Film: ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’; Director: Ron Cohen; Cast: Brendan Fraser, Jet Li, Maria Bello, Michelle Yeoh, Luke Ford;

There have already been quite a few summer action blockbuster movies this year, and the ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’ tries to sneak in and make an impact. It is not going to succeed. With ‘The Dark Knight’ already getting incredible critical and box office success, any other movie following that one is doomed, at the best, to be mediocre.

The film makers chose to ignore any kind of story and the potential good acting at hand, and chose to just go for as many explosions and as much noise as possible. The plot seems to be at the service of action and some exotic locales. It takes us to the deserts of China, the Himalayas and even allows us to encounter some snow animals called yeti.

Even the dependable actor, Brendan Fraser, gets very little from the script to build on. Another fine actress, Maria Bello, is not allowed to sink her teeth into the role. There is no chemistry between these two lead actors or between Fraser and Luke Ford, who plays his son. Ford could go down as the most bland character in an action movie this year.

The movie starts with a flashback from history of an ancient emperor along with his army being turned to clay by a spell cast by a woman. The woman is in love with another man and the emperor is against this union. Fast forward a few thousand years and Luke Ford’s character has discovered this tomb, and well, all hell breaks loose after this. This is also the point where the movies starts losing its wheels and just rambles on, taking us for an inconsequential ride.

There is nothing new in terms of technique or filming, but it does strive hard to thrill. Pre-teens may find this appealing and adults looking for a good break from anything cerebral might also appreciate the explosions.

The director Rob Cohen might have understood this a little too well and thinks he doesn’t have to offer anything more than that. The only good thing about this movie is the action. It delivers in some way.The writers, Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, are not interested in coming up with anything fresh or even aware of the sheer acting potential in all their actors. Each of these actors has won rave reviews for at least one other performance in other movies. They could have been given much more to handle in this one.

Jack Black is to reunite with the writers of the animated film KUNG FU PANDA for an as yet untitled new comedy.

Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger have written the script for the film, which is described as a comedic BOURNE IDENTITY.

The Hollywood Reporter says that the story sees Black as an American who finds himself washed up the shores of Cuba with no idea of who he is and how he got there. He comes to the conclusion that he must be a superspy, though in reality he is far from one.

Danielle Panabaker has been cast in the female lead in director Chuck Russell’s sci-fi movie PRODIGY.

The Hollywood Reporter says that the film centers on an elite prep school that promises to turn teenagers into geniuses through a drug-and-diet regimen for a half-million-dollar tuition. When several alumni turn up dead, the school’s valedictorian is assigned to investigate the murders, leading him to a rebellious student (Max Theriot).

Panabaker will play the brilliant daughter, according to the trade.

The sequel to this year’s mega-hit KUNG FU PANDA is going to be released in 3-D, according to reports. Both Jack Black and Angelina Jolie will return inorder to lend their voices to their respective characters from the actual movie.

The sequel will be directed by Jennifer Nelson, are supposed to hit cinemas on June 3, 2011. The big news is that it will be released in 3-D.

Sources says that the sequel centers on Po, the world’s biggest kung fu fan, as he continues his journey as the chosen one who fulfills an ancient prophecy while mastering the art of kung fu.The original movie will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on Nov. 9 alongside an original companion story, “Secrets of the Furious Five.”

Robert De Niro is to reunite with Martin Scorsese for I HEARD YOU PAINT HOUSES, which although sounds really bland, centers on the mob assassin who many believe was involved in the death of Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa.

The title apparently refers to mob slang for contract killings, and the film is based on a book by Charles Brandt.

According to Variety, De Niro will play Frank “the Irishman” Sheeran, who is reputed to have carried out more than 25 mob murders. Scorsese will direct from a screenplay by Steve Zaillian.