What's new and noteworthy…
By Lance Zarimba

March is coming in like a lamb, so we know it'll go out like a lion, and it looks like there is a lot in store for us in the months ahead. The winter blahs are hitting hard, but things are heating up on DVD. For those who enjoyed Silence of the Lambs and Seven, Saw maybe your next guilty pleasure. What starts out like a mad slasher movie, one we've all seen before, quickly changes into a twisted tale where things are not as they appear. That is the joy of this little movie, nothing is what it seems. As soon as the viewer thinks they have figured it out, the suspect is dismissed and a new one is in place, but who is next?

Even the most jaded movie buff, won't figure this mystery out. The writer's have created a clever puzzle, which will leave the viewer screaming at the end. If you haven't seen this one yet, it will be a fun rental, but seeing this on the big screen and with a crowd would add to the visceral intensity.

Cary Elwes looks a little flat and stifled in his role, but that changes with one of the movie's surprise. Danny Glover sheds his Lethal Weapon persona and shows us another side of his nature. Monica Pulver adds more than a pretty face, with her spirit trying to save herself and daughter.

The Motorcycle Diaries, which won an Oscar for best song, is also out on DVD. It documents the true story of Che Guevara in his journey across South America. Beautifully written and breath-takingly filmed this movie may not be a mystery, but showcases an up and coming international star, Gael Garcia Bernal.

Gael Garcia Bernal can also be found in the amazing Bad Education, soon to be released on DVD. Bad Education starts with a young and successful film director meeting a mysterious actor who claims to be his old school friend, but he doesn't seem the same. The actor brings a story about their life in school for the director to make into a movie, but this story may cause more secrets to be revealed that is healthy for all involved. The director soon realizes that everything isn't as it seems, but plays along with the masquerade and gets a few shocking revelations.

Gael Garcia Bernal also stars in Dot the I, coming soon to the theatres. On the eve of her wedding, Carmen reckless kisses an attractive stranger. The kiss arouses passions and starts a dark comedic love triangle with a twist. Why do some movies take so long to get into the cinemas?

Robert Crais' novel Hostage hits the big screen with Bruce Willis. Even though this is not an Elvis Cole mystery, this stand-alone thriller will make Crais a household name, a fact that is long over due. Hollywood seems to change books, so be prepared for a few surprises if you have read the novel.

And another movie that will be hitting the screen soon, The Ring 2 will hopefully live up to the first movie's popularity. Is a new generation of moviemaking on the horizon? Will the sequel be better than the original movie? The deadly videotape is playing again, and this time a young boy's soul is at stake.

On cable, Deadwood and Carnivale are back with new episodes. Monk is in reruns. Nip/Tuck's third season will start with a few surprises and Christian Troy and Shaun McNamara fates will play out. Glenn Close joins The Shield's third season and season finales for all the SCI and other shows are a lot close than can be believed, but so is spring and warmer weather.

If curling up with a new book is more to your liking there are several favorites on the horizon.

John Dunning's fourth Cliff Janeway mystery, The Sign of the Book involves the Denver Bookman helping his new partner. While traveling to a small town, they help investigate a case of a friend, accused of killing her husband. More book collecting facts add to the rich tale, educating and entertaining from the first to the last page.

P.J Tracy's Dead Run strands the Monkeewrench gang in the north woods when their car breaks down. Adding to their troubles is a double murder and no way to call for help.

Victor Gischler's dark, gritty humor is back in Suicide Squeeze, where the repo man reclaims a boat with a priceless stowaway and a billionaire collector's ninja gang hot on his trail.

The bone detective is back in Aaron Elkins Where There's a Will. Gideon Oliver's twelfth adventure digs up a deadly family plot or murder and greed in Hawaii, maybe a nice place to read this novel on the beach to escape the last blasts on winter.

Nevada Barr moves newly married Anna Pigeon to Colorado and the Rocky Mountain National Park where three girls disappear on a religious retreat in Hard Truth.

And Elizabeth George's new book, With No One As Witness, promises to have a surprise that will change the whole series for Thomas Lynley and Barbara Havers.

Hopefully, these suggestions will carry over until the spring thaw, and warmer weather will invite us outdoors once again.