A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.

Tomás (John Bell) is a shy, stuttering orphan bullied by the other kids. He is adopted by Maire (Connie Nielsen) but her husband Alec (Aidan Quinn) is reluctant. They live in an isolated farm house on remote Corrie Island, Ireland. Alec has yet to sign the adoption papers. They find an abandoned baby seal and Tomás takes care of it.This has a nice quiet charm but it's lacking in drama. There is no tension in the story. These are perfectly nice characters. It needs a hurdle but the only hurdle exists in Alec. That's not enough unless the movie intends to make him a villain. There are slight attempts at magical realism. While they are nice, they are not big enough to be awesome. This is a nice little movie but not much more.

Sometimes the Netflix recommendations work, sometimes they don't. This time they did. The source novel was written in 1984 so I expect the story was probably set in the 1970s or so. A shy young boy of 8 has been in an orphanage and without any warning, one day he is called over and told he is going home with a woman. She had been observing him and knew he would be the ideal choice for adoption. She and her husband had tried to have a child of their own, without success.On the trip to his new home, which required a ride in a boat to the island homestead, he became seasick, it was his first experience on water. In fact just about everything was new and he was shy, and spoke with a slight stammer.Connie Nielsen is great as the wife, and eventual "mother", Maire. Her husband is Aidan Quinn as Alec. They love each other but are opposites, she is caring and warm, he is a typical task-oriented man living off the land and the nearby sea.The boy is John Bell as Tomás, and it would be hard to imagine anyone else playing the part so well. Unsure at first he gets used to the routine, the chores, the school, and the new neighbor kids. He is happy in his new home, he asks permission to call this lady "mom" and she agrees enthusiastically. It seems like a perfect fit.Mom is not well, and when things take a turn for the worse Tomás wonders if he will be allowed to stay, at a place that he now considers his home. Things turn out well, after a series of trials, and soon he has a dad too. They help each other see the world in better ways.A really fine, small movie with superb acting. The location isn't bad either!

Directed by Vic Sarin, "A Shine Of Rainbows" is a relaxing and simple movie to watch. I enjoyed the characters despite supposed Irish accents clearly coming in-and-out. Nevermind that though, the movie has a great natural and vibrant setting in an Isle (presumably off Ireland) in which the 3 main characters come together and learn to live and get along together. I enjoyed the stunning scenery and the innocent and mostly uncynical dialog that was put forth. It's not completely clear what day and age the movie set in - although with vehicles and all, it looks like it's intending 50 years prior or so. Without completely spoiling what takes place, suffice it to say that the story has been done before and maybe more competently, but nonetheless it is recommended.

I saw this film in December, of 2009 in Indianapolis. I am one of the judges for the Heartland Truly Moving Picture Award. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life." Heartland gave that award to this film.Tomas is a young boy that is bullied and unhappy at an orphanage. He is suddenly and mysteriously adopted by a childless couple, who live simply and modestly on a very remote Irish island. The Mother, although in ill health, is a woman of astounding positive energy and beauty and sets herself to healing the mental and physical scars of the boy's unfortunate upbringing. The Father meanwhile loves his wife dearly, but is far less excited by the recovering, damaged boy.Intertwined with this awkward triangle relationship is light fantasy and legend and mystery of the gorgeous Irish coast. The Irish coast is so beautifully rendered that it is like a fourth character.There is suddenly a great change in circumstances and two parts of the triangle have to come to terms with this tragedy. It takes courage and resolve and change and love.The three actors of the triangle are vivid and hold your attention and each ultimately moves you emotionally in three different ways.FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.