Casual Critic Mini Reviews

Volver (Spain) (Sony Pictures Classics) (2006) ***1/2Year: 2006iMDB

Director: Pedro Almodovar Cast: Penelope Cruz, Carmen Maura, Lola Duenas

Almodovar has always told great stories about women (All about my Mother, Talk to Her), but Volver might be his best yet for two reasons. First, the natural combination of humor and drama makes the surreal story of these women much easier to relate to than some of the previous movies. Second, but perhaps most important than all: Penelope Cruz. With a performance that brings on everyone's lips a flattering comparison with Sophia Loren, Cruz commends every scene that she is part of.

Volver is not a relaxing saturday night movie, as it touches on powerful, disturbing issues. However, it is a movie that is likely to enter every movie buff's collection, an instant classic.