Volver (2006)

Dir. Pedro Almodóvar

Written and directed by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, this humorous fantasy stars Carmen Maura as Abuela Irene, who revisits her hometown in the La Mancha region -- in spectral form -- to resolve problems she couldn't settle during her life. Abuela's spirit gradually becomes a reassuring presence to her daughters (Penélope Cruz, in an Oscar-nominated performance, and Lola Dueñas) and granddaughter (Yohana Cobo).

Charade (1963)

Dir. Stanley Donen

Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn have chemistry to burn in this suave comedy with an evocative Henry Mancini score. Grant may or may not be a flimflam man who aids the recently widowed Hepburn in her mission to recover a fortune hidden by her late husband. But three sinister crooks -- who'll stop at nothing -- also covet the loot.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios) (1988)

Dir. Pedro Almodovar

This madcap farce from acclaimed director Pedro Almodovar introduces us to Pepa (Carmen Maura), who's just been dumped by the love of her life, Ivan (Fernando Guillen). What's more, Pepa's girlfriend Candela (Maria Barranco) is involved with a terrorist; Ivan's crazed wife arrives with loaded guns; and Ivan is about to get on a plane that Candela's boyfriend plans to hijack. It's enough to drive any woman to a nervous breakdown ... or beyond!

I'm Not Scared (Io non ho paura) (2003)

Dir. Gabriele Salvatores

Michele (Giuseppe Cristiano), a 10-year-old boy growing up in a southern Italian village, discovers another youngster, Filippo (Mattia Di Pierro), chained up inside a small hole dug in the yard of an abandoned house. Michele soon learns from watching the news that the boy has been kidnapped … and things take an even darker turn when he realizes his own parents may be involved. Aitana Sanchez-Gijon co-stars.

True Romance (1993)

Dir. Tony Scott


In this darkly comic web of crime, murder and mayhem from writer Quentin Tarantino and director Tony Scott, novice prostitute Alabama Whitman and her lover, comic book store clerk Clarence Worley, become a Bonnie and Clyde for the 1990s. When Clarence kills Alabama's pimp, the newlyweds ride off into the sunset -- with $5 million worth of cocaine in a suitcase and the police and the mob on their trail.

Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance (Boksuneun naui geot) (2002)

Dir. Chan-wook Park

Deaf and dumb Ryu (Ha-Kyun Shin) is romantically involved with young revolutionary Young-Mi (Dun-na Bae) and loves his older sister so much that he sells his kidney on the black market to afford her a life-saving transplant. When Ryu find's he's been ripped off, Young-Mi hatches a better plan: She and Ryu will "borrow" the young daughter of the capitalist boss who fired Ryu and raise the necessary funds that way.

Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno)

Dir. Guillermo del Toro

In this fairy tale for adults, 10-year-old Ofelia stumbles on a decaying labyrinth guarded by Pan, an ancient satyr who claims to know her destiny. With a new home, a new stepfather -- a Fascist officer in the pro-Franco army -- and a new sibling on the way, nothing is familiar to Ofelia in this multiple Oscar-nominated tale set in 1944 Spain from director Guillermo del Toro.

Jaws (1975)

Dir. Steven Spielberg

When an insatiable great white shark terrorizes the townspeople of Amity Island, a police chief, a grizzled shark hunter and an oceanographer seek to destroy it. Director Steven Spielberg created the summer blockbuster boom with this white-knuckle adaptation of the Peter Benchley novel. John Williams's ominous musical score has become legendary.

A Woman Is a Woman (Une femme est une femme) (1961)

Dir. Jean-Luc Godard

Beautiful striptease artist Angela (Anna Karina) is desperate to have a child, but her boyfriend, Emile (Jean-Claude Brialy), isn't as anxious. Although he cares for Angela and wants to keep their relationship going, he's not ready for a child. Instead, he suggests that she get together with his buddy Alfred (Jean-Paul Belmondo) -- a proposal Angela ultimately accepts, to Emile's shock and dismay. Frenchman Jean-Luc Godard directs.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)

Dir. Jonathan Liebesman

The genesis of the monstrous Leatherface (Andrew Bryniarski) is recounted in this shocking slasher flick. Before going to fight in Vietnam, two brothers (Taylor Handley and Matthew Bomer) out for a last fling with their girlfriends (Diora Baird and Jordana Brewster) end up in a heap o' trouble when their Jeep crashes. Next thing you know, a psycho sheriff (R. Lee Ermey) ushers them to a place where terror awaits in the form of young Leatherface.

Beyond the Darkness (Buio Omega) (1979)

Dir. Joe D'Amato

This may just be the most extreme movie directed by Italian shock master Joe D'Amato. On the heels of his girlfriend's death, Francesco (Kieran Canter) steps off the edge of sanity completely. Unable to let her go, he keeps her body at home to keep her close. And when that doesn't work to make him feel in control, he starts hunting down women and carving them up, becoming a beast who's lost his tether to humanity.

The Sea Inside (Mar Adentro) (2004)

Dir. Alejandro Amenábar

Based on a true story, this moving film centers on a Spaniard, Ramon Sampedro (Javier Bardem), who's condemned to life as a quadriplegic. Determined to die with dignity, Sampedro leads a 30-year campaign to win the right to end his life. An extraordinary man, Sampedro inspires his lawyer, Julia (Belen Rueda), and a local woman (Lola Duenas) to reach for the stars, and through his inspiration, the women achieve far beyond their wildest dreams.

The Saint (1997)

Dir. Phillip Noyce


Master thief Simon Templar (Val Kilmer) eludes his pursuers by assuming the names of obscure saints. When a Russian politician (Rade Serbedzija) hires Templar to steal the formula for cold fusion, he falls in love with Emma Russell (Elisabeth Shue), the frail Oxford scientist who has unlocked the process' secret. Back in Moscow, Templar must decide whether to betray his new love or the madman who's paying him millions.

Groundhog Day (1993)

Dir. Harold Ramis


In this offbeat comedy from director Harold Ramis, self-centered TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is sent to Punxsutawney, Pa., to cover the groundhog's annual appearance. Loathing the event, Connors unleashes his bitterness on his producer (Andie MacDowell) and cameraman (Chris Elliott). The next day, however, Connors finds he's doomed to repeat Groundhog Day -- again and again -- until he learns that his actions can affect the outcome.

PCU (1994)

Dir. Hart Bochner

This satirical comedy -- Hart Bochner's directorial debut, starring Jeremy Piven, Chris Young and Jon Favreau -- follows the hijinks of a band of renegade college students out to unveil the idiocy behind blind political correctness at Port Chester University. The students live at the Pit, a dormitory for those who want a reprieve from the rabid PC environment. When their detractors decide to take them down, they fight to the hilarious end.

January Totals

January Total = 16

Stats:

Rent - 13
Own - 0
Theater - 2
TV - 1
Other - 0
First Viewing - 16