Top Picks: 'Spider-Man: Homecoming,' the iCatcher! Podcast Player app, and more
Engaging 鈥楽pider-Man鈥�
Actor Tom Holland gets the spotlight in , which finds the teenage web-slinger dealing with high school and what it takes to be a superhero. Michael Keaton, who played the Caped Crusader in 鈥淏atman,鈥� is now a villain, starring as the malevolent Vulture. 鈥淪pider-Man: Homecoming鈥� is available on DVD and Blu-ray and is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language, and brief suggestive comments.
Podcast buddy
Podcast fans can make their listening easier with the app . The app stores the playback speed you set for each podcast and allows you to download more than one episode at a time. It also keeps episodes on your phone even if you鈥檝e unsubscribed to the podcast. It鈥檚 $2.99 for iOS.
鈥楢pes鈥� war
The latest installment in the series based on the classic science fiction film 鈥淧lanet of the Apes,鈥� , is available on DVD and Blu-ray. Actor Andy Serkis, whom Monitor film critic Peter Rainer calls 鈥渋ncomparable,鈥� reprises his role as Caesar, an ape leading other apes in their revolt against humans. The film is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, thematic elements, and some disturbing images.聽
American 鈥楴utcracker鈥�
The PBS program is about a new twist on a holiday classic, depicting the creation of Chicago鈥檚 Joffrey Ballet鈥檚 production of 鈥淭he Nutcracker.鈥� The team of artists set the story at the 1893 World鈥檚 Columbian Exposition, complete with the protagonist becoming a Polish immigrant鈥檚 daughter and an appearance by Buffalo Bill. 鈥淢aking a New American Nutcracker鈥� airs on various dates during December, so check your local listings 鈥� or stream the program at www.pbs.org beginning Dec. 1.
Wood shop help
Looking for some help on woodworking tasks? The can help you figure out board volume, the amounts you need for mixing shellac, and what kind of wood to use. The app is $3.99 for iOS and $1.99 for Android.
