Movies: 'Spider-Man' Spins Familiar Tale + 'Katy Perry: Part of Me'

If you have difficulty viewing this newsletter, click here to view as a Web page. Click here to view in plain text. Friday, July 06, 2012 Spinning a (too) familiar tale Ann Hornaday "The Amazing Spider-Man" has been billed as a reboot of the franchise, which unfortunately means taking audiences once again through every step of Peter Parker's transformation into a superhero. [Read more] Chronicling a confection "Katy Perry: Part of Me" peels back the pop star's candied coating. [Read more] Also Opening 'Beasts of the Southern Wild' Ann Hornaday The Sundance darling is an alternately scrappy and uplifting story, but ultimately condescending. [Read more] 'Savages' Ann Hornaday The snap, crackle and pulp of Oliver Stone's rock-and-roll inclinations fuels his big bad boy of an adaptation of Don Winslow's novel. [Read more] 'Take This Waltz' Michael O'Sullivan Writer-director Sarah Polley ("Away From Her") creates another nuanced tale of a love triangle. [Read more] 'Whores' Glory' Michael O'Sullivan The prostitution-themed documentary takes viewers on a journey to shadowy neighborhoods of the modern city and into hidden sides of the human psyche. [Read more] Celebritology John Travolta and his 'Savages' approach In the wake of recent lawsuits, Travolta has taken a careful approach to promoting his new movie, "Savages." 'The Amazing Spider-Man' vs. 'Spider-Man' How does Marc Webb's origin story measure up against Sam Raimi's? We're so glad you asked. Tom Cruise in 'Jack Reacher' clip Cruise celebrates his 50th birthday by reminding us that he can still speed around in cars and beat up people. Box Office 'Ted,' 'Magic Mike' and the box office gender divide Jen Chaney Mostly boys went to see "Ted," while more ladies opted for Channing Tatum. 'The Hunter,' '21 Jump Street' and more new and popular DVDs Stephanie Merry Check out this week's new releases and see what Washington is watching. Family Filmgoer Kid-focused movie reviews Get the scoop on "Katy Perry: Part of Me," "The Amazing Spider-Man" and more. Reader Reviews You review 'Magic Mike' "That Channing guy can move. I'd like to invite him to my next party." That's one reader's take. Agree? Write a review and let your voice be heard. Get The Washington Post, your way. Want to stay on top of the latest news, features, commentary and more? Here's how: Mobile: Alerts: Social Media: Applications Web site E-mail SMS RSS Feeds Facebook Twitter SEND TO A FRIEND UNSUBSCRIBE E-NEWSLETTER CENTER GET HELP Washington Post Digital E-mail Customer Care 1150 15th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20071 ©2012 The Washington Post Privacy Policy