There is plenty to choose from this week, covering many genres: drama, comedy, family, and suspense.   With all of the different choices, we try help you narrow them down.

Rent it:  And When Did You Last See Your Father? This emotional portrait of a son coming to terms with his father dying of cancer will certainly tug at your heartstrings.  The movie is an adaptation of Blake Morrison’s biographical novel and stars Colin Firth (Bridget Jones's Diary) and Jim Broadbent (Bridget Jones's Diary, Moulin Rouge!, Iris).  Firth struggles to sift through memories of his childhood to determine who his father really was and what he represented.  Although there is only one way for the movie to end, the journey getting there makes it worthwhile. However, we do suggest having a box of tissues next to you, just in case.

Rent it: Get Smart.  The movie may not actually reflect what its title suggests, but it does supply some good ol’ fashion family fun.  This new movie starring Steve Carell (Maxwell Smart) and Anne Hathaway (Agent 99) is based on the 1960s TV series created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry.  In this adventure, Max gets to try his hand as a field agent, but is constantly outdone by his far more competent partner, Agent 99.  Carell, with his dry sense of humor and charisma, keeps us giggling, although the movie otherwise is nothing more than modestly charming.

Skip it: Shrek the Halls. This is the Shrek franchise’s weak attempt to keep the big green ogre alive.  This 30 minute special appeared on the ABC Network, and now hits DVD this week. Shrek and the gang (Donkey, Princess Fiona, Puss and Boots) return in this holiday comedy about finding the perfect way to celebrate Christmas. Youngsters might enjoy this, but they might be just as over Shrek as we are.

Buy it: Transsiberian. Brad Anderson’s suspenseful thriller takes you on a train ride you certainly won’t forget.  Woody Harrelson (Roy) and Emily Mortimer (Jessie) are returning from working oversees when they decide to travel from Beijing to Moscow on the Trans-Siberian Express Train where they meet a mysterious couple.  Soon Roy and Jessie find themselves in a heart racing chase trying to escape death.  The film is intriguing because it never reveals too much, but gives just enough to keep you guessing until the end.

Skip it: Flashbacks of a Fool. Daniel Craig, aka James Bond (Quantum of Solace, Casino Royale), stars in this whiny drama about a has-been Hollywood actor who upon hearing the news of his childhood friend’s death, tries to commit suicide by drowning himself in the ocean.  While he is drifting in the Pacific, the audience is bombarded with flashbacks of his youth, and the real reason for him being so self-destructive is revealed.  The buildup to the “big secret” takes entirely too long, and the only reason anyone will rent this is because of Daniel Craig’s star power.

 —Jessica Delli Santi