Quality live-action family films are few and far between, so while this enchanting adaptation of Lillian Beckwith's titular novel does go over the rainbow at times, there's nevertheless magic in it. Shy and stammering 8-year-old orphan Tomás (a Culkin-esque John Bell) is plucked from a city orphanage and brought to the idyllic island of Corrie off the coast of Ireland. Tomás' new mother Maire (Connie Nielsen) is as loving and open as his new father Alec (Aidan Quinn) is gruff and withdrawn, disappointed that his beloved wife chose "the runt of the litter." "Underneath it all," Maire assures Tomás, "he has a tender heart," but as time goes on, Tomás' adoption papers remain unsigned. This being an Irish tale, there are magnificent sweeping landscapes, mythical creatures—seals said to carry messages to the dead—and tragedy that threatens Tomas' newfound home and happiness. Filmmaker Vic Sarin's A Shine of Rainbows contains no age-inappropriate pop culture references, bathroom humor, or product placements (a seal puppet is perhaps its most special effect). Rather, it's the performances, heartfelt story, and glimpses into Irish culture that make the film shine. Recommended. (D. Liebenson)
A Shine of Rainbows
Fox, 101 min., PG, DVD: $22.98, Mar. 15 Volume 26, Issue 3
A Shine of Rainbows
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