VOLVER - it's out on DVD, rent it, it's truly a great film -- Almodovar (who I'm a huge fan of) really makes his best film since "All About My Mother" in my opinion. Penelope Cruz gives the best performance of her career. José Luis Alcaine's cinematography is beautiful, he really knows how to light women! Also Alberto Iglesias' music score is terrific, with nods to Bernard Herrmann.

THE HOST - Creature-fest from South Korea, it really delivers! Tons of great stuff if you're into slimy monsters attacking people, which I am! It's sprinkled with humor and has some really outstanding CGI. Can't wait for it to come out on DVD.

BLACK BOOK - To me, this was kind of the brother/sister movie to Verhoeven's "Soldier of Orange", which is a classic, IMO. Carice Van Houten is excellent as the lead in the film as "Rachel" -- certainly look for her in the future. The film is full of dark suspense, nail-biting scenes, and terrific performances.

PAN'S LABYRINTH - Certainly very worthy of all the acclaim it got. This is the best film director Del Toro has made yet. It's beautifully designed, superbly shot, and full of great performances. Also of note: the music by Javier Navarette is perfect -- heartbreaking, sad, beautiful...