Hey readers, it’s Balcony Betty, here once again to spread my thoughts and opinions on the unsuspecting public at large. This past month, amidst the holiday cheer and good will, I saw some of the recently released DVD flicks that, for whatever reason, I missed while they were in the movie theater. Amongst the movies I am reviewing, there is a slasher, a fantasy, a ghostly thriller, a sci-fi/action and, a bit off my usual path of movie choices, a romantic/comedy.

“Cry Wolf” is yet another in a seemingly endless string of teenage slasher flicks. Just as in the “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer” movies, a group of friends are targeted by a serial killer. Although some of the plot points were weak, there was more than enough blood to make the movie worth watching. I gave it 3 howls of pleasure, and look for Jon Bon Jovi playing one of the teachers.

In “The Brothers Grimm,” Heath Ledger and Matt Damon play the title characters and find themselves in loads of trouble with French soldiers during the French occupation of Germany. Sent to a small village in the woods to solve the mystery of disappearances of village girls, they soon learn that many of the fairy tales they have heard are actually true. Based on the story line and special effects, I gave it 3 howls of pleasure, although some of the acting was overdone.

“Serenity” takes place in the post-teraforming future, and is about a girl-turned-weapon by “military” scientists. It’s centered on her and the mercenary crew of the starship “Serenity,” as they battle to spread the truth about the “military’s” attempt at psychological reconditioning aggressive persons, with horrific results. I do have one suggestion; when you watch this movie, don’t try to do anything else at the same time or you’ll probably miss something. All things considered, I gave it 3 and a half howls of pleasure.

This past month I spent an evening watching movies with my mother, and as always happens—she eventually put on a “chick flick.” That night we watched, “Must Love Dogs,” which in a nutshell is about finding love after divorce and internet dating. The movie is very cute, funny and has its heart-warming moments, although it also had its fair amount of sappiness. Over all, it was well worth the time. I gave it 4 howls of pleasure and recommend it to anyone just starting to date following their divorce.

For my last movie this month I chose, “Dark Water.” This is another remake of a Japanese movie, and is written by the same guy that brought us “Grudge” and “The Ring.” In my opinion, “Dark Water” is better than both of these combined. When a recently separated woman and her young daughter move into a rent-controlled apartment on Roosevelt Island, New York, strange, unexplainable things begin to happen. Since I don’t want to give away the ending, I will only say that “Dark Water” earned 4 howls of pleasure from me.