Katy Perry: Part of Me

It’s been a year since a saw Katy Perry live on her California Dreams tour but the memory of cotton candy confection is still vivid in my mind. If you weren’t lucky enough to see the queen of pop in action last year you must see the new documentary “Katy Perry: Part of Me.”

The movie makes the musician come to life in an exciting concoction of concert footage, backstage preparation and personal turmoil. It makes Perry a real person. She has scenes with her hair pulled in a messy up-do with no make-up showing  the reality that stars don’t look red-carpet ready when they wake up. Don’t get me wrong Perry is still pretty, but she shows her more natural and vulnerable side in this music documentary. It completely encompasses the breakdown of her marriage to comedian Russell Brand without throwing any punches his way.

There is an extremely emotional scene when Perry is getting ready to perform in Brazil and completely breaks down behind the scenes. She’s dealing not only with a tour that is lasting a year but also a marriage that is strained by the distance. But by the time she reaches the platform that levitates her onto the stage, she has composed herself and flipped the switch to bright and cheery performer. I can only imagine the emotional and even physical toll this kind of career requires, but Perry battles on for her fans.

Some may not love Perry the way I do but you have to give her credit for being unique and sticking to her vision. She’s creative and strives to do her best which is portrayed in the film.

From her Gospel-singing roots to having five number one hits on a single pop record (tying the record set by Michael Jackson), Perry has fought for her title. She’s worked hard and produced some of the catchiest songs in the past decade. She wasn’t an overnight sensation; she struggled to be where she is now. Buy a ticket to be a part of Katy Perry’s crazy ride.

The Amazing Spider-man

For those of you who think “The Amazing Spider-man” is just a copy of a movie franchise that ended five years, you’re in for a rude awakening. This new film is a complete reboot of the trilogy that made the hero famous to my generation.

Let’s start with the fact that the cast is filled with up and coming actors and actresses that really know their stuff. Led by the incredible Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) playing Spidey aka Peter Parker, this action movie feels totally different than the original. The script allows for Garfield to be the quick-witted, sarcastic character that Stan Lee created 50 years ago. Garfield’s stature allows him to contort himself into the famous Spider-man poses that are synonymous with the character even better than Tobey Maguire.

Not only does Garfield get the moves right, he also is the perfect opposite of Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacey. Stone (The Help) is perfect as the intelligent, independent high school student who falls in love with Peter Parker. There is no Mary Jane in sight in this adaptation, instead the movie tells the tale of the original first love of Parker. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. This film led Garfield and Stone to fall in love off-screen as well, which to me makes complete sense.

Although Rhys Ifans (Anonymous) was stellar as the struggling scientist/super villain Dr. Curtis Connors/The Lizard, it takes more than different characters to differentiate between Spider-man sagas. This film is a more basic origin story than previous films. We still see him become a jacked-up hero in a red and blue suit, but it’s more than that. We see Parker search for clues about his parent’s untimely death and the knowledge hidden by his Aunt May (the lovely Sally Field) and Uncle Ben (the loveable Martin Sheen).  

The movie is packed with web-slinging action but has many quieter, touching moments hidden within. This Spider-man seems more complex, a teenager who is outwardly sardonic but hides his feeling of sadness over tragedies he could not stop. I’m not sure if it’s the acting or the writing, but this Spider-man feels as real as a super-hero could possibly be. It’s a movie for any demographic, young and old alike.

P.S.-  Make sure you stay for the credits. There’s a scene that will give a hint at a possible sequel you won’t want to miss.

Ted

Who would wish for a foul-mouthed teddy bear?

Well, the newly crowned comic genius Mark Walberg does in this fully R-rated flick. When John (Walberg) is young he doesn’t have many friends. And by many, I mean none. So, after he gets a teddy bear for Christmas John wishes that the bear can speak and be his best friend forever. The next morning Ted is brought to life and freaks out the entire family. John immediately starts his life with his new companion, while Ted becomes an instant celebrity.

Cut to present day and Ted (voiced by the comic chameleon Seth MacFarland) is just a past-tense novelty. As the narrator goes, eventually all the Cory Feldman’s, Frankie Muniz’s and Justin Bieber’s go to shit. Well, they at least fade somewhat. Now 35-year-old John is still living with his teddy bear and his girlfriend of four years Lori (the feisty Mila Kunis).

The film follows John as he attempts to grow up and cut ties from Ted for the sake of his romantic relationship. Muniz is perfect as the girlfriend who wants John to move on from his childhood, but also knows how much his friend means to him. She balances the conflicting ideals with grace on-screen.

MacFarland also directs this film which has some hints of his TV shows. There are some alternative shots thrown in to give the film campiness at times. But that’s what he does. If you don’t enjoy “Family Guy” you’re probably not going to enjoy his humor here.

This film has it all: humor, surprising sensitivity and climactic fight scenes. It’s probably the average guy movie, but one their girlfriends will actually want to go to.

This movie has a lot of heart, I mean, it does star a teddy bear.