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Out in cinemas this week: A new and even closer look at Spider-Man, plus a woman whose brain may be more than a brain.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Columbia Pictures
Here it is, the new, new version of the Spider-Man story--more intense, more pensive even than the Raimi/Maguire oeuvre, a development that's extremely appropriate for this most introspective of heroes. And, if nothing else, there's the much-missed dysfunctional family of Gwen Stacy and her dad--not to mention finally getting the Lizard after two whole movies with Dylan Baker popping up periodically as Curt Connors, only to have him just standing there, looking off to the side and asking quizzically, "Am I on yet?" The new version is out on Tuesday, by the way, to take advantage of the holiday on Wednesday.
The story: Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner.
Starring: Andrew Garfield (Spider-Man/Peter Parker), Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy), Rhys Ifans (The Lizard/Dr. Curt Connors), Denis Leary (Captain Stacy), Martin Sheen (Uncle Ben), Sally Field (Aunt May), Irrfan Khan (Rajit Ratha), Campbell Scott (Richard Parker), Embeth Davidtz (Mary Parker), Chris Zylka (Flash Thompson), Max Charles (Peter Parker (Age 4)), C. Thomas Howell (Jack's Father), Jake Ryan Keiffer (Jack), Kari Coleman (Helen Stacy), Michael Barra (Store Clerk).
Directed by: Marc Webb.
Swerve (2012)
Collaborative Media Commons
This is part of a larger project involving students and faculty at UC Santa Barbara designed to raise interesting questions about the organic relationship with technology, identity, and more. (Not to be confused with the 2011 Australian film starring David Lyons.)
The story: In a future post-apocalyptic California, the new frontier is a vast nano-contaminated Zone cut off from the all-connected Grid and the ceaseless flows of bodies and information outside its borders.
Starring: John Diehl (Samm), Beth Grant (Alsa), Caroline Do (Kaja), Janelle Giumarra (Pax), Marcia Battise (Adelle), Charles Robinson (Charlie), Maria-Elena Laas (Maria), Hugo Armstrong (Vector Bruno), James Bolt (Benjamin Hugo), Merlin Huff (The Kid).
Directed by: Zach Horton.
