The Dark Knight is ready to pass another milestone. As of Monday, August 25, 2008 it was up to $490 million in domestic box office sales. Its momentum, however, hit a slump this past weekend. The film was number one in theaters since premiering on July 18, until Tropic Thunder entered the fight.

The film starring Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., and Jack Black was expected to be good competition for the Knight. The movie spoofs both Hollywood and war films when a group of actors making a war movie are forced into an actual war situation. It brought in $25.8 million during its opening weekend, with The Dark Knight making $16.4 million, reigning comfortably as the second highest grossing movie of all time, surpassing Star Wars’ $461 million.

Since coming to theaters The Dark Knight has broken many records. With the stellar cast of Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aaron Eckhart, and Morgan Freeman, along with nonstop suspense, exciting action sequences, and deep characterization, it’s no wonder the Knight has reigned. Christopher Nolan’s most impressive movie to date, it had the highest midnight opening with $18.5 million, the highest selling opening weekend totaling $158 million, and it hit the $400 million mark in 18 days, shattering the previous record of 43 days, held by Shrek 2. Does it have enough steam to make the coveted $600 million mark? Some say yes, some say no. Either way, The Dark Knight has become an important part of the Batman canon. 

If you are a Batman collector, or plan to become one after seeing The Dark Knight, check out Geppi’s Entertainment’s current Hake’s Americana auction. One of the many offerings is a Batmobile riding toy. Measuring 14 X 37.5” it includes the 12.5 X 37.75 X 14.5” box. The Batmobile is steerable has a batsymbol-shaped steering wheel with a horn that squeaks. You can learn more about it by clicking here and to see other items in the auction, visit hakes.com.