This is the second film by director Asia Argento, the daughter of Italian horror meister Dario Argento. Asia has been an actress since her teens, but if this film is any indication, she is going places as a filmmaker. Always willing to tackle tough subjects, both of her directorial efforts reveal Asia as an artist that doesn't hold back and makes no apologies. Based on the book by the controversial writer JT Leroy, Asia handles the difficult subject (child abuse) with great artistic flair. Don't miss the interview with Asia at the New York premiere on the DVD as you get to meet the "real" Asia (and the "real" JT Leroy).

This fast-paced, twisted thriller/comedy is set in contemporary Los Angeles pokes fun at the noir genre while exploiting its cliches just for the fun of it. Very smartly written, with zappy dialogue, unexpected surprises and plenty of "did you just see what I saw?" jaw-droppers. The over-the-top acting style of Robert Downey Jr. and Michelle Monaghan actually works. Directed by a first-time director working from his own script. So good, I'm looking forward to a second viewing soon. Bonus: The title sequence is a stylish retro graphic animation referencing Saul Bass and James Bond among other classic "designed" openers. With a jazzy score, it evokes the more innocent times of the early modern look.

I've been a fan of Japanese animator Miyazaki ever since I saw My Neighbor Totoro almost 20 years ago. Even though I've seen most of his recent releases (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke), somehow I never caught up with his 1986 classic (originally titled Laputa) until now. As it turns out, Castle in the Sky is now my favorite Miyazaki film. Produced entirely without any computer assistance, this old-school cell animation classic is jaw-droppingly beautiful to look at and one of the most imaginative films ever made. Recently, Disney has been re-releasing his films on DVD with quality dubbing and 5.1 surround sound, so hopefully American audiences will begin to appreciate the work of this master animator. In theatres now is Howl's Moving Castle, Miyazaki's most recent effort that's getting rave reviews.

Some movies age well, others improve with age. Raging Bull is one of those films on the verge of becoming a classic. One of Scorsese's personal favorites, Raging Bull opened to mixed reviews in 1980. But watching it again on the recently released special edition DVD, it is difficult to find any flaws in this techinically perfect film which possibly contains the best performance of DeNiro's career. In fact, every actor in this film seemed born to play their role. Filmed in stunning black & white, edited with incredible rhythm, staged with amazing period detail, this film is a visual treat as well as an emotional roller coaster ride.

Part documentary, part concert film, part history lesson, this odd collaboration between German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire) and guitarist Ry Cooder strikes a perfect balance. I first saw this film when it opened in 1999. Five years later, it still has not lost its impact. Emotionally involving, many scenes are so honest and potent that they brought chills to my spine. Not just for lovers of Cuban music, this milestone celluloid gem deserves multiple viewings. Also check out the CD of the same name.

I've been a big fan of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Amelie for along time, so obviously I was very much looking forward to seeing his latest epic. And I wasn't disappointed. Visually lush, romantically engaging, and very French in style and attitude. It's a very effective anti-war film coming ata time when we need it most. Audrey Tautou's performance vividly recalls her character in Amelie, in fact so much so this movie could almost be called Amelie 2. The best part is the ending. It took a day or two before I realized the design behind the ending. I have a feeling Jeunet was deliberately seeking the "happiest" of all possible endings. And he wrote exactly that. Recommended.