Reel Picks: More on movies playing this week

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The Amazing Spider-Man (PG-13)

Peter Parker/Spider-Man, everyone’s hero, in an over-the-top, action-packed feature that easily keeps pace with its early incarnations. Starring real-life couple Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, and Rhys Ifans.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG-13)

Seven elderly Britons, separately, decide to retire to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in Jaipur, India. It isn’t as grand or exotic as they expected. A sweet story about the senior set that has received good reviews. Starring Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, and Maggie Smith.

Brave (PG)

A Disney-Pixar, animated, comic, Scottish, medieval film with modern sensibilities that features the king’s independent and highly skilled daughter, Merida, who charts her own course through life. Her journey creates a whirlwind of trouble for the king and the kingdom. It has been well received by most critics. Starring the voices of Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, and Emma Thompson.

Katy Perry: Part of Me (PG)

A documentary that chronicles singer Katy Perry’s life on and off stage in this diary of her California Dreams Tour. If you like Katy Perry, chances are you will like this film. Starring Katy Perry, Shannon Woodward, and Lucas Kerr.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (PG)

In this animated adventure comedy from Dreamworks, Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman join a European traveling circus in an attempt to make it back to their home, New York. Their influence on the circus is unpredictably entertaining. Starring the voices of Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Chris Rock.

Magic Mike (R)

Channing Tatum, in a story inspired by his real life, is a male stripper who takes on an apprentice as he searches for a serious relationship. Directed by Steven Soderbergh and starring Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, and Olivia Munn. High entertainment value.

Moonrise Kingdom (PG-13)

Director Wes Anderson’s latest takes place on an Island off of New England (sound familiar?) and stars some of his usual crew: Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman, along with Tilda Swinton, Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Jared Gilman, and Kara Hayward. While at camp, two 12-year-olds (Gilman and Hayward) fall in love and run away, and the quiet Island community is turned upside down.

Prometheus (R)

A quasi-prequel to director Ridley Scott’s 1979 movie “Alien.” A team of scientists journey through the universe to investigate alien life forms. Discovering a clue to the origins of life on Earth results in a high-tech but no less terrifying struggle for the survival of Earth. Starring Noomi Rapace (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, and Idris Elba.

Ted (R)

An adult-oriented comedy that follows the exploits of John (Mark Wahlberg), and his constant companion, Ted, a childhood teddy bear who has come to life as the result of a childhood wish. Written and directed by Seth MacFarlane (“Family Guy”), starring Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, and MacFarlane. This movie has been well received by most all reviewers.

To Rome with Love (R)

A star-studded cast interprets the jokes and situation comedy of Woody Allen as residents and visitors of Rome. If you like the old Woody Allen, you will like this light and sometimes funny film. Reviewers are mixed on this one. Written, directed, and starring Woody Allen, also stars Penélope Cruz, Jesse Eisenberg, Roberto Benigni, Judy Davis, Ellen Page, Alec Baldwin, and more.