I have avoided this thread until now because until last night, I hadn't seen the film. Little did I know that up until the last two posts no one was actually discussing the film. I found the film immensely entertaining, and a welcome departure from not only the overly somber and serious tone some of his more recent films have seen, but a welcome return to a more female dominated cast. It's nice to see Almodovar leave out homosexuals and transvestites, if for only one film. Cruz is great, and I found myself asking the same question her mother does "Has your chest always been this big?" Many good laughs from the crowd I saw the movie with (which was pretty good for 10:20pm on a Monday night).

The film is a little simpler than his previous efforts, and not in a bad way. Sure there are multiple plot threads, but they don't get overdone. In fact Almodovar leaves most of his threads unfinished and unresolved, such as the future with the restaurant, any investigation into Paco's disappearance, etc. However, do we really need it all explained? Well made, gorgeously composed, and in all one of the best films I've seen all year. Admittedly I'm far behind on films this year, so I'm not basing it on a great deal, but I can easily see a top ten finish for this. 

on a side note I saw a preview for Zhang Yimou's new Martial Arts epic, and it looks so deliciously over the top I almost burst into tears of joy.