Welcome back! Well, to some of you, anyway. To the rest of you, glad you decided to stop by and I hope that this humble column helps you navigate the stacks of new releases each week. My goal is to point you toward titles of interest and warn you away from those films that seek to do nothing but leech away your time and give you nothing in return.

This week brings a good selection of films, with only one obvious stinker among the high profile titles. I know there are a bunch here that I am looking forward to adding to my collection, as well as some that I am eager to see for the first time. Read on and see if any strike your fancy.

Cloverfield. One of my favorite films of the young 2008 season arrives on DVD. This film mixes elements of Cannibal Holocaust (or The Blair Witch Project, if you prefer) and Godzilla, offering an intense, first person perspective of a monster attack on New York City. This is not going to be a movie for everyone (as evidenced by the reviews and its fast box office drop off). I loved every second of it and was drawn right into the drama. There are thrills, scares, and laughs; through it all are a group of friends doing what they can for each other as they try to survive. This was a great theatrical experience that will hopefully be replicated on the small screen. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Charlie Wilson's War. This is a good movie, easily the most entertaining of the latest wave of war-themed films. Tom Hanks delivers a great performance, while Philip Seymour Hoffman steals many scenes with his dry wit and barely contained rage. Then there is Amy Adams who is a star on the rise. The story takes us inside the Afghani/Russian war that was secretly financed with American dollars, the good that was done and the unfinished job that was left behind, along with the implications for the present day. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

The Savages. Another Philip Seymour Hoffman film, albeit one I have not yet seen. He and Laura Linney co-star as siblings who do not get along, yet must take care of their ailing father by placing him in a nursing home. The trailers made the film look interesting in both its humor and emotional content. I am looking forward to seeing this one. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Friday Night Lights: The Second Season. One of the absolute best shows on television. It is a shame that there are not more people watching it. If you don't, why not? You are missing out on a show that has great writing and acting and is just completely entertaining. Sure, it centers on a high school, but don't hold that against it — this is not 90210 in Texas. This is its strike-shortened season with only 15 episodes but it is still well worth it. Go back and get the first season while you're at it. It will be coming back for a third season, although I really doubt it will go beyond that. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)