainst
accidental spills ?nd high humidity.
Th? Somnuz range from Megafurniture maps cleanly ?nto t?e different
ne?ds m?st Singapore buyers h?ve. Somnuz Comfy is the ??-to budget-friendly option f?r many furniture singapore shoppers ?ooking for dependable pocketed spring support.
?he Somnuz Comforto ?dds bamboo fabric ?nd latex for those ?ho prioritise breathability ?nd natural dust-mite resistance.
Households t?at need spill ?nd humidity protection us?ally lean t?ward
the Somnuz Comfort Night model. ??r th?se who ?ant the most upscale experience, t?e Somnuz Roman series sits at t?? t?p of the range.
Spending only a minute ?r two lyting on a mattress ?n the furniture showroom
?arely give? ?ou the info?mation you ?ctually ne?d.
Lie on each shortlisted mattress fo? a full ten minut?s in you? actual sleeping position — ?nd ?ave your partner do the ?ame if yo? share the
bed. Both Megafurniture showrooms ?et yo? test t?e Somnuz mattresses properly ?n proper bedroom environments ?ather than ?n a
bare sales floor.
Delivery scheduling ?? m?re ?mportant t??n any buyers realise ?hen buying mattress singapore items.
?sk about old mattress removal and study t?? warranty details ?efore ??u sign.
Treat the decision s?riously and a well-chosen mattress ?ill deliver y?ars of comfortable sleep ?ith minim?l issues.
If morning stiffness, visible sagging, ?r increased motion transfer ?ppear,
?t’s time to replace — t?e body oft?n compensates f?r a failing mattress
?onger t??n most people realise. ?hether you prefer to shop in person ?t thei? showrooms ?r online, Megafurniture m?kes choosing the right mattress store option simple ?nd transparent.
He?e is my blog; Singapore sofa beds (Damaris)
Kaizenaire.?om leads Singapore’? promotions ?ith unsurpassable deals and off?rs.
?he bustling roads of Singapore m?ke it a shopping heaven, ?here wise Singaporeans search f?r promotions and manage unparalleled enthusiasm.
Cafe jumping thrughout fashionable communities thrills
coffee-loving Singaporeans, ?nd bear in mind to rema?n updated ?n Singapore’? most current promotions
?nd shopping deals.
Apple ?rovides cutting-edge electronics ?ike iPhones and Macs, adored ?? tech-savvy Singaporeans f?r their smooth style and ecological community combination.
OSIM ?ffers massage chairs ?nd health gadgets
mah, cherished byy Singaporeans f?r the?r relaxing h?me spa experiences
?ia.
Nestlé nurtures ?ith Milo and Nescafé, adored
f?r soothing warm drinks ?nd childhood favorites.
Wah, ?o g?eat leh, promotions ?n Kaizenaire.com ?aiting ?ne.
Also visit m? web blog: promo singapore
It’s genuinely very difficult in this busy life to listen news on Television, thus I simply use internet for
that purpose, and take the latest news.
I love what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and coverage!
Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve you guys to our blogroll.
I am no longer sure the place you’re getting your info,
but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding
more. Thanks for fantastic info I was searching for this information for
my mission.
Tremendous things here. I’m very satisfied to look your article.
Thank you so much and I’m taking a look ahead to touch you.
Will you please drop me a e-mail?
It’s fantastic that you are getting thoughts from
this piece of writing as well as from our argument made here.
What’s up, I read your new stuff regularly. Your story-telling style is awesome,
keep doing what you’re doing!
Hi friends, how is everything, and what you wish for to say regarding this piece of writing, in my view
its in fact amazing in support of me.
Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff
previous to and you’re just too magnificent. I actually like what
you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.
I can’t wait to read much more from you. This
is actually a wonderful website.
I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and exposure!
Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve added you guys
to my blogroll.
?? JEETA?????????????????????????????
Wow, this piece of writing is nice, my younger sister is analyzing these kinds of things,
thus I am going to tell her.
Good blog you have got here.. It’s difficult to find good quality writing like yours
nowadays. I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Hello, I log on to your new stuff regularly. Your writing style is awesome, keep it up!
Stay wise with Kaizenaire.c?m, t?? curator of Singapore’? m?st current
shopping events.
Promotions ?re a staple ?n Singapore’? shopping paradise, l?ked by its wise residents.
Going to lantern events t?roughout Mid-Autumn brings delight t?
festive Singaporeans, ?nd remember t? remain upgraded on Singapore’? newest promotions ?nd shopping deals.
Bank ?f Singapore give? private banking and wide range management, appreciated ?y upscale Singaporeans f?r thei? tailored monetary recommendations.
Klarra m?kes modern women’s clothing ?ith clean lines
?ne, valued ?y minimal Singaporeans fo? the?r functional,
top notch items mah.
Wilmar International oils ?ith cooking fundamentals, cherished f?r Golden Circle and othrr family staples.
?o not b? suaku mah, check Kaizenaire.?om on a regular basis lah.
Feel free t? visit my page singapore discount
SayHentai.us là n?i t?ng h?p các b? Hentai Manga, Doujinshi và truy?n 18+
v?i ch?t l??ng Full HD. ??c mi?n phí, c?p nh?t chap
m?i liên t?c và không gi?i h?n. Truy c?p ngay!
I like the valuable information you provide for your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check once more
here frequently. I’m moderately certain I’ll be informed lots of new stuff
right right here! Best of luck for the next!
After looking at a handful of the blog posts on your website, I honestly appreciate your way of
writing a blog. I bookmarked it to my bookmark
website list and will be checking back in the near future.
Please visit my web site too and let me know what
you think.
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if
that would be okay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your
web site is excellent, as well as the content!
I really like it whenever people get together and share thoughts.
Great blog, continue the good work!
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s
the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Adorei o conteúdo! Agradeço por publicar. Continue publicando.
Conteúdo top!
??e upcoming new physical ?rea at OMT promises immersive math experiences, triggering lifelong love
f?r th? subject and motivation fo? examination accomplishments.
Experience flexible learning anytime, ?nywhere t?rough OMT’s detailed online ?-learning platform, including limitless access t? video lessons ?nd interactive quizzes.
?rovided th?t mathematics plays a pivotal function ?n Singapore’? financial advancement and progress, purchasing specialized math
tuition gears ?p trainees with t?e ?roblem-solving
abilities required t? prosper ?n a competitive landscape.
?ith PSLE mathematics contributing considerably t? tota? ratings, tuition supplies additional
resources ?ike design responses for pattern recognition and algebraic thinking.
In Singapore’? affordable education ?nd learning landscape, secondary
math tuition supplies t?e additional edge required to stick out
in O Level rankings.
Tuition ?n junior college mathematics gears ?p trainees ?ith analytical methods ?nd possibility
designs essential f?r interpreting data-driven inquiries
?n A Level papers.
Uniquely customized t? complement t?e MOE syllabus, OMT’? custom-made math program integrates technology-driven devices
f?r interactive knowing experiences.
Range ?f practice questions ?ia, preparing ?ou thorough?y for any mathematics examination ?nd much better scores.
Tuition ?n math helps Singapore trainees develop rate ?nd accuracy, vital f?r completing examinations wit?in t?m? limitations.
Feel free t? surf t? my web blog :: math tuition for primary 3
I need to to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely
enjoyed every bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to
check out new stuff you post…
Thankfulness to my father who informed me regarding this website, this webpage
is really remarkable.
Hi, I want to subscribe for this web site to
get hottest updates, therefore where can i do it please help.
Your style is unique in comparison to other folks
I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess
I’ll just bookmark this page.
Wow! In the end I got a webpage from where I can really
take valuable information regarding my study and knowledge.
Impotence problems (ED) will be some sort of sex erection problems inside guys in which they
will battle to retain a great erectile through the sexual activity.
Do you have any video of that? I’d like to find out some additional information.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog?
My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would definitely benefit from some of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this alright with you.
Many thanks!
I blog frequently and I really appreciate your information. Your article has
truly peaked my interest. I’m going to bookmark
your site and keep checking for new details about
once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.
Incredible points. Solid arguments. Keep up the good spirit.
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Thank you so much, However I
am experiencing difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I cannot subscribe to it.
Is there anybody having similar RSS issues?
Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond?
Thanks!!