WHEATLAND - On Jan. 25 the second installment of Quaid Cundall’s Spider-Man trilogy played to the public at Cinema West. Many thanks go to Heather Weber-Ferguson and Curtis Hofrock for hosting and helping put together the event, and to the sponsors; C.H. Brown CO - Equipment Finance, Dance Wyoming and Wheatland Chiropractic Center. 

Entitled “REPUTE” the psychological thriller follows our friendly neighborhood hero into the perils of holding down two jobs, keeping up with school, crime fighting and managing home life after the death of his uncle Ben. Three larger than life villains threaten Peter Parker’s daily life and his very sanity. There is an impostor on the loose, creating havoc in Spider-Man’s name, causing widespread distrust of the young vigilante. As he helps the police bag some of New York’s worst criminals, the real culprit is still at large, and Peter struggles to put the pieces together.

Quaid Cundall’s journey of realizing his plan all began in 2018 and concluded in the fall of 2021. Thousands of hours went into creating this dream project but the finalized vision could never have been completed without the help and support from many members of Wheatland’s community.

“Our gratitude knows no bounds when it comes to all the help received from our amazing actors and production team,” Cundall said. “C.H Brown CO played a critical part in providing the second film’s main location ‘The Daily Bugle’ and the company's C.O.O. Edward Meyer plays our very own J. Jonah Jameson.

The Platte County Public Library’s location was crucial to providing several spaces to shoot scenes as well, and we owe many thanks to Julie Gloyd Henion and her staff for helping us. Dan Brecht, whose support and encouragement never failed, also provided several rooftop locations for the film.”

The film features local talent such as Jazmine Johnson as Betty Brant, Braiden Denny as Flash Thompson, Tim Womack as Monty Caabash, Shane Clevenger as Maxwell Shiffman, Alex Bellinger as “The Vulture,”

Nathan Adamo as “The Burglar,” and Jade Cundall as Mysterio. 

In the spirit of giving back to the community, Cundall and his mother, Molly Cundal who organized the charity event, have worked in concert with Susan Bednasek to help further her amazing effort on behalf of the Platte County Early Literacy Project. Many patrons came to see the locally produced film, donation admissions and proceeds going toward the goals of helping families with young children, with a total of $371.00 being collected in donations.

Bednasek’s mission is to help educate and encourage literacy in the very young.

“The foundation for learning, behavior and health is formed long before a child ever sets foot in a K-12 classroom, and continues to be built upon well after cap and gown graduation,” Bednasek said. “Families with children need programs that simultaneously provide: reliable work support, positive relationships, an engaging learning environment, and a safe space to build and practice core life skills. Our community has invested a great deal of time and talent and treasure into the Platte County Early Literacy Project over the past 10+ years.

“We have a lot more work to do. I think our community has arrived at a watershed moment when it comes to early literacy. We now have not only scientists, developmental psychologists, economists, neuroscientists but also police officers, business people, many politicians and parents believing in the power of the earliest years. You could say this boils down to money but it actually boils down to commitment. Money flows from commitment. We spend money on the things we care most about and I'm hopeful that the very encouraging results from investing in our youngest citizens make such investments the first step in fulfilling the promise of Wheatland’s education system. For Wheatland and Wyoming to prosper, our kids must thrive. All of us have a role to play in building a solid foundation for each of our children.

“We are all aware these are challenging times in the world of education. It is imperative that we work together to make sure our children are given the necessary tools to succeed as early learners. It is well- known that reading aloud to a child is the single greatest indicator as to how well your child will do in school.  Reading aloud is directly related to school success. After all, 85% of babies' brain growth happens before 3 years of age.

“Platte County Early Literacy Project (PCELP) wants to invite all parents with children ranging in age from birth to 3 to sign their children up for the program. Babies born at Wheatland Banner Hospital are treated to a basket of books, toys, onesies, warming cap and baby blanket. Plus, new parents are sent home with a meal. All this is courtesy of PCELP.  If your baby is born out of Platte County, they are still eligible.  We want 100% of children ready for school.

“We provide books and toys to newborns, six months,1 year, two years and three years. We deliver to your home at your convenience at no cost. We provide this service for every child birth through 3 in Platte County.  Reading aloud to your child, talking to them and creating experiences is the easiest and most effective way to promote school readiness.”

To sign up for this program call or text Susan Bednasek at 307-322-6273. You can also sign up at Banner Clinic, Hospital, Platte County Library and Platte County Public Health. 

The third and final film’s show date is planned for Tuesday, March 14, at 6 p.m. Watch out for further announcements, you don’t want to miss the conclusion of The Spectacular Spider-Man in “REQUIEM.”