Quirky Movie Recommendations from Around the Globe
When the temperature sizzles, settle up for something different
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The entire northern hemisphere is experiencing a heatwave and fires are devastating many parts of Europe. We need rain and lots of it, soon. And of course, we need to curb out global carbon emissions. It’s not a problem that’s easy to solve — but taking a break from the doom and gloom might be, if you’re up for watching a movie. Here are some of recommendations for delightfully out-of-the-box movies, all available free on Amazon Prime.
Released in 2006, “Almost Heaven” stars Donal Logue, Kristy Mitchell, and Joely Collins. Tom Conti has an endearing turn as the village shaman, wiseman, and bartender. Lynda Boyd plays Samantha, the big-wig who brings alcoholic director Mark Brady (Donal Logue) to Scotland in the first place. He’s there to take over the filming of an adventure fishing show starring his ex-wife Taya (Joely Collins). This enjoyable romp of a movie really takes off when the ill-behaved lout meets local fishing guide, Nikki (Kristy Mitchell), and her precocious daughter. It’s well paced and acted — and the great performances by character actors and local color make the film a fun one to watch.
“Top End Wedding” is a comic romp across the wilds of Australia, tracking a runaway mother-of-the-bride. Prospective bride Lauren and her secretive fiancé Ned have ten days to find Lauren’s mother and console her distraught father — before moving ahead with the wedding of their dreams. While the scenery is truly breathtaking, the film also offers a glimpse into aboriginal culture, and the frictions that result when a young woman dares to live a different kind of life. Unaware of the sacrifices her mother has made, Lauren comes to a more gracious understanding…
