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Two new movies and a Marvel Universe series to catch this week

Disney Plus unveils She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Idris Elba stars in Beast, and Spin Me Round is a comedy thriller with a cast that includes Aubrey Plaza and Alison Brie.

Idris Elba as Nathan in Beast, directed by Baltasar Kormákur.
Idris Elba as Nathan in Beast, directed by Baltasar Kormákur.Read moreLauren Milligan / Universal Studios

‘She-Hulk: Attorney at Law’

The Marvel Universe expands as Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) stars as Jennifer Walters, a lawyer with a second distinct personality as a giant, green Hulk. With Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner and Tim Roth as Abomination. (Not rated. Limited series of nine episodes premieres Thursday, Aug. 18, on Disney+.)

‘Beast’

Idris Elba stars as a dad who takes his two daughters on an African safari, but their view of the wildlife beauty changes when they encounter a very big, very angry lion. With Sharlto Copley, Iyana Hailey, and Leah Jeffries. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur. Similar in concept (and trailer) to the 2007 Bridget Moynahan movie Prey. (Rated R. Premieres Friday, Aug. 19, in theaters.)

‘Spin Me Round’

A com that you think is going rom but is darker and weirder. A chain restaurant employee (Alison Brie) wins a trip to the company’s beautiful institute in Italy, which turns out to be more Motel 6 than Borgata, but is soon yachting with the chain’s dashing owner (Alessandro Nivola). That may not be so good either. Filled with familiar faces, including Wilmington’s Aubrey Plaza, Debby Ryan, Lil Rel Howley, Tricia Helfer, Zach Woods, and Molly Shannon. Directed by Plaza’s husband, Jeff Baena. (Not rated. Premieres Friday, Aug. 19, on streaming services.)

-- Howard Gensler