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 an eclectic selection of films that includes a low budget horror flick, a short-lived television series, some Hollywood selections from earlier this year, an odd looking horror/comedy, a classic Western, and some wrestling. I know there are a few here that I am looking forward to checking out, as well as some that I am eager to see for the first time. Read on and see if any strike your fancy.

Funny Games. This movie is not for everyone. Actually, there are probably very few that this is for. What does the fact that I liked it say about me? This movie is a brave exercise in filmmaking, a film that is more about garnering a reaction than telling a story. This film is a shot for shot remake of a film that Michael Haneke made in the 1990's, it is a movie that is unflinching in its accusing the audience of allowing what is going on to happen, and enjoying it. It challenges the limits to which you are willing to put yourself through for the sake of entertainment. As one of our antagonists says, "You mustn't forget the value of entertainment." But are you entertained? I was, and I am sure this is what Haneke was targeting. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

The Signal. A mysterious signal invades electronic equipment, turning people into killers. I had hoped to see this low budget horror film on the big screen, but it never happened. The film was a collaborative effort by three men, each writing and directing an act of the film, offering multiple viewpoints of the event. The creative trio is composed of David Bruckner, Dan Bush, and Jacob Gentry. I look forward to catching it on DVD. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

John Adams. This is the HBO mini-series that aired earlier this year starring Paul Giamatti. I have heard good things about it, but have not seen it. Could be an interesting series, does anyone have any thoughts on it and its accuracy? (BUY, RENT, SKIP)