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  • 4
    Nov
    2012
    11:58am, EST

    Best bets: James Bond is back in 'Skyfall'


    Follow @ NBCNewsEnt
    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

    Big stars, big names this week. James Bond returns in "Skyfall," Abraham Lincoln gets a biopic, and Spider-Man webcrawls onto DVD and Blu-ray. Here are our top three entertainment picks for the week ahead.

    FRIDAY: 'Skyfall'
    Shake your martinis and rev up the Aston-Martin, Bond -- James Bond -- is back. The suave secret agent must save his boss, M (Judi Dench) when she appears to have exposed agents to discovery and death. Javier Bardem is earning raves as the film's villain. You can also expect glamorous Bond girls, exotic locations, thrilling action scenes and all the Bond staples that a $150 million budget can buy. (Opens Nov. 9.) 

    FRIDAY: "Lincoln'
    How can a two-and-a-half-hour movie about lobbying be so engrossing? "Lincoln," the new Steven Spielberg biopic of our sixteenth president, defies the odds by making Honest Abe's quest for enough House votes to end slavery oddly fascinating. This is a talky movie -- not a lot of action, and a lot of political machinations. Still, Day-Lewis plays a great Lincoln (gentle, storytelling, brilliant and somehow sad) and Sally Field, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Spader, Jackie Earle Haley, Tommy Lee Jones and others round out an excellent, sure-to-be-Oscar-recognized cast. (Opens Nov. 9.)

    FRIDAY: 'Amazing Spider-Man' on DVD
    The "Spider-Man" movies got a well-received reboot earlier this year when Andrew Garfield took over the role of the gawky webslinging superhero. His origin story's been seen many times before, but this is a fresh, satisfying take, with Emma Stone as Spidey's girlfriend Gwen Stacy and Sally Field and Martin Sheen as his beloved Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Also memorable: Denis Leary as Gwen's cop dad and Rhys Ifans as scientist Curt Connors, who transforms into The Lizard, the film's bad guy. (On DVD and Blu-ray Nov. 9.)

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  • 8
    Jul
    2012
    1:36pm, EDT

    'Amazing Spider-Man' spins up $341.2 million worldwide in first week

    By Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter

    Jaimie Trueblood / Sony Pictures

    Andrew Garfield is "The Amazing Spider-Man."

    Marc Webb's "Amazing Spider-Man" spun a strong enough web in its worldwide debut to ensure a new future for Sony's marquee franchise, including a six-day domestic opening of $140 million.

    Worldwide, the 3D reboot has earned $341.2 million in its first week, including $201.6 million internationally.

    "Amazing Spider-Man" topped the international chart over the weekend with $129.1 million, followed by 20th Century Fox's "Ice Age: Continental Drift," which earned $80.6 million in its second weekend play for an outstanding foreign cume of $198 million (the 3D toon opens July 13 in North America).

    Domestically, "Amazing Spider-Man" -- headlining Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone -- turned in the best performance for the July 4th frame outside of the three "Transformers" pics, "Twilight Saga: Eclipse" and "Spider-Man 2." And among reboots, it easily bested the $79.5 million earned by "Batman Begins" in its first six days, including a three-day opening of $48.7 million.

    Photos from THR: How Peter Parker became a billion-dollar franchise 

    Opening Tuesday in North America, "Amazing Spider-Man" grossed $65 for the weekend itself, the third best three-day number of summer outside of "The Avengers" and "Brave." "Amazing Spider-Man" was up 15 percent from Friday to Saturday, indicating that the event pic is playing like a family film.

    Overall, 75 percent of the audience were general movigoers ages 12 and up, while 25 percent were familes. "Amazing Spider-Man" skewed male (58 percent), while 65 percent of children were boys. The pic received an overall A- CinemaScore, and an A among moviegoers under the age of 25.

    "What a spectacular relaunch," Sony worldwide president of distribution Rory Bruer said. "There are so many facets of this movie that are compelling, including the chemistry between Andrew and Emma and the out-of-the-box direction of Marc Webb."

    Imax locations turned in a hefty $14.3 million, 10 percent of the domestic total. Imax should finish the weekend with a global "Spider-Man" gross north of $24 million.

    Photos from THR: Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone swing into action on the red carpet

    With "Amazing Spider-Man" taking up much of the oxygen at the multiplex, the weekend brought mixed results for new entries
    "Savages,"  Oliver Stone's R-rated crime drama, and concert documentary "Katy Perry: Part of Me."

    "Savages" did better than anticipated, grossing $16.2 million to come in No. 4 behind "Amazing Spider-Man," "Ted" and Pixar/Disney's "Brave."

    "I think the picture performed beyond indstury's expectations in a marketplace where there are a lot of choices," Universal president of domestic distribution Nikki Rocco said.

    Other box office observers say "Savages" may have ended up competing with fellow Universal pic "Ted" for adults, even though they are very different movies.

    "Ted," financed by Media Rights Capital and directed by "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane, has blossomed into the comedy hit of the summer, falling only 40 percent in its second weekend to $32.6 million for a 10-day domestic cume of $120.2 million.

    Overseas, "Ted" soared this weekend in Australia and Taiwan, grossing $13.1 million.

    "Savages" earned a C+ CinemaScore, likely due to its surprise ending. The pic skewed slightly female (51 percent), while 61 percent of the audience was over the age of 60.

    More from THR: 'Savages' star Blake Lively describes 'awkward' sex scene

    Universal was so keen on "Savages," based on Don Winslow's best-selling novel, that it moved the film from September to this weekend hoping to woo adults. The pic marks Stone's return to more violent fare and stars Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively, Aaron Johnson, John Travolta, Benicio Del Toro and Salma Hayek.

    Universal and Relativity Media partnered to co-finance "Savages,"  which cost $45 million to produce.

    Paramount Insurge's "Part of Me" posted a four-day debut of $10.3 million after opening on Thursday; for the weekend proper, the film earned $7.2 million to place No. 8.

    Either way, that's substantially lower than the openings for two other concert docs: fellow Insurge pic "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" ($29.4 million last year) and Disney's "Hannah Montana: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour" ($31.1 million in 2008), though those films debuted outside of summer.

    Paramount is on solid ground financially, though, since "Part of Me" only cost $12 million to produce.

    "We were the best-reviewed new movie of the weekend, so we feel confident that the film will continue to find an audience," Paramount president of domestic marketing and distribution Megan Colligan said.

    "Part of Me" also received a glowing A CinemaScore, which should help spread good word of mouth, particularly as moms and younger girls become available. More than 80 percent of the audience turning out for "Part of Me" were females, while 72 percent were under the age of 25.

    Photos from THR: Katy Perry: Pop's candy-colored princess

    Among holdovers, "Brave" grossed a strong $20.2 million in its third weekend for a domestic cume of $174.5 million and $211.1 million worldwide. On Sunday -- thanks to "Brave" and "The Avengers" -- Disney becomes the first studio this year to cross the $1 billion mark in domestic grosses.

    Steven Soderbergh's male striptease dramedy "Magic Mike" fell 60 percent in its weekend to an estimated $15.6 million for a stellar domestic cume of $72.8 million.

    At the specialty box office, both "Moonrise Kingdom" and "To Rome With Love" made a strong showing, coming in No. 9 and No. 10, respectively.


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    Woody Allen's "To Rome With Love" landed on the top 10 chart in only its third weekend. Expanding into a total of 806 theaters nationwide, the Sony Pictures Classics' film grossed $3.5 million for a cume of $5.3 million.

    Focus Features' "Moonrise Kingdom," from Wes Anderson, is an indie hit, grossing $4.6 million in its seventh weekend for a cume of $26.9 million.

    Fox Searchlight's critically acclaimed "Beasts of the Southern Wild" grossed $375,587 as it expanded into a total of 19 theaters in its second weekend, grossing $375,587 for a location average of $19,768 and cume of $745,376.

    Which movie did you see this weekend? Tell us on Facebook!

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  • 5
    Jul
    2012
    9:13am, EDT

    'Amazing Spider-Man' bests 'Transformers' with record $35M opening

    Columbia Pictures

    "The Amazing Spider-Man."

    By Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter

    Marc Webb's 3-D superhero tentpole "The Amazing Spider-Man" set off early July 4th fireworks at the domestic box office.

    The $220 million Sony reboot -- looking to relaunch the franchise by going back to the beginning with a new cast -- nabbed the top opening for a Tuesday with roughly $35 million, eclipsing the $27.9 million debut of "Transformers" on the same Tuesday in 2007.

    In more good news for Sony, "Spider-Man" received an A- CinemaScore, and an A from moviegoers under the age of 18.

    VIDEO: Marc Webb talks about his biggest challenge: Casting Peter Parker

    As one Sony executive put it, "we are off to an outstanding start here in North America with big fireworks still to come!"

    "Spider-Man," starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, is being helped at the box office by the upcharge for a 3-D ticket and is doing big business in Imax theaters, the favorite venue of fanboys. Roughly 300 Imax theaters contributed $4 million to the $35 million booty.

    Estimates vary in terms of how much "Spider-Man" will earn in its six-day debut. Bullish observers believe it could earn $120 million to $140 million. "Transformers" grossed $155.4 million in its six-day debut after opening on Tuesday, although it grossed $8.8 million in advance Monday night shows and a total of $13.5 million including midnight runs.

    PHOTOS: "The Amazing Spider-Man" premiere: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone swing into action on the red carpet

    "Spider-Man's" opening day gross included $7.5 million in Monday midnight earnings.

    The tentpole, also starring Martin Sheen, Denis Leary and Sally Fields, is off to a stellar start overseas, where it debuted to $50 million last weekend in only 11 territories.

    Are you planning to see it? Or are there too many superhero films already? Tell us over on Facebook.


    Follow @ msnbc_ent

    Related content:

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  • 1
    Jul
    2012
    10:58am, EDT

    Best Bets: 'Spider-Man' spins web with new cast


    Follow @ msnbc_ent
    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

    Happy Independence Day week! If it's hot where you are, slink inside to the air conditioning and check out a big movie, and of course, don't forget the fireworks.

    TUESDAY: 'The Amazing Spider-Man'
    The webslinger's story gets a whole new cast, with Andrew Garfield stepping in as poor Peter Parker, the hapless high schooler who gets chomped by a radioactive spider and becomes an unlikely superhero. Emma Stone plays girlfriend Gwen Stacy (comic-book readers know she came before redheaded Mary Jane Watson) and Sally Field and Martin Sheen play Peter's Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Rhys Ifans faces off against Garfield as Dr. Curt Connors, who transforms into a giant lizard when his limb-regenerating experiments go horribly wrong. It's always good to have Spidey back, and who knows? Once he gets a movie under his utility belt, he may even join the Avengers, just like in the funny pages. (Opens July 3.)

    WEDNESDAY: 'A Capitol Fourth'
    If you're not heading out to a fireworks display, catch all the rockets' red glare from the comfort of your couch with "A Capitol Fourth." The annual Washington concert will be hosted by "Dancing With the Stars" host Tom Bergeron. "American Idol" winner Phillip Phillips, Kool and the Gang, Matthew Broderick and others will perform at the event. (July 4, 8 p.m., PBS.)

    FRIDAY: 'Savages'
    Oliver Stone returns to theaters with "Savages," which has intrigued movie buffs since the first clips were revealed months ago. Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch play pot growers who share a girlfriend (Blake Lively). When she's kidnapped, they have to go up against a drug cartel and a corrupt DEA agent (John Travolta). (Opens July 6.) 

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  • 25
    Jun
    2012
    8:14pm, EDT

    6 ways Emma Stone lays on the charm

    Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images

    By Cody Delistraty, NBC News

    Emma Stone has had a slew of red carpet appearances and interviews lately to promote “The Amazing Spider-Man,” but it’s been nothing but a breeze for the charismatic actress.

    It seems no one is immune to her understated beauty and self-deprecating charm. In fact, her New York Magazine profile was so glistening that some article commenters lambasted its “girl crush” tone. Her fashion sense has been the center of envious attention, and her off-screen relationship with her "Spider-Man" co-star Andrew Garfield (which she’s reticent to publicly discuss) seems to be going swimmingly.

    Clearly, Stone is doing something right. Taking a page out of Dale Carnegie’s famous self-help book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” she’s smiling, listening and appreciating her rise to the ("Easy") A-list, making us fall deeper in love with her one step at a time.

    From her PowerPoint-fueled Hollywood start to her humble rise to success, here are six ways that Emma Stone has won us over:

    Ambitious adolescence
    At 14, Stone enrolled as a freshman at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, Ariz., but she wanted to go to Los Angeles to be in the movies. So, as she recounted to Blackbook Magazine, in her freshman year she made a PowerPoint entitled "Project Hollywood 2004," set it to Madonna’s “Hollywood” and used it to convince her parents to let her drop out of school and move to L.A. to audition for film and TV. Her mother stayed with her, homeschooling the Scottsdale, Ariz., native through high school.

    Discerning choice of roles
    Although “The Amazing Spider-Man” will likely be the role that reaches the biggest audience, her success has been climbing ever since she starred as the heart-meltingly hot high-school dream girl Jules in “Superbad.” She honed her comedic chops alongside co-star Jonah Hill before showing that con artists can be silly and sexy in “Zombieland,” and then, drum roll please, “Easy A” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love” helped perfect her smart, sexy, wry sense of humor which she followed with a serious turn in "The Help," establishing a hilarious, serious, various persona for the Emma Stone we now know and love.    

    Trailer for "The Amazing Spider-Man," in which Emma Stone plays Gwen Stacy. Opens July 3.

    Self-deprecating humor
    The way Stone combines her sarcastic humor with real vulnerability has proven to be her siren song. Her turn as Olive Penderghast, a high-school student who video diaries her misunderstood "Scarlet Letter"-inspired life in "Easy A," allowed Stone to showcase a witty, cultured, willing-to-be-humbled character who's nothing but unforgettable. We hope she won’t use her siren song to crash us into a cliff, though, because when she turns on the comedic charm, it’s impossible to look away.

    Approachability
    Between press tours, filming, photo shoots, interviews and maintaining some semblance of a personal life, the natural blonde seems nothing like the average 23-year-old. But compared to the likes of Angelina Jolie or Sean Penn -- who are off doing good in Cambodia and Haiti, respectively -- her stateside sensibility lends itself to greater approachability and relatability. We're sure she'll take up a cause or two when she's older and more firmly entrenched in the Hollywood elite, but for now, Stone’s youthful, live-in-the-Hollywood moment sensibility is a surprisingly appreciated repose from the busy, hyperaffluent, seemingly out-of-touch movie star we're used to.

    Understated (yet unbelievable) looks
    Sony Screen Gems president Clint Culpepper noted that with red hair, Stone looks less like “someone who will steal your boyfriend,” according to New York Magazine. But whether she’s a redhead, blonde or brunette, the actress, who’s now the new face of Revlon, could steal a boyfriend or two sporting any hair color. “The pretty thing ... it was never a value to me growing up,” she told the magazine, adding that she signed with Revlon so young girls would know they don’t have to look like models to be beautiful. To judge for yourself whether she doesn't have the looks of a model, here are a few of her "Spider-Man" red carpet looks. (For the record, yes, she's model material.)

    She’s not the center of the world (but she is)
    Perhaps the most refreshing -- although most difficult to believe -- quality of Stone is that she isn’t too interested in herself or in sharing her stories. “I freak out having a Facebook” she told New York Magazine, noting that she only wants her closest friends to know the most personal details of her life, specifically concerning Garfield. Yet, considering the fact that her face seems to dominate the newstand (now on the July Vogue cover), if she wanted to tell story after self-centered story, we're sure millions would be glad to perk up and listen.

    Tune into the TODAY show Tuesday for an interview with Emma Stone. Check your local listings for air time.

    What's your favorite Emma trait? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page and follow us on Pinterest.


    Follow @ TODAY_ent

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  • 26
    Jun
    2012
    9:03am, EDT

    Emma Stone eyes fall-back career if acting doesn't pan out

    By Randee Dawn, TODAY contributor

    Emma Stone is not a typical Hollywood celebrity. Sure, she's got the looks and the personality, but there's a twinkle in her big eyes that says she's never taken this whole being famous business too seriously. And as she told TODAY's Ann Curry Tuesday, there are other career paths she has considered.

    "I would have loved to be a journalist," she said. "I realize now as I get older I really would love to be an editor. I think that maybe I would be better at editing than actually writing the stories. ... But acting is so different than that, so it's funny. I guess I kind of like both sides of it."

    Editing is a considerably less-glamorous profession than being a movie star in films like the upcoming "The Amazing Spider-Man," so perhaps Stone made the right decision after all. She plays Gwen, Peter Parker's first love in the movie, and says it was about trying to "really get into the humanity" of the teen who would be Spider-Man. "She obviously sees a heroic quality in him even before he becomes Spider-Man."


    Follow @ TODAY_ent

    Still, if the acting thing loses its luster one day, Stone does have that fallback passion for editing -- or possibly cooking, which is something she did during the making of the movie to relieve pressure. "While we were shooting 'Spider-Man' I was baking a lot," she admitted. "I think the control factor was very therapeutic. (There's a) scientific element to baking."

    "The Amazing Spider-Man" opens on July 3.

    Why do you think this "Spider-Man" film will be better than any others? Web-sling your opinions over at Facebook!

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  • 25
    Jun
    2012
    10:01am, EDT

    Andrew Garfield: My dad's manipulation led to 'Spider-Man' role

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    Taking on the role of the justice-loving, teenage superhero in "The Amazing Spider-Man" was a dream come true for Andrew Garfield. Since childhood, the actor's been a fan of the web-slinger at the center of the story, and as it turned out, that early obsession played a part in landing him the lead spot in the film.

    Long before Garfield donned the iconic blue and red suit for the big screen production, he wore a much smaller version of it as a 3-year-old, and somehow a photo of him in that getup made its way into the hands of producers before he got the part.

    "I would never be that manipulative," Garfield said of the photo ploy during a Monday morning interview on TODAY. "(But) my father would. He really wanted me to get this role, and he knows I was a cute 3-year-old. And who can say no to a 3-year-old in a Spider-Man costume? These guys were manipulated."


    Follow @ TODAY_ent

    Garfield couldn't be happier with the result of dad's arm-twisting (and his own hard work). After all, he sees Spidey as the perfect role model for a generation that could definitely use one.

    "Between the ages of 6 and 12, I experienced bullying and witnessed it ... and it's wonderful having a teenage example of a hero," he explained. "That's what's defining about Spider-Man -- it's that he's a kid. ... So I think he means so much to so many because of that, because he is a symbol of doing the right thing and protecting each other and living in a community, as opposed to individuals."

    Garfield wasn’t the only "Amazing Spider-Man" star to wax about the web-filled film. Co-stars Emma Stone, Denis Leary and Rhys Ifans, along with producer Matt Tolmach and director Marc Webb, also stopped by TODAY to share their thoughts. Hear what they had to say about their "Amazing" experiences in the video below.

    "The Amazing Spider-Man" opens in theaters nationwide July 3.

    Follow @ReeHines

     

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  • 13
    Jun
    2012
    8:42am, EDT

    Spider-Man swings into Tokyo for 'Amazing' world premiere

    Yuriko Nakao / REUTERS

    Director Marc Webb (left) poses with cast members Rhys Ifans, Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and producer Avi Arad at the world premiere of "The Amazing Spider-Man."

    By Chris Gallagher and Elaine Lies, Reuters

    Andrew Garfield and the stars of "The Amazing Spider-Man" swung into Tokyo on Wednesday, bringing the comic book crime-fighter back to the big screen in the world premiere of one of the summer's most anticipated movies.

    Fans swarmed around the red carpet in Tokyo's posh Roppongi Hills area for a glimpse of Garfield, co-star Emma Stone and other cast members as a stuntman dressed as Spider-Man swung over the crowd, then scaled a wall into a large "web."

    Garfield, who plays Peter Parker said the role had appealed for many reasons.

    "Spider-Man has always been the only teenage superhero, and the most human one in my humble opinion, and that's just one of the things that sets him apart," he told Reuters.

    "He's all too human, that's what's wonderful about him."

    "The Amazing Spider-Man," which opens on limited release in Japan on June 23 and hits North American theaters on July 3, reboots the franchise that started in 2002 with Tobey Maguire in the lead role.

    Now it is Garfield, 28, who dons Spider-Man's famous red-and-blue suit in a story that explores the origins of teenager Peter Parker and how he became a superhero.

    Stone, who portrays Gwen Stacy, Parker's first love interest and has been linked romantically with Garfield off-screen, said the change offered fresh perspective on the tale.


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    "New love interest, the story of Peter's life, there's a lot of stuff to learn about Peter Parker," said Stone, 23, who wore a burgundy dress. "He's a real underdog, and he's bullied, and I think everyone can relate ... He's an incredibly inspirational character."

    Among the changes was the use of 3D, made possible due to recent advances in technology, said producer Matt Tolmach at a news conference earlier in the day.

    "In so many ways, what's magical about Spider-Man is that we all identify with this character - he's all of us, he's everyman. So what would it feel like if you could experience flight, and sailing through the city, what it feels like to swing on a web through New York?" he said.

    "It was very, very clear to all of us that this is a movie that was meant to be told in 3D. 3D is a form of storytelling, not just a way to sell the movie to audiences."

    Japan has proved to be a strong draw for the Spider-Man movies. It was the top overseas market for the first two movies, according to Box Office Mojo, and Spider-Man 3 premiered in Tokyo in 2007.

    "I came to see Emma, she's gorgeous," said Keita Fukushima, 23, who said he was interested in seeing the new Gwen Stacy role. Mary Jane Watson had been Parker's girlfriend in the other movies.

    But eight-year-old Yu Suguro, who wore a red Spider-Man costume, was there for his hero. "I love Spider-Man," he said.

    Though Garfield said at the news conference that being named Spider-Man gave him "the purest joy you could ever feel," he added that the role was not without difficulties.

    "When I put on the suit, I got very itchy and uncomfortable, and it took me a long time to go to the restroom."

    Will you watch "The Amazing Spider-Man" when it opens in theaters nationwide on July 3? Tell us on our Facebook page.

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  • 7
    Feb
    2012
    11:21am, EST

    'Spider-Man' trailer reveals new villain

    Columbia Pictures

    Andrew Garfield plays Peter Parker in "The Amazing Spider-Man," which reboots the movie franchise.

    By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

    The first full trailer for "The Amazing Spider-Man," the reboot of the comic-book movie franchise that hits theaters July 3, has been released and savored by Spidey fans everywhere.

    That's Andrew Garfield, who played Mark Zuckerberg's pal-turned-foe in "The Social Network," replacing Tobey Maguire. So far, we like the casting choice -- Garfield has a bit of that teen angst in his voice despite being 28, and he's nerdy enough that it's believable when he gets slammed around by the school jocks.

    Emma Stone's normally a redhead, but she's blonde for her role as Peter Parker's girlfriend. Remember, she's not playing redheaded Mary Jane Watson here -- she's Peter's earlier girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. No spoilers here, but fans of the comics know what that means.


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    Rhys Ifans plays Dr. Chuck Connors, whom Peter knows as a friend of his late father, but he's also the film's villain, the creepy Lizard, and the trailer gives fans a quick look at the slimy green guy. Martin Sheen and Sally Field play Uncle Ben and Aunt May, Peter's

    The trailer also gives us two fairly funny lines -- Peter saying "You seriously think I'm a cop in a skin-tight red and blue suit?" to a car thief, and Gwen's father (played by Denis Leary), a police captain, saying "Thirty-eight of New York's finest vs. one guy in a unitard." Yep, that about covers it.

    If you're seeing "Phantom Menace" in 3-D this weekend, you'll reportedly get the "Amazing Spider-Man" trailer in 3-D before the film. The 3-D trailer is also supposed to appear online Wednesday, for those of you who just happen to have a pair of those funny glasses sitting around. There's some amazing Spidey flipping in the trailer that should look great in the extra dimension.

    Gotta say, this trailer looks pretty promising. With great power comes great impatience. July 3 is still five months away.

    What did you think of the trailer? Will you see 'The Amazing Spider-Man'? Tell us on Facebook.

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Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, NBC News

Gael Cooper is the movies editor for TODAY.com and a pop-culture junkie. She is the co-author of "Whatever Happened to Pudding Pops?" and "The Totally Sweet '90s."

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Cody Delistraty, NBC News

Cody Delistraty is the Features/Entertainment Intern at NBCNews.com. He is pursuing a degree in Media, Politics and French at New York University. Find him on Twitter: @delistraty

Randee Dawn, TODAY contributor

Randee Dawn is a frequent TODAY and NBC News contributor. She is the co-author of "The 'Law & Order: SVU' Unofficial Companion."

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Ree Hines is a frequent TODAY.com and NBCNews.com contributor.

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