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. |
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at work so I
decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break.
I love the knowledge you present here and can’t wait
to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how fast your blog loaded on my phone ..
I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways,
great site!
At this time I am going to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming over again to read other news.
?????? ???????????? ???????? ???????? KRAKEN?
??????????? KRAKEN ????????
??????? ?????????????? ????????? ????????? ????????? ???????? ????????.
??-??????, ??? ??????? ? ?????????????
???????????, ?????????????? ??????? ?????????.
??-??????, ?????????? ???????? ????????? KRAKEN, ???????
???????? ?????????, ????? ??????? ? ?????????? ????????
???? ??? ????? ?????????????. ?-???????, ???????????
??????? ?????????? ??????????,
?????????? ????????? ?????????? ?????? (????????) ? ??????????? ????????????? ????????? ?????????????, ??? ???????????? ?????
??? ????? ?????? ??????. ?? KRAKEN
???????????????? ?????????? ? ????????????
?????????? ? ???????????? ????????, ??? ?????? ???????
??????? ????? ?????????????, ?????????? ?,
??? ?????????, ?????????? ????? ?????????????, ??????? ??????????? ? ??????????.
Hi there to every single one, it’s truly a good for me to pay a quick visit this website, it contains important Information.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I
provide credit and sources back to your website?
My blog is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you present here.
Please let me know if this okay with you. Thanks a lot!
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by accident (stumbleupon).
I have saved it for later!
Someone necessarily assist to make seriously articles I would state.
That is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point?
I surprised with the analysis you made to make this particular publish extraordinary.
Great job!
Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too.
Such clever work and exposure! Keep up the superb works guys
I’ve you guys to our blogroll.
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!
Extremely helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot.
I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
For most up-to-date news you have to pay a visit the web and on the web I
found this website as a best website for most recent updates.
I’m gone to convey my little brother, that he should also pay a visit this web site
on regular basis to get updated from newest reports.
? am glad t? be one of sever?l visitors on thi? great internet site (:, reg?rds f?r posting.
Check out m? web-site singapore math tuition; Jeramy,
I like the valuable info you provide to your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and check again here
regularly. I am fairly certain I will be informed many new
stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the following!
This is very attention-grabbing, You’re an excessively skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your feed and sit up for in quest of more
of your excellent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your site in my social networks
Howdy this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get guidance
from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Thank you for every other excellent article.
Where else could anybody get that type of info in such an ideal method of writing?
I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at
the look for such information.
Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable paragraph, I have got much clear
idea concerning from this article.
V?ry nice a?ticle, tota?ly what I needed.
my web pag? :: things to do in cobb count
g? (Pete)
You’re so cool! I do not believe I’ve read through something like this before.
So wonderful to discover somebody with a few unique thoughts on this issue.
Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This website is one thing that is
needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!
Wow! In the end I got a weblog from where I be capable of
truly get valuable data regarding my study and knowledge.
Hi ?ould you mind stating which b??g platform you’re us?ng?
I’m looking best mens shoes to travel the world start
my own blog soon but I’m having a tou?h time making a decision betwe?n BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evo?ution and Drup?l.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different
then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S My ?pologies for being off-topic but I had t? ask!
Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect
against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on.
Any suggestions?
What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It
positively useful and it has aided me out loads.
I am hoping to contribute & help different users like its aided me.
Good job.
This beginner guide clearly explains how to sell bitcoin in india.
Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your
website is fantastic, as well as the content!
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well
written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of
your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
Outstanding post however I was wanting to know if you could
write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very grateful if
you could elaborate a little bit further. Many thanks!
Collaborative conversations ?n OMT courses build enjoyment ?round mathematics ideas, motivating Singapore trainees t? develop
love ?nd master exams.
Founded ?n 2013 by Mr. Justin Tan, OMT Math Tuition has assisted many students ace tests ?ike
PSLE, O-Levels, and A-Levels with tested ?roblem-solving methods.
Th? holistic Singapore Math approach, ?hich builds multilayered
analytical abilities, underscores ?hy math tuition i? vital for mastering t?e
curriculum ?nd preparing f?r future careers.
Wit? PSLE math contributing considerably t? overa?l scores, tuition ?ffers
extra resources like model responses f?r pattern acknowledgment ?nd algebraic thinking.
Individualized math tuition ?n senior hi?? chool addresses
individual discovering gaps ?n subjects ?ike calculus and statistics, avoiding th?m from impeding ?
Level success.
Junior college math tuition ?s important for A Degrees as it deepens understanding
of innovative calculus topics like assimilation strategies ?nd differential equations, whi?? ?re main to the examination syllabus.
?y incorporating proprietary methods ?ith the
MOE curriculum, OMT supplies ?n unique approach t?at highlights
quality ?nd depth in mathematical thinking.
OMT’? sy?tem is mobile-friendly one, so study on t?e go and ?ee y?ur mathematics qualities
boost ?ithout missing a beat.
Math tuition decreases test anxiety ?? supplying consistent revision stratyegies
tailored t? Singapore’s demanding curriculum.
m? web-site: ib maths tuition in gurgaon
In the Singapore system, secondary school math tuition plays ?
vital role in helping ?our child balance math ?ith
other secondary subjects.
Sia s?a, Singapore’s math whizzes t?p the global charts
?very time!
As moms and dads, transform finding out with Singapore math tuition’?
reflection. Secondary math tuition motivaates practice.
?hrough secondary 1 math tuition, trig ratios engage.
Secondary 2 math tuition ?rovides environment-friendly
digital materials. Secondary 2 math tuition lowers paper usage.
Sustainable secondary 2 math tuition teaches responsibility.
Secondary 2 math tuition lines ?p ?ith green values.
Carrying ?ut wel? in secondary 3 math exams ?s essential,
as O-Levels follow pr?mptly. Hi?h marks enable algebraic clearness.
?hey promote ignited inter?st.
Singapore’? focus on secondary 4 exams triggers imagination. Secondary 4 math tuition involves
model-building jobs. ?hese hands-on activities aid ?-Level
theory. Secondary 4 math tuition ignites innovation.
Exams test recall, ?ut math’s broader role i? as ?n essential skill ?n AI’s
boom, enabling voice recognition technologies.
Develop love f?r math and apply its principles ?n real-?orld daily
life t? achieve excellence.
?o prepare resiliently, pa?t papers from var?ous schools build tolerance f?r ambiguous questions ?n secondary
exams.
Online math tuition v?a e-learning enhances exam success ?n Singapore
bby providing cultural context ?n ?ord prob?ems.
Leh s??, don’t worry lah, ?our child ?ill adjust to secondary school, ?et them g? with?ut tension.
?? emphasizing theoretical mastery, OMT reveals mathematics’? internal beauty, firing u? love ?nd drive f?r top test grades.
Founded ?n 2013 by Mr. Justin Tan, OMT Math Tuition ??s helped countless students ace examinations ?ike PSLE, O-Levels, ?nd A-Levels ?ith tested analytical techniques.
With students ?n Singapore starting formal mathematics education f?om da? one and facing
h?gh-stakes evaluations, math tuition ?ses t?e additional edge required t?
achieve to? performance in t?is imp?rtant
subject.
Tuition programs f?r primary math concentrate ?n mistake analysis from ?ast PSLE
documents, teaching students t? prevent recurring errors ?n computations.
Routine mock O Level tests in tuition settings simulate actual ?roblems,
permitting trainees t? improve t?eir approach ?nd lower errors.
Personalized junior college tuition aids bridge t?e space from O Level t? A Level math, ensuring pupils adapt t? t?e increased rigor ?nd depth cal?ed for.
OMT’s special mathematics program complements t?e MOE curriculum by including exclusive study t?at apply mathematics to real Singaporean contexts.
Tape-recorded webinars offer deep dives lah, equipping ?ou with innovative abilities f?r superior math marks.
Math tuition inspires confidence ?ia success
?n l?ttle milestones, propelling Singapore sstudents t?wards
o?erall examination victories.
?ere ?s my blog; maths tuition for primary school
?oh I l?ke your blo? posts, saved to bookmarks!
my blog post … best travelling places in the world
Everyone loves it whenever people come together and share opinions.
Great site, keep it up!
Secondary school math tuition ?s key ?n Singapore’? education framework, offering personalized
guidance f?r your child fresh fr?m PSLE to excel ?n new topics like equations.
Eh, Singapore students ranked num??r one in math worldwide leh, ?ow the? do it ah?
For households, prevail ?n quality with Singapore math tuition’?
extensions. Secondary math tuition enriches curricula.
Secondary 1 math tuition navigates functions.
Secondary 2 math tuition partners ?ith schools f?r seamless
integration. Secondary 2 math tuition complements classroom efforts.
Collective secondary 2 math tuition improves outcomes.
Secondary 2 math tuition enhances environments.
Secondary 3 math exams function ?s a critical benchmark,
?ith O-Levels approaching ?uickly, highlighting the requirement f?r quality t?
secure future opportunities. Strong performance ?nsures trainees can handle the escalation ?n problem thro?ghout Sec 4 modifications.
It likewis? positions t??m positively for scholarships ?nd
enriched programs connected t? O-Level success.
Singapore’? education structure views secondary 4 exams ?s the conclusion of secondary schooling, underscoring t?eir function in future success.
Secondary 4 math tuition ?rovides mock tests imitating ?-Level conditions.
This preparation helps students t?ke on real-?orld applications in math documents.
Buying secondary 4 math tuition ?nsures a solid structure for post-secondary pursuits.
Mathematics transcends exam preparation; ?t’s ? fundamental talent ?n the AI e?a, powering financial risk assessments.
Excellence ?n math is unlocked ?y loving it
wholeheartedly ?nd practicing ?ts principles ?n everyday real
scenarios.
One key import?nce is building familiarity with calculator
usage rules t?rough diverse school papers f?r secondary exams.
Utilizing online math tuition ?-learning platforms al?ows Singapore
kids to tackle neutron star density fractions.
Steady leh, ?on’t panic sia, kids m?ke friends ?n secondary school f??t,let them enjoy.
Small-group on-site courses ?t OMT cr?ate a helpful neighborhood ?here
trainees share math explorations, sparking ? love f?r the
topic that moves them to?ards test success.
Transform math challenges ?nto accomplishments w?t? OMT Math
Tuition’? mix ?f online and ?n-site alternatives, back?d by ? performance
history ?f trainee quality.
?ith math integrated perfectly iinto Singapore’? classroom settings t?
benefit ?oth teachers and trainees, dedicated math tuition magnifies t???e gains by
offering customized support fo? sustained achievement.
Throu?h math tuition, students practice PSLE-style concerns ?n averages and charts, improving precision ?nd speed ?nder
exam conditions.
Gi??n the h?gh stakes of O Levels f?r senior high
school development in Singapore, math tuition optimizes opportunities f?r top grades and preferred placements.
Junior college math tuition fosters essential assuming skills ne?ded
to resolve non-routine pr?blems that often shhow ?? iin A Level mathematics evaluations.
?he diversity of OMT originates f?om its syllabus t??t matches MOE’s with interdisciplinary connections, connecting math t? scientific resear?h and everyday
analytical.
OMT’? on-line math tuition lets you revise ?t ?our own speed lah, s?
no ev?n more rushing and ??ur math qualities ?ill certainly fire ?? steadily.
Tuition helps stabilize ?o-curricular activities ?ith researches, permitting Singapore pupils t? master math exams ?ithout fatigue.
my website – tuition agency
I am no longer certain the place you are getting your information, however good topic.
I needs to spend a while finding out more or understanding more.
Thanks for magnificent information I was on the lookout
for this info for my mission.
?t’s not my first time to go to see this website, i am browsing this ?ebsit? dailly and obtain fastidious facts from here every day.
Feel free to visit my site; fun activities in north carolina
Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. Th?s is an extremely smartly written ?rticle.
I’ll be sure things to do near nort?ern illinois univ?rs?ty (Connie) bookmark
it and return to re?d extra of your useful information. ?hanks for the po?t.
I ?ill definite?y return.
I got t?is ?ebs?te from my f?iend who informed me on ?est family t?avel destinations in the world (Rosaline)
topic of this web ?age and now this time I ?m visiting this web
page ?nd reading very informative articles at this place.
Hello There. I found your weblog using msn. That is a very neatly written article.
I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post.
I’ll definitely return.
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am truly happy
to read everthing at single place.
Inc?edible! This blog looks ?xactl? like my old one!
It’s on a t?tally different topic but it has pretty much top 10
best travel locat?on in th? world in august, Lewis, same pa?e lay?ut and design.
Excell?nt choice ?f colors!
Hello, always i used to check blog posts here in the early hours in the break of day, because i love to find out more and more.
H?ya i’m f?r the first time her?. I came across this board and I find It
truly useful & it helped me out a ?ot. I’m hoping best affordable places to travel in the world offer one thing
again and help others like you helped me.
We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your website offered us with useful info to work on. You have done an impressive job
and our entire group shall be grateful to you.
Can I just say what a relief to discover a person that truly understands
what they’re discussing on the net. You certainly understand
how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
More people should read this and understand this side of your story.
It’s surprising you are not more popular since you most certainly have the gift.
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This post posted at this site is genuinely fastidious.
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a information! present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this
web page.
?????? ?????? ?? ?????? ?????????? ????????? ???
??? ? ???????? ?????? ?? ?? ???????? ???
? ???? ??? ? ??? ??????? ?? ????
?? ?????? ? ??? ?? ????? ?????
??? ???? ?? ????????? ?????
???!
Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.I will be
sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back from now on. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great posts, have a
nice evening!
This is a fantastic article regarding the current home renovation trends in the region. Selecting the right Interior design Malaysia partner is undoubtedly a top consideration for new homeowners today.
In the Selangor area, working with an Interior designer Selangor who carries the reputation of being
among the Top interior designers KL is vital in minimizing stress.
I’ve noticed that the Design and build interior design Malaysia model offered by Jolivin Interiors provides a very practical solution, particularly when it comes to precision-engineered Custom kitchen cabinet Malaysia work.
For those residing in the suburbs, Interior design Puchong is
seeing massive growth, and the range of Interior design services Klang Valley
is more impressive than ever. Thanks for sharing this information; it adds a lot of value to my Residential interior design Malaysia research!
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied
on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos
to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?
Hi there to every body, it’s my first visit of
this weblog; this webpage consists of remarkable and really excellent information in support of visitors.