Smile! New 'Ghost Protocol' clip boasts humor

A new clip from Brad Bird's new "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" adventure has surfaced on the Web, and it features Jeremy Renner and Simon Pegg having quite the humorous discussion about an upcoming mission. Be advised, this one contains witty dialogue.

"Protocol," the latest and probably not the last installment in the series also stars Tom Cruise, who will sort of pass on the torch to Renner. If this flick succeeds at the box office, and I believe it will, Renner could take over in future sequels. Also part of the cast: Paula Patton.

Besides the crazy action and freakingly awesome stunts, one thing I am looking forward to in this flick is the acting. "Protocol" features a strong cast, and the clip above strongly suggests the performances will make this an even more enjoyable experience.

"Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" infiltrates theaters Dec. 21, 2011, and I am ready!

Movie Review: "Rise of the Planet of the Apes"

Seen on: August 10, 2011

The players: Director: Rupert Wyatt, Writers: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Cast: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Andy Serkis

Fact of interest: Charlton Heston (the star of the original “Planet of the Apes”) is shown in his role as Moses in “The Ten Commandments” on a TV in the background in one of the scenes.

The plot: An origin story of the “Planet of the Apes” films, explaining mankind’s downfall.

Our thoughts: In 1968, the movie “Planet of the Apes” introduced us to a world where mankind was considered an animal next to the evolved, civilized talking ape. It further blew our minds when (spoiler alert) at the end of that film, it is revealed that the planet is, in fact, our own, sometime in the near future.

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New explosive trailer for 'Killer Elite'

The brand-new trailer for Gary McKendry's upcoming action thriller "Killer Elite" has debuted online, and you can check it out after the jump. Looks like a mixture of "Shoot Em Up" and "Crank" or something. Either way, it looks pretty explosive.

When his mentor (Robert De Niro) is taken captive, a retired member of Britain's Elite Special Air Service (Jason Statham) is forced into action. His mission: kill three assassins dispatched by their cunning leader (Clive Owen). The flick drops Sept. 23, 2011.

As I mentioned above, "Killer Elite" promises fast-paced action and some sick stunts. That said, could Clive Owen please lose the mustache? "Elite" marks McKendry's feature film debut, by the way. Congrats on scoring quite the compelling cast.

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Action-packed trailer for 'Haywire' arrives

The trailer for Steven Soderbergh's upcoming action thriller "Haywire" is now finally online, and you can check it out after the jump. Looks like lead star Gina Carano is going all Jason Bourne on us, and I have to admit, I like it. The film drops Jan. 20, 2012.

Mallory Kane is a highly trained operative who works for a government security contractor in the dirtiest, most dangerous corners of the world. After successfully freeing a Chinese journalist held hostage, she is double crossed and left for dead.

Suddenly the target of skilled assassins who know her every move, Mallory must find the truth in order to stay alive. Using her black-ops military training, she devises an ingenious—and dangerous—trap. Channing Tatum, Michael Fassbender and Ewan McGregor co-star.

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Oscar Isaac joins 'Bourne Legacy'

Even though I will truly miss Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, I am still somewhat intrigued by the upcoming "The Bourne Legacy," and the cast for the thriller is still growing. The latest to join the party: Oscar Isaac, who also starred in "Robin Hood."

Deadline points out Isaac tested for the lead role, but as you may know, that part went to Jeremy Renner, who is awesome, by the way. Isaac will play Number 3, another brainwashed assassin. Apparently, it's a big, important role.

Tony Gilroy will direct "Legacy," which will also star Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton. As for Isaac, his acting credits also include "Body of Lies," "Agora," "Drive," "Sucker Punch" and "The Life Before Her Eyes." Expect to see this guy more often, folks.

Don Payne to write 'Thor 2'

Marvel really wants to get "Thor 2" ready for shooting as soon as possible. Just one day after setting a July 26, 2013 release date for the sequel, the studio has hired Don Payne to write the script, according to Deadline.

Who's Payne? Apart from being one of the writers of the first "Thor," he also contributed to that terrible "Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer" script and wrote Ivan Reitman's mediocre "My Super Ex-Girlfriend."

Also worth pointing out that a look at his filmography reveals he has written for "The Simpsons." He also happens to be a producer on the TV show. Chris Hemsworth is set to return as "Thor" in the sequel. Kenneth Branagh will not return to direct.

Movie Review: "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"

Seen on: June 29, 2011

The players: Director: Michael Bay, Writer: Ehren Kruger, Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Patrick Dempsey Tyrese Gibson

Fact of interest: None.

The plot: The Decepticons attempt to pull the damaged planet of Cybertron into Earth's atmosphere. Sam and the Autobots must stop them.

Our thoughts: Here’s the good news: Michael Bay’s latest sci-fi spectacle “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” is a tad better than its utterly forgettable predecessor “Revenge of the Fallen.” That said, the not-so-good news is that the latest installment in the popular (and ridiculously profitable) big-screen franchise isn’t exactly a memorable experience either.

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'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' bags $37M

Paramount's "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" jumped to the top of the North American box office Wednesday, earning a solid $37.3 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates. The film scored the biggest opening day so far this year.

Michael Bay's crazy 3D sequel, however, failed to beat the stellar performance of its predecessor, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." That sequel took home a strong $62 million. "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is now playing at 4,011 locations.

Needless to say, the third film in the franchise will make a lot of moola this weekend, and it will probably rank somewhere between the first "Transformers" and "Revenge of the Fallen." Wednesday midnight showings, by the way, only brought in $8 million.

Simon West to direct 'The Expendables 2'

A sequel to Sylvester Stallone's "The Expendables" is happening for sure, but Sly is taking a step back from directing this time. His replacement for the action follow-up: Simon West, whose credits include "Con Air" and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider."

Deadline says the film will kick off production this summer, and the original cast is expected to return. Sly's ridiculous film bagged $103 million domestically. West also helmed "The General's Daughter" and "The Mechanic." Who's excited?

Dwayne Johnson to star in 'G.I. Joe 2'

Let's be honest here: "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" doesn't really need a sequel, right? That said, the folks at Paramount think it's a fabulous idea to move ahead with "G.I. Joe 2: Cobra Strikes," and it looks like Dwayne Johnson ("Fast Five") will be part of the cast.

Deadline says The Rock will probably show up in the action film to play a character known as Roadblock. Jon M. Chu, the man behind "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never," will direct "G.I. Joe 2," and from what I'm hearing, Channing Tatum should be returning as well.