The Amazing Spider-Man's Lizard Revealed Via Pez

We're not that far away from snuggling up in our seats with a barrel of popcorn to enjoy the latest incarnation of our friendly neighborhood webslinger, The Amazing Spider-Man. We've experienced a mediocre teaser and a lot of set pictures giving us insight into the tone and action level we can expect. However, we have yet to see any much of anything in regards to the villain, Dr. Connors aka The Lizard played by Rhys Ifans. Until now.

The studio has been really focusing on the effects relating to The Lizard. They are fine tuning the CGI while some of the cast was back in NYC for some reshoots to inject some more action into the fold. Granted it is just a Pez dispenser but we finally have a first look of what the Lizard might look like, and no wonder they waited, the villian looks like Grig from The Last Starfighter.

New "John Carter Of Mars" Poster

Opening in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters on March 9, the adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic novel tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

Arguably the Coolest Men In Black 3 Thing You'll Ever See

Via Collider, comes the first piece of official marketing material for Men in Black 3.

Fitting given how simpatico the first Men in Black is with the 1990s, this teaser poster is done in the style of those old Magic Eye books. At least you won't have to strain your eyes to see Tommy Lee Jones.

"Lego Batman 2: Superheroes" Image Revealed.

I don't know about you, but those damn Lego video game series suck me in every time. I've been hoping that techies develop a Superman version for any and all systems, and thought that a game coinciding with the upcoming film might be a good opportunity. Considering how bad the Superman related video games have been, worth a shot.

It looks like Superman along with other DC heroes will be playing second fiddle to Batman yet again when the upcoming Lego Batman 2: Super Heroes is released this Summer. The game will of course feature Batman, along with Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and more. Check out the first image from BrickTuts below.

Bale Says He's Taken Off Batman Cowl For Last Time

It's always interesting to wonder where the character of Batman would be on film if it wasn't for one Christopher Nolan. Sure there are a lot of other capable people involved with bringing The Bat back to the big screen in the right way, but he is the one wearing the cowl, metaphorically speaking of course.

What about Bale? By some inside accounts Bale was actually the choice of the studio and Nolan was looking at other contenders. Hard to imagine anybody else stomping around in a black rubberized suit at this point. Bale has owned the role but not to a point where it has clouded his career. He was a solid actor before and he'll continue to be a solid actor after Batman glides away.

We've been hearing that this is "the end of Batman" after The Dark Knight Rises and the finality is all over the early marketing for the film. The funny thing is, just because Christopher Nolan is moving on from the character, doesn't mean that WB will "kill the Batman". In fact they are exploring multiple options; Justice League, World's Finest, a reboot, and a film that takes place within the 8 year period between The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises.

Now through the Phillipine Daily Enquirer Christian Bale has chimed in on his future as the Caped Crusader:

“I wrapped a few days ago so that will be the last time I’m taking that cowl off. I believe that the whole production wrapped yesterday, so it’s all done. Everything’s finished. It’s me and Chris – that will be the end of that Batman era.”

More of the same, "end of that Batman era", "Last time I'm taking that cowl off." Finality. Although it is the end of Nolan's Batman, and possibly his sometimes strained relationship with WB, I'm not actually so sure about Bale. You wonder if they throw him some Johnny Depp style doubloons at him then he might strike the pose one more time. Stranger things have happened.

Holiday Weekend Box Office: November 23 - 27

Courtesy of Box Office Mojo:

1.  The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 - $61.8 million

2.  The Muppets - $41.5 million

3.  Happy Feet Two - $18.3 million

4.  Arthur Christmas - $16.3 million

5.  Hugo - $15.4 million

6.  Jack and Jill - $13.8 million

7.  Immortals - $12.6 million

8.  Puss in Boots - $10.4 million

9.  Tower Heist - $10 million

10.  The Descendants - $9.3 million

It was a clash of the family films this Thanksgiving weekend, with an animated Christmas movie, the return of the Muppets, and a Martin Scorsese 3D film (yes, you read that right) all trying to wrestle the top spot away from the inexplicable phenomenon that is Twilight.  Well, in the end none of them did, as Breaking Dawn Part 1 took the top spot again with $61.8 million over the five-day holiday weekend.  The adaptation of what was easily the worst of Stephanie Meyer's vampire novels also managed to cross the $200 million mark over the weekend, and its worldwide gross now stands at $488 million.  So that marks another win for 'splitting the final book into two parts' idea. 

Luckily, The Muppets were back this weekend, and their long-awaited return was a success, with the relaunch earning a healthy $41.5 million.  That's more than double what their last film, 1999's Muppets From Space earned in its entire theatrical run.  With an "A" Cinemascore from audiences, it should continue to attract the family crowds well into the holiday season.  (now is it too soon to start campaigning to get The Muppet Show back on TV?)

The other family films didn't fare quite as well.  Happy Feet Two continued its mediocre run, with its $44.6 million so far not even close to the $99.3 million the first film made at this same point in it's 2006 run.  Arthur Christmas, the latest from the Aardman Animation group, earned a disappointing $16.3 million, but with great reviews and no other major family films set for release until Alvin & the Chipmunks returns later next month, the jury is still out on this one for now.

Martin Scorsese's Hugo, which had the most unique use of 3D that I've seen since this whole obsession with this format began, had an interesting weekend.  Its $15.4 million may have put it in fifth place - but since it's only playing in 1277 theaters nationwide, that total is pretty damn good.  Like The Muppets and Arthur Christmas, this one also had the benefit of some great reviews, so expect this one to stick around in theaters for awhile as well.

George Clooney's The Descendants expanded its theater count this weekend, keeping it in tenth place with $9.3 million.  So that's continuing to do well.  Other Oscar contenders (actually, I'd probably put Hugo in that category as well) My Week With Marilyn and silent film The Artist did very well in limited release, with Marilyn earning $2 million and The Artist earning $204,878 in just 4 theaters.  Expect those to expand to wider releases as the Oscar race gets closer.

With no major releases scheduled for next weekend, there's a good shot The Muppets could claim first place, which would be great.  As long as it's not Twilight again, I'll be happy.

Hi-Res "The Dark Knight" Set Photos

Scans from the magazine have been floating around for the last few days but now we have clear images via SuperHeroHype.Com. The convey the dark tone and desolate menace most of us were expecting. The trailer is due with Sherlock Holmes 2 and the prologue is with 70mm IMAX showing of Mission: Impossible- Ghost Protocol.

New Underworld Awakening Images

Screen Gems have released 4 new images from the upcoming Underworld Awakening via Comingsoon.net. I've posted the two featuring the Goddess AKA Kate Beckinsale below, you can see 2 more at the link.

New John Carter Pics!

The other day we got a first good look at the monstrous white ape in the forthcoming John Carter, and today sfx.co.uk have 6 more images of the fantasy world including an intriguing looking airship. Check out 3 below and go to the link to see 3 more. There is also a new trailer due next Thursday.

Skyfall to Feature the Cutest Q Since Desmond Llewelyn

It's that special time for the 007 series.

When the Broccolis, after making a big public stink about making the British Gentleman Agent different, getting away from the tried-and-true formula (One that's kept silver spoons in their mouths since 1962) with proclamations of "Going back to Fleming" and always name-dropping From Russia With Love, go right back to the well.

Per THR, come reports Brit actor Ben Whishaw is our new Q in Skyfall, currently lensing in the UK. Whishaw, said to be quite the heart-throb in his neck-of-the-woods, will be the first actor to take the reign on Bond's eccentric gadget-maker since the late Desmond Llewelyn, last seen in 1999's The World Is Not Enough. If you don't count the two turns from John Cleese as Q's replacement R.

With that, Q is younger than James Bond, Ralph Fiennes may be Blofeld (My guess is he's Blofeld in all but the name, assuming Kevin McClory's estate still fully owns the character) and Miss Moneypenny may start out as a field-agent. You know, I have nothing against updating the characters per say. Just stop making a ruckus over making changes if you know you're going to wind up back where you started, Eon.