Volver

Unless you are committed to the subtle and understated, Pedro Almodovar is hard to resist. His sheer exuberance as a filmmaker is infectious, as is the love he shows for his characters, as well as the actresses who play them. He plays with dolls and he plays with us, but it’s all in good spirit. If men are MIA or DOA, diablos for sure, well then, they get plenty of adoration in other movies. It’s just us girls here. In abundant variety, but inveterate beauty. The story is snappy, the visuals are lush, the music is grabby -- what’s not to like? I am not as wild for Penelope Cruz as many are, either her looks or her acting, but she does anchor the ensemble nicely in this film, a Donna Quixote tilting at the huge modern windmills of La Mancha. Lola Duenas is adorable as her sister, Carmen Maura enchanting as her mother, her daughter and friends all appealing. If a few men have to die to spread happiness among the ladies, that’s fair enough -- let the love of women have its day, let sisterhood and motherhood reign. With men out of the way, the women can forgive each other and live happily every after. The enigmatic title of “Volver” might have been translated as “To Return” but I believe our Pedro wanted it to stand as a homologue of “Vulva.” (2006, Images, n.) *8* (MC-83.)