Volver (pronounced boll-bear', not 'vulva') is the latest film from Hollywood's current favourite foreign director, Pedro Almodovar (carrying the torch after Bergman, Kurosawa and Fellini). It stars Penelope Cruz as Raimunda, a mother who has to deal with a deadbeat husband, a teenage daughter, a lonely sister and a mother that has come back from the dead! So just a typical storyline for Almodovar then (although there are no pregnant nuns with AIDS in this one).For those not familiar with the director, he primarily deals with women and their lives and issues. If the world was dominated by directors like Almodovar, it would be the men complaining that there are no good roles for them, as most of the blokes are peripheral characters. At the same time, he certainly adores the female form - there are plenty of shots of Cruz's cleavage and (apparently prosthetic) rear end (after seeing this film, you too may find it hard to believe that Almodovar 's gay!)But, more importantly (and less flippantly), Volver is a good story with some interesting twists and great performances. The Best Actress award at Cannes last year was awarded to all the women in this film, but it is Cruz that shines the most - it's a pity that Hollywood has wasted her in superfluous supporting roles like Sahara and Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Come along and see her best role to date.'

Over the past couple of years, you may have read and/or heard many reviewers (including myself) herald the return to form of Australian film. Unfortunately last year, the best slipped under the radar of most people (it didnt even get a release in Canberra). That was Last Train To Freo.This is a real-time film (i.e. the running time of the film is the same amount of time in the film) about a train trip from Perth to Fremantle late at night. We gradually build up to five passengers - The Tall Thug, Trev, Lisa, Maureen and Simon. Each has a story, and some have surprises. And I'm telling you no more plot, as you need to take this ride yourself.This film has fantastic character actors who are relishing a great, tension-filled script. All performances are award-worthy, especially Steve Le Marquand as The Tall Thug (such a pity this came out the same year as Kenny otherwise Steve would have an AFI for his efforts!). And it's all staged beautifully by director Jeremy Sims (who proves he's more than a "Chances" bare ass).This movie literally had me on the edge of my seat. Don't miss the best Aussie film of 2006!'