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Richard Parker (Campbell Scott), stumbles onto some research his father was trying to protect. Investigating further, a visit to his father’s former lab partner, Dr. Connors (Rhys Ifans), ends in misadventure as Peter is bitten by a genetically modified spider. Before long Peter begins to take on the characteristics of a spider. But not is all well, on one particular evening dealing with his teen rage Peter witnesses the death of his legal guardian and uncle Ben (Martin Sheen). On a mission to track and stop Ben’s Killer Peter takes to the streets as a masked vigilante, the Spider-man is born. Unfortunately, Spider-Man’s acts of heroism aren’t taken well by NYPD Captain Stacy (Denis Leary) who also happens to be the father of Peter/Spider-man’s girlfriend Gwen (Emma Stone). Twisting things further, Dr. Connors appears to be losing his mind now that Peter has shared his father’s discoveries—this in turn breeds more trouble as Dr. Connors becomes The Lizard, a gigantic genetic mutant of a man. Now to stop the lizard, get on the good side of Captain Stacy, win the heart of Gwen, and live to see another day. Re-booting the Spider-Man legacy director Marc Webb appears to take Spidey to a darker level, much the way Christopher Nolan has re-imagined Batman. It’s all about rain, grit, grime, the harshness of the city and its underworld. But then there’s conflict, countering the grit Webb still makes an attempt to remind us that Peter Parker is an adolescent, almost punkish and for lack of a better adjective “comic bookish.” For all of the darkness, there’s an attitude of a boy that hasn’t matured into a man yet, this unfortunately plays out a bit like a 13 year old boy’s daydream, not really well developed and a bit of an eye roller from time to time. The same can be said for The Lizard’s role, a little too comic bookish, not entirely well developed, and it’s never really clear where his motivations are coming from. Cinematography and graphics feel interesting throughout, although the 3D again DOES NOTHING! My beefs aside, it’s still web slinging fun. The Amazing Spider-Man is rated PG-13.

Growing up just outside of Boston John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) didn’t have many friends. And, on one particular Christmas day eve, when the conditions were just right to make a little boy’s wish come true, young John made a wish, a wish that his teddy bear could be his best friend. With that wish, and a little magic John awoke the next morning to discover his bear, Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane), was in fact alive and able to talk. Best buddies forever, the two swore they would never part– even when initial fame of Ted’s miracle existence hit and wore off, the two managed to stay together. Now a grown man at the age of 35, John is looking to keep the love of his life, Lori (Mila Kunis). But, between his own self destructive behaviour and Ted’s influence, John is walking a delicate line. Can he pull himself together to save his relationship, and what about Ted, and what about the creepy Teddy bear-napper, Donny (Giovanni Ribisi)? Written and Directed by pop culture comedic skewer Seth MacFarlane, fans of Family Guy, American Dad, and The Cleveland Show are in for a treat. The comedy comes fast, cheap, and easy (insert your own “mom” joke here) and doesn’t let up till the bitter end. Still, dancing on a razor’s edge, perhaps some humor, despite it’s satirical nature or otherwise might be a little much for some easy targets and minorities; getting past that, there’s still a lot of charm in a four mouthed bear with an attitude played straight to a fault. Also of note, unlike MacFarlane’s television work, Ted’s storytelling seems to plow through mercilessly and on target instead of the usual asides many fans are accustomed to. I laughed, was entertained by a bear, and am not ashamed to admit it. Worth your comedic dollar, Ted is rated R.

Mike (Channing Tatum) is an entrepreneur of several wildly divergent businesses, with a skill set ranging from roofer to auto detailer to custom furniture crafter to male stripper. You could say life in Tampa Florida hasn’t exactly turned out quite the way he’d hoped or wanted. With an ounce of pity for Adam (Alex Pettyfer), an out of work college dropout, Mike opens the door to the hardcore party lifestyle, women, stripping, and drugs. Meanwhile Adam’s sister, Brooke (Cody Horn), isn’t exactly sitting by the sidelines, but attempting to care for her little brother might be too much. And, with the pressure of club owner Dallas (Matthew McConaughey) mounting for all, eventually something’s got to give. Finding center, love, and purpose becomes Mike’s new goal, but is it too late, and what of Adam’s fate? Now, I know what you’re thinking, Chippendales/Male Strippers? C Tate? Can my eyeballs possibly witness this without the rest of my body somehow engaging in a full on gag reflex? Short answer, yes, and without totally giving up your man card either. The material could have very easily turned hokey or hard to digest, instead, Director Steven Soderbergh coaxes honest performances from what might otherwise be a laughable story. Mind you, there are quite a few honest laughs, and awkward moments, but somehow it all seems to add up to provide for characters you’re really rooting for. Acting all round feels on point, and with a mild reservation on the film’s final act, the film is seaworthy and stout. And, once again, hat’s off to Tatum, somehow miraculously he manages to pull on the yoke every time I think he’s about to crash and burn…well played sir, well played. Magic Mike is rated R for obvious reasons.