Bill Forstyth Films (Local Hero plus)

Bill Forsyth is a Scottish writer and film director. His first films, with Scottish settings, are charmers. Local Hero (1983) remains somewhat a classic and is still available.

Gregory's Girl (1982) is also available on DVD. Its a delightful film, reviewed as "triumphs with sweetness, good humor, a gentle, compassionate spirit and winning performances." And its funny.

There is a sequel, Gregory's Two Girls (1999), but it seems only to be available on Region 2 PAL DVDs.

However, there are two earlier films difficult to impossible to find. Comfort and Joy (1984) was out on VHS but doesn't seem to made it to the U.S. DVD market. Bill Paterson plays a radio DJ in Glasgow. His name is Alan "Dickie" Byrd. After being dumped by his girl friend a few days before Christmas, he sees a very attractive woman on an ice cream truck and follows the truck. Its attacked by a band of masked robbers, one recognizes "DickieByrd" and he ends up being involved in an ice cream war. Yes, that's correct, an ice cream war between the "Mr. Bunnys" and the "Mr. McCools." A delightful Christmas movie, if it ever comes out on DVD grab it.

I only know about his first film That Sinking Feeling (1980) (which he wrote, produced and directed) because I managed to tape it from a TV showing many years ago. Four bored, unemployed teens in dreary, rainy Glasgow get a great idea. Make a killing by stealing stainless steel sinks from a warehouse and selling them. Oh, and disguise as girls to do the job. Sound funny? It is. Unfortunately, you'll probably not be able to see for yourself.

He wrote and/or directed three American films (1987, 1989, 1993) but there has been nothing since Gregory's Two Girls in 1999. Wonder why.

More deliciously odd movies:

Heavenly Creatures (R) A Peter Jackson film before Lord of the Rings and when Kate Winslet was an unknown. A true story about two teenage girls plotting and carrying out a shocking crime. Its chilling but true. One of the girls involved is now a famous author of mysteries.

Kinky Boots (PG13) Another "based on a true story film." How do you save your family business from bankruptcy when you make out-of-fashion, conservative shoes for men? How about making outrageous shoes for cross-dressing cabaret performers/drag queens -- in their sizes. Great characters and you may even want to buy the soundtrack.

The Price of Milk (PG-13) A "modern fairytale" and "sweet creamy romance" about two lovers, a dairy farm and 117 cows. Don't trade your lover's cows for a quilt if you expect a "they lived happily ever after ending." Filmed in New Zealand, its magic.

Greenfingers (R) Clive Owen and Helen Mirran star in this comedy about a British convict who is placed in an experimental program to finish off his sentence. Who knew it would lead to him become an expert gardener (with some setbacks along the way). Will he win the top prize and the girl? Watch it and see.

Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School (PG13) A grieving widower (Robert Carlyle of The Full Monty fame) is concerned he'll never know happpiness again. He's in for a pleasant surprise. Might learn to dance too.

Keeping Mum (R) A dark comedy about an absent-minded pastor who doesn't quite know what's happening around him. Problem kids, problem wife -- he really needs help. Maggie Smith is the housekeeper who knows how to clean house and save the day. But it takes more than cleaners and a dust mop.

Good movies you probably missed.

These are all available on DVD. Most didn't make it to the multi-screen theatres, but all are worth seeing.

Fever Pitch (R) No, this isn't about the Red Sox. Its the original English version with Colin Firth. Meet Paul, an English teacher in his mid-thirties, a bachelor, with an obsession -- the Arsenal football (soccer if you live in the U.S.) team. All the pangs of supporting a losing team and being a bit of a loser. Cheer at the ending.

Into the West (PG) A family film which tells the story of two young children, a magnificent horse, and their wild and merry chase across Ireland.

Her Majesty (PG) The Queen of England is coming to New Zealand. 13 year-old Elizabeth is very excited, but there's a problem. The townspeople want the rickety shack of an elderly Maori woman torn down before the Queen's visit. How does Elizabeth handle the problem -- the woman is her friend -- but the shack is really unsightly. Its a charming film.

Brassed Off (R) with Ewan McGregor A comedy about two old friends - and ex lovers - whose surprise reunion turns their lives - and the lives of everyone else in town -hilariously upside down.

Danny Deckchair (PG13) An average guy uses gags and pranks to liven up his blue-collar life and accidentally ends up taking off in a deck chair strapped to giant helium-filled balloons. You won't believe what happens next.

The Wicker Man (R) NO, not the Nicholas Cage, but the original version. This is considered a horror film and R-rated. However, I don't like horror films at all, but I've watched this one more than once. An island off the coast of Scotland harbors a secret and its bad news for the policeman who comes to investigate a missing girl.

Dear Frankie (PG13) This one made the "art theaters" mostly. A film festivals winner, its a touching and humorous movie about a young boy, his mother and the man she hires to play his supposedly "off to sea" father when his ship comes to port in their hometown.

Rabbit Proof Fence (PG) In a time when Australian Aboriginal children were taken from their homes to be trained as domestic workers and integrated into white society, 3 young girls decide to return home. This film is based on the true story of their 1,500 mile adventure to get there.

Lucky Break (PG13) A small town crook botches a bank robbery and end up in prison. Starring in a prisoner written, prisoners sung musical seems like a good way to make an escape. But there will be complications, of course. Its a fun film, directed by the director of The Full Monty.

Local Hero (PG) Best Scotland-based movie ever in my opinion. Great story, gorgeous scenery and good acting. What more could you want? A don't miss in my book.

No blockbusters here, but entertaining off-beat films. I hope you find time to enjoy one or more of them.