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, a lame romantic comedy, a sweet-natured buddy comedy, a foreign epic, a classic animated film, a Spanish language drama, and more. 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.

Be Kind, Rewind. Michel Gondry is a master of combining visual flair that is flashy yet unassuming with heartfelt characters. He does a nice job of bringing these two together while giving the idea that anyone could do what Mike (Mos Def) and Jerry (Jack Black) do. It is a nice feeling that just warms the heart. Combine that with the fine performances, and what isn't to like? Granted, it may not be worthy of love, but it is more than worthy of a great deal of like. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Burn Notice: Season One. Jeffrey Donovan (Blair Witch Project 2: Book of Shadows) stars as a spy who has been burned by the US government. He finds himself stuck in Miami with his ex-girlfriend (Gabrielle Anwar), his mother, and a goofy spy (the inimitable Bruce Campbell). The series chronicles his attempts to get to the root of what happened to him, while also taking the odd spy job to earn cash. Not mind-blowingly original, but definitely entertaining and worth checking out. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Jericho: The Second Season. After CBS was inundated with bags of nuts, they brought the show back for a limited seven-episode second season. This short run lost much of the character development that marked its first season, but it did provide a tense drama as the small town begins to learn more about what happened and the new direction the country is taking. It is a shame it had to go out the way it did, but so many good series go the same way, at least the DVDs are here to relive what you did get. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Fool's Gold. Matthew McConaghy and Kate Hudson star as a treasure hunter and his ex-wife in this inexplicable romantic comedy. The stars are likable, a couple of scenes will elicit a chuckle, but overall you will find yourself fighting back the overwhelming urge to take a nap. There is neither meat nor dessert with this meal. You'd be better off looking elsewhere for a little romantic adventure. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)