Folks who just happen to stumble upon one of the titles from the newly released Lina Wertmuller collection might be more than a little shocked at what they find. Sure, the synopsis of Swept Away can be interpreted as a learns-her-lesson comedy a la Goldie Hawn in Overboard, but that's not at all how the story plays out. A rich woman and her servant wind up on a deserted island, trapped, with little hope of rescue. The expected "Oh, I broke a nail moments" are there, but their resolution is far from Goldie Hawn. Seems the servant isn't gonna play servant any more, and to her own surprise, the society gal couldn't be happier.

A still vital look at class struggles, Swept Away speaks just as strongly to today's issues, and was recently remade by Guy Ritchie, starring his wife, Madonna. Unfortunately, the remake features all the bitchery but none of the harsh wit. And, that's the key to much of Wertmuller's extensive list of (in)famous titles. I mean, Seven Beauties sounds like a 50s movie about seven dreamy sisters who all find millionaire husbands before the end credits roll. Uh, not exactly. see, here, there's Nazis, S&M, sex and class struggles ­ just another typical movie by Italy's foremost female director. In fact, Seven Beauties was one of the director's most acclaimed and hated films. Is it a dark comedy or a perversion of history, maybe a little of both? And that's probably how Wertmuller likes it.

Some of the comic moments are bracing; some fall into Benny Hill territory. But, as the editorial pundits now like to point out about V for Vendetta, there'll be plenty to talk about afterwards. Shame on Roberto Begnini for claiming his Life is Beautiful was the first feel good concentration camp movie. These titles, along with several others are part of the new Wertmuller collection. With Mothers' Day coming up, here's the perfect gift for the mom you love with that unique view of life, or for that mom you hate, who will sputter and spark soon after putting one of these titles in the DVD player. Either way, you win.

At first glance, you wouldn't think Wertmuller had much to offer in the way of farce or slapstick, but these forms are obviously close to her heart, even if they are displayed a bit differently than in commercial American film. In Just Friends, Ryan Reynolds is a fat, geeky teen, who, years later, morphs into Ryan Reynolds - the new version with the muscles from Men's Fitness magazines. This version is a whole lot better, except for the fact that when he gained the muscles, he also gained an attitude. Ain't that always the way? Well, I've never let that stop me, but it seems that Reynolds' old teen gal pal, always a secret crush, prefers the nice guy.

She probably prefers the muscles, too, but the movie sidesteps that issue. Chris Klein, all rosy-cheeked and sincere, is the guitar playing ambulance driver, who competes with Reynolds for the gal, all while Reynolds inadvertently begins to revert back to his former self. What appeared to be just another gross out sex comedy is actually a rather sweet tale of growing up and accepting your true self. Though, of course, it helps if that self is muscled.