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.