Rating: Summary: the sleeper! Review: THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE FILMS OF THE 80'S.ITS A QUIRKLY LITTLE GEM OF A FILM.I TEND TO LOOK FOR MORE OFFBEAT AND MORE INDEPENDENT FILMS ANYWAY.BURT LANCASTER IS REALLY GREAT IN HERE.I ALWAYS FELT HE WAS UNDER RATED AND HE MADE SO MANY REALLY GREAT FILMS.FROM 'THE KILLERS' A TERRIFIC FILM NOIR TO 'FIELD OF DREAMS'.THE DIRECTOR OF THIS FILM ALSO MADE 'GREGORY'S GIRL' AND 'HOUSKEEPING'BUT I HAVE'NT SEEN ANYTHING OF HIS IN QUITE AWHILE.ANYWAY BUY THIS DVD IT'S A GOOD DATE FILM AND IT'S FUNNY AND CHARMING WITHOUT BEING DUMB WHICH IS RARE TO SEE THESE DAYS.
Rating: Summary: Al Gore's favorite! Review: Now that doesn't sound like a glowing recommendation necessarily, and I don't think it helped DVD sales during the 2000 campaign any more Dukakis helped MY DINNER WITH ANDRE (his favorite.) But I must say that I agree with Al on this one. From Mark Knopfler's moody soundtrack to the uncommonly well-rounded characters, LOCAL HERO is a jewel of a movie, depicting an oil man's trip to an eccentric Scottish village, while attempting to buy the place for a future refinery. He grows to love the town, while the villagers are secretly dying to sell the place. The irony is charming, and never heavy-handed. The comedy and subtle and patient. And the landscapes are as inviting as advertised. The end effect is a rare thing in this day and age: a comedy that's actually intelligent, calm, and pleasant. Al Gore may have lost the recount--but he's got an unexpected eye for cinema.
Rating: Summary: An absolute classic Review: This is one of those quirky films that you might finish watching, then take a few days to decide that you really liked it, then want to see it again. One of the most intelligent, feel-good, subtle movies of the 1980s, at a time when movie-makers seemed to be coming up with a lot of populist B-Grade fare that has not stood the test of time like this has. Burt Lancaster and Peter Riegert are outstanding in the main roles - both are transformed by the events that unfold on the Scottish coast - though it is Riegert who feels it the most. One of the best aspects of the film is the soundtrack, by Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits fame). This is one of his best endeavours (though the soundtrack for 'Cal' comes pretty close), with wistful melodies and spectacular aural 'auras' that emulate the aurora Riegert is told to watch out for on his trip. Do take a look - but don't decide instantly that it has too little to say if you are not captivated by the first viewing - give it another chance - it'll grow on you!
Rating: Summary: My favorite! Review: I remember I was in highschool when I first saw this movie on late hours TV. I was just switching channels, and the moment I saw the scene of Mac and Danny driving down a foggy, winding road towards that small fishermans village, I knew there was something special in it. It is the sweetest movie I have ever seen full of love to life (and maybe nature), but not boosting it out, and instead, covering it with small bits of humor and giggles. No excitement of shooting or facsinating cgs, but who would ever be satisfied with something just newer or more entertaining? This movie surely is a small gift that will warm you up and last a bit longer in your heart!
Rating: Summary: A Little Gem Review: This film is one of my favorites... a little gem that few people have heard about. The story is simple but intriguing, the acting is excellent, characters are interesting and likeable, and the setting is fascinating. I love it and if you are tired of shooting and blood, this one may be for you.
Rating: Summary: Nice is not a dirty word Review: This is simply one of the nicest movies I have ever had the pleasure to see. I have watched it countless times with many different people and every one enjoys it and every time I enjoy it. No car chase, no bathroom humor, not even a ounce of violence (alright maybe a little with Burt Lancaster and his therapist). A true joy to watch.
Rating: Summary: Fun Little Film Review: You need to be paitent to like this one. It's a quiet comedy but my mother and I guffawed out loud at some scenes! If you were a Northern Exposure fan, and haven't seen this, you really should.
Rating: Summary: Worldwide appeal Review: This is a gem of a film. What appears to be a 'little' film packs quite a lot of comedy in a charming look at a wee Scottish village and the crafty American sent by a multi-national to buy them out. The soundtrack's a stunner, written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits.
Rating: Summary: One of my all-time favorites! Review: I am dating myself woefully, but I remember seeing this film when it came out in theatres. I trekked some distance (via bus) down to some theatre in Hollywood (I'm from another part of L.A.) because it wasn't showing anywhere nearby. I wanted to see it *that* bad. And I certainly wasn't disappointed. When I finally got a DVD player, one of the first DVDs I got was "Local Hero". It's definitely on my "must-have" list. The story is simple -- materialistic Peter Reigert is sent to a small Scottish village to try to negotiate a land deal for his rich, eccentric boss (Burt Lancaster, who is outstanding). He arrives in Scotland as a guy who is only obsessed with business deals, his car, and his posessions back in Texas, but soon he learns there are more important things in life. The townsfolk are absolutely wonderful, all in their own unique, eclectic way. Denis Lawson particularly shines as "jack of all trades" who holds several positions in the community, including innkeeper. The oddness and beauty of this film takes time to unfold, and it is best just to sit back and watch it happen. Everyone seems to have a story, everyone is eccentric in some way. I especially loved Burt Lancaster and his interaction with his "therapist", who takes the job *far* too seriously. Lancaster plays one of the most likeable and unique characters onscreen. Reigert too, is endearing. He so wants to be "normal" that he can't even admit that he might use a shampoo for dry or greasy hair. "Normal. EXTRA normal.", he says, when asked what kind of shampoo he needs. What an uptight guy he seems at first, but he soon mends his ways. The score by Mark Knopfler is among one of my favorites too. I can play it and it brings back the whole atmosphere and mood of this film. The musical piece played at the end of the movie is heart-wrenching and brings back the sweetness of the end of this fine movie every time I hear it. Director Bill Forsythe created an absolute gem in this movie. A must-have in *every* film collection. Absolutely first-rate.
Rating: Summary: Awesome every time I watch it Review: This is my alltime favorite movie--right up there with "To Kill A Mockingbird". I used to show this to my prospective suitors--if they didn't get it, I didn't spend anymore time with them. Subtle, uncannily crafted, so many hidden messages, intellectual, cerebral, intelligent and cleverly humorous. For those who thought it was a snore, stick to Danielle Steele made for TV movies. I loved this movie so much that while in Scotland, I made a point of visiting Pennan (where the movie was shot). Even stayed in the hotel and drank beer in the pub, listening to two locals speak gaelic next to me. Excellent movie.
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