By Erin Hayes & Jono Baron

Gargoyle staff reporter & senior editor


Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2007, The OG, arts

IT SEEMS LIKE each year the Hollywood studios release their “summer” blockbusters earlier and earlier. What would have been released in June or July even a few years ago now debuts in May. The first likely blockbuster of the summer season will open Friday: “Spider-Man 3,” starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. Of course, that's not the only noteworthy release this week. Read on for more about the latest in movies, CDs, DVDs, and local concerts.

MOVIES OPENING IN C-U THIS WEEK

“Spider-Man 3” (official site)

Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) has finally found a way to balance his double life of crime fighting as Spider-Man with his relationship with his longtime love interest, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst). But things immediately go out of whack when Peter realizes that the man responsible for his uncle's death has become a new supervillain. When Peter comes into contact with a black mystery substance that not only turns his suit black but also seems to project the darkness in his soul, he begins to lose himself — as well as Mary Jane.

Opens Friday at the Beverly 18 and Savoy 16. For showtimes at both theaters, click here.

“Lucky You”(official site)

Set during the biggest event in the poker world, the Poker World Series, “Lucky You” follows a man who puts everything on the line to win. He may be a great poker player, but his personal life isn't doing well. “Lucky You” stars some great actors, including Eric Bana, Robert Duvall, Drew Barrymore, and Debra Messing.

Opens Friday at the Beverly 18 and Savoy 16. For showtimes at both theaters, click here.

Jono's Pick: “Spider-Man 3.” The first two were awesome, especially for comic book movies. But this chronicle of the “Spider-Man” story looks stunning. I've been waiting for it since I stepped out of the second film in the trilogy, and it's finally here! The cinematics look better than ever, and the plot is becoming deliciously tense — the actors are great. Assuming I actually have time to get away from my schoolwork-filled, pre-graduation life, you'll see me enjoying my birthday weekend at this blockbuster.

NEW CD RELEASES (in stores Tuesday, May 1)

Dinosaur Jr., “Beyond”

If you're looking for a momentous rock comeback this week, look no further. The members of Dinosaur Jr., a forerunning band of everything we now call “alternative” or “indie rock,” pull together their original lineup to unleash their first record together in nearly 20 years. Lead singer J Mascis (who has remained with the band since its creation in the late '80s and continued to release music with them through 1997) brings his signature melodic guitar solos, husky voice, and pronounced feedback while bassist Lou Barlow makes his big return after being kicked out of the band post-“Bug” in 1988. Together again at last, they perpetuate their unique brand of lo-fi rock, which coexisted in the late '80s post-punk scene with self-proclaimed fans and rock ‘n' roll legends Sonic Youth.

Dungen, “Tio Bitar”

This Swedish neo-psychedelic rock outfit follows up their breakout record, the highly acclaimed “Ta Det Lugnt.” Their new album, which translates as “Ten Pieces,” is a step away from the extended grooves of “Ta Det Lugnt” and toward shorter, more structured, but very eclectic songs. According to multi-instrumentalist and principal member Gustav Ejstes, “It has more of an urban feeling, but there is definitely the folksy summer vibe on this album. And there are hard rock songs, too.”

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, “Baby 81”

This California-based indie group hardens up their sound. “Baby 81” marks the onslaught of rougher, electric guitar riffs and Zeppelin-esque beats, as well as the return of drummer Nick Jago, who was absent from their previous record.

Feist, “The Reminder”

If one person had to be chosen as the archetype of present-day indie womanhood, Leslie Feist would probably be that woman. As a singer-songwriter-guitarist, she has worked with artists all over the international underground, ranging from Canadian baroque-pop group Broken Social Scene and electropunk artist Peaches to Norwegian acoustic geniuses Kings Of Convenience (not to mention releasing three solo albums to date). Now, she's releasing her fourth solo record, continuing to dish out charmingly minimalist ditties and vocal melodies reminiscent of a less-hushed Cat Power.

Ne-Yo, “Because Of You”

The Grammy-nominated R&B singer unveils his sophomore effort. So far, so good — the album's first single, “Because Of You,” has already broken the top 40 on Billboard's Hot 100. The record features collaborations with Academy Award-winning actress/singer Jennifer Hudson, as well as rap giant Jay-Z.

Erin's Pick: Dinosaur Jr. See above, man. Dinosaur Jr. was part of the whole post-punk movement that set the stage for acts like Nirvana in the early '90s. Their influence on rock music (and popular music and culture in general) is almost immeasurable, since they were one of the groups that helped spark the grunge movement, which in turn led to an upsurge of alternative rock in American youth culture (not to mention a revolution in the fashion industry … remember that Perry Ellis collection that got Marc Jacobs fired?), which aided in the distancing process from the synth-pop dominated days of Madonna and Michael Jackson. Despite the group's age (and J Mascis' newly-developed jowls), this band has still got it in them. Their youthful lyrics combine with maturity of technique and sound, making this release about as promising as they come.

NEW DVD RELEASES (in stores Tuesday, May 1)

“Dreamgirls” (official site)

Based on the 1981 Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls” follows three soul singers from the 1960s in their quest for fame. But when they actually do fulfill their dreams and establish themselves as pop stars, their relationships and friendships start to break down. The story is based on legendary Motown founder Berry Gordy and his biggest group, the Supremes. Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson steals the show with her knockout performance as Effie White, a character based on Florence Ballard, the forgotten Supreme. In real life, the powerfully talented Ballard left the Supremes at the height of their success, frustrated by playing backup to Diana Ross. Her demise was much more tragic than what happens to Effie in the film. Fans of Motown and musicals will enjoy seeing “Dreamgirls” again — and won't soon forget Hudson. Jamie Foxx as the Berry Gordy character, Curtis Taylor Jr., does a fine job, as does Eddie Murphy as a James Brown-esque soul singer (James “Thunder” Early) who has trouble adapting to the pop style that Taylor made so lucrative for his singers. The DVD includes exclusive performances and alternative scenes.

“Alpha Dog” (official site)

Bruce Willis and Justin Timberlake star in this film based on the life of Jesse James Hollywood, a drug dealer who became one of the youngest men the FBI has ever put on its wanted list. The DVD is very sparse.

Jono's Pick: Pass.

LOCAL SHOWS & CONCERTS

Wednesday, May 2: José González, New Ruins, Caleb Engstrom, 8 p.m., Courtyard Café, $8 public/ $6 student. José González, an internationally recognized Swedish singer-songwriter, brings his classical guitar tunes and uniquely hollow, resonant vocals to the Courtyard. He will be joined by the local indie group New Ruins (who just released their debut album two weeks ago), and Iowa acoustic folk artist Caleb Engstom.

Friday, May 4: The Beauty Shop, Scurvine, Arrah and the Ferns, Duke of Uke, 8 p.m., Iron Post, $8. C-U Americana group The Beauty Shop headlines the evening's proceedings, while Indiana indie-pop trio Arrah and the Ferns enriches the mix. Local acts Duke of Uke and Scurvine round out the lineup.

Erin's Pick: José González. GO TO THIS SHOW. DO IT. YOU WON'T REGRET IT. It's the Courtyard's last show of the 2006-07 school year, and José González is undeniably one of the most exciting acts to visit C-U in recent months. Think about it: For a mere $8, you get to see the acoustic guitar giant (think top 10 on the UK charts) who contributed vocals to one-third of the tracks on “The Garden,” the Grammy-nominated record of British downtempo group Zero 7. On top of that, he's even had his work remixed by the Dutch DJ Tiësto. And, as with all Courtyard shows, this evening of European prowess will be up close and personal, and you've got to admit, opportunities like that in our community come along … well, almost never.