For his third feature as a director, Ben Affleck is getting away from Boston, the vividly-realized setting of his Gone Baby Gone and The Town.  Based on the first trailer for Argo, though, leaving Beantown isn't hurting Affleck one bit.  Warner Bros released the theatrical trailer and a teaser poster today, and while the latter is pretty standard, the former is outstanding, promising an intelligent, grown-up thriller with a sly, adroit sense of humor.

Today Warner Bros. debuted the second official still from Argo, the upcoming directorial feature from Ben Affleck.  Like the first image released back in December, this one features Affleck, who also stars, rocking a thoroughly 1970's haircut, and this time he's doing so in a smoky room where his character is presumably giving a detailed rundown of the complex operation at hand.

The Muppets is like a wonderful drug that has no detrimental effects, just a delicious happy high that puts a skip in your step and makes you want to kiss strangers on the cheeks.  Now, we know precisely when this rock of cinematic crack can be figuratively smoked in the comfort of our living rooms, as Disney has announced that the theatrical resurrection of Jim Henson's soulful creations will arrive on Blu-ray and DVD on March 20th.

For the better part of a decade, audiences around the world have vehemently demanded a movie following the illusionist exploits of GOB, the imbecilic cad from Arrested Development.  Since a GOB Bluth-based movie won't redefine the image of cinematic magicians for all time, though, we've got to put our hopes in Burt Wonderstone, a comedy centered on a successful Vegas magician who loses his professional partner and must rediscover his flare for the magical.  The production is currently on location in Las Vegas, and a fresh batch of unofficial photos from the set provide our first peek at Steve Carell looking quite different from The Office's Michael Scott as Wonderstone himself, along with a blonde-haired Steve Buscemi and Olivia Wilde sporting a pretty funny little outfit.

If I had told you, in the summer of 2004, that within eight years, Ben Affleck would be a successful director with two formidable feature films under his belt, you'd probably punch me right in the solar plexus then laugh your ass off.  But here we are, and based on his directorial track record, Affleck's third effort as director seems likely to be a highlight of 2012.  As part of a preview for the year ahead, Warner Bros has released the first official image from Argo, which Affleck both directs and stars in as part of a pretty ridiculous ensemble.  We've previously seen some unofficial photos from the Los Angeles set, but read on for your first bona-fide look Argo, with Affleck very seriously perusing some documents.

Opening in theaters on November 23rd his the highly awaited and triumphant theatrical return of The Muppets in an all-new film named after the beloved characters created by the late Jim Henson. The Muppets marks the lovable group's first theatrical film in over twelve years and features all your favorite characters including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal, Scooter, Rowlf the Dog, Swedish Chef, Sam the Eagle, Beaker, Crazy Harry, Dr. Teeth, Floyd Pepper, Zoot, Statler and Waldorf, and introducing the newest Muppet ... Walter.

The Muppets was co-written by Nick Stoller and Jason Segal (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), directed by James Bobin (HBO's Flight of the Conchords), and features original songs written by Flight of the Conchords member Bret McKenzie. In addition to the Muppets themselves, the film stars Segal, Academy Award-nominated actress Amy Adams (The Fighter), Academy Award-winning actor Chris Cooper (The Town), and Rashida Jones (The Social Network), as well as appearances by Jack Black (School of Rock), Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada), Zach Galifianakis (Puss in Boots), musician Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), political strategist James Carville (The War Room), Neil Patrick Harris (The Smurfs), Kristen Schaal (Toy Story 3), Sarah Silverman (Peep World), Academy Award-winners Alan Arkin (Little Miss Sunshine) and Whoopi Goldberg (Ghost), and living legend Mickey Rooney (National Velvet). 

IAR's managing editor Jami Philbrick recently had a chance to sit down with co-writer and executive producer Nick Stoller to discuss his work on The Muppets. Stoller talked about the new film, which Muppets he knew he had to focus on in the script, a missed opportunity with James Carville and Sam the Eagle, a missing scene featuring Dave Grohl and Animal, the return of Uncle Deadly (The Phantom of the Muppet Theater), developing the film's original songs, Chris Cooper's rap, and Walter's "unique" talent. 

This could just easily have been kicked over to our handy Trailers section, but the new The Muppets parody trailer is simply too damn good not to throw a spotlight on.  The time, Jim Henson's deservedly beloved creations populate a genuinely amusing, exuberant riff on the trailer for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, director David Fincher's adaptation of the novel by Stieg Larsson.  That awesome, stylized trailer featured striking title cards and a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" by Trent Reznor and Karen O.  The Muppets do that preview, exuberant spoofy justice.

This summer, marketing for The Muppets kicked off with a fake-out trailer for Green With Envy, a fictitious romantic comedy starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams.  Following that, Disney rolled out trailer spoofs of The Hangover Part 2 and Green Lantern, both with perfect timing.  This new trailer spoof is easily the best of the bunch, and it comes with Kermit and Miss Piggy doing a variation on the infamous topless poster of Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara.

After production began a week ago in Los Angeles, we have our first look at unofficial images from the set of Argo, the third directorial endeavor from professionally charming dude Ben Affleck.  Last Thursday, Warner Bros and GK Films officially announced that production had commenced on the darkly comedic drama, which tells the true story of a surreal CIA plan to pose as Hollywood movie-makers in order to save six Americans during the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979 to 1981.  These first set photos reflect Argo's period setting, with star/director Affleck sporting a very 70's style from his hair to his jeans.  Alan Arkin is also present and accounted for, though his appearance doesn't so immediately establish the setting.

Warner Bros and GK Films have officially announced that production on Argo, the new film from director Ben Affleck, has begun in Los Angeles.  The film, a drama with dark comedy sprinkled throughout, tells the true story of an usual CIA effort to free six Americans during the Iran Hostage Crisis that began in 1979.  As is his style, Affleck will direct and star, along with an impeccable ensemble cast that includes Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, Kyle Chandler, Kerry Bishe, Clea DuVall, John Goodman, and Michael Parks.

Peter Falk, a screen and television actor of inestimable wit, personality, and dedication enjoyed a career that spanned over fifty years and included roles that could have been played by no one else.  Sadly, Falk's family confirmed today that the actor passed away at his home in Beverly Hills at the age of 83, after years of struggling with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia.  The wholly unique actor is our latest Rogue of the Week, in posthumous celebration of his seemingly effortless ability to bring a sly sense of humor and endearing humanity to roles in any genre, for any audience.