There’s a surprising amount of patriotism in the new trailer for “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” the upcoming sequel directed by Matt Reeves. On second thought, maybe it’s not so surprising, given the timing of the trailer’s release.

Marking the Fourth of July, Fox has released a new “Dawn” trailer, featuring footage of a battered, almost completely human-free Earth contrasted against some haunting words from the late President John F. Kennedy:

“On this fourth day of July, we who are gathered declare now our vow to do our part and to regard any threat to the peace or freedom of one as a threat to the peace and freedom of all.”

Empowering words in the proper context, but outside of that context? Pure terror. Especially when measured against images of humans being marched around at gunpoint, while armies of apes gather around to reclaim the remnants of civilization. If the actual movie is as chilling as this “patriotic” teaser, then “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is certain to deliver.

“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” arrives on July 11.”

Josh Wigler

Likes pizza, punch and pie. Dislikes the Chitauri. Find him on Twitter @roundhoward; like Ron Howard, but rounder.

That rumbling you’re feeling? That’s the sound of a new Melissa McCarthy comedy bulldozing toward the box office.

McCarthy’s new movie, “Tammy,” co-written and directed by her husband Ben Falcone, opens in theaters this weekend. Critics are divided about the “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat” comedian’s latest; while some are enchanted by McCarthy’s usual unusual antics, others are over it, finding that the smaller-scale comedy veers too far off course.

Read on to see what the reviews have to say about “Tammy”:

The Story
“After wrecking her grisly Toyota Corolla, Tammy loses her job in a fast-food joint due to a lateness incident that forms the crowning event in an escalating display of bad attitude. Her pompous boss demands she hand in her badge, like a disgraced cop, although Tammy points out that it is just a name tag which she David-Brent-ishly had to pay for in the first place.

“On arriving back home, unwontedly early, she discovers her husband Greg (Nat Faxon) not in flagrante exactly, but having an infuriatingly monogamous meal with their neighbour Missi, played by Toni Collette. With nothing left to lose, Tammy hits the road with her cantankerous alcoholic grandma Pearl (Susan Sarandon) who offers to put up cash and her car for this defiant road trip, being herself enraged at her daughter — that is Tammy’s mom Deb (Allison Janney) — and her plans to put her in a home. And along the way, Tammy and Deb naturally have romantic adventures with men and learn some lessons.” ...

Little is known about “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” beyond the fact that it’s set several decades before “Harry Potter,” and will come from a screenplay written by J.K. Rowling herself.

Here’s another new fact about the upcoming “Potter” prequel: “Fantastic Beasts” will shoot at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the studio’s facility located just outside of London. It’s the same location where all eight of the “Harry Potter” films were shot.

With “Fantastic Beasts” set for release in little more than two years, it’s only a matter of time before even more news starts to become available — director and casting announcements in particular. So far, we only know the identity of the film’s main character: Newt Scamander, the young wizard who eventually becomes a famous magizoologist, and the author of the Hogwarts textbook the film takes its title from.

We also know that the movie takes place at least partially in New York, offering “Harry Potter” fans their first glimpse at how the wizarding world operates within the United States.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them” hits theaters on November 18, 2016.

Josh Wigler

Likes pizza, punch and pie. Dislikes the Chitauri. Find him on Twitter @roundhoward; like Ron Howard, but rounder.

Count on fireworks this weekend, and not just because of the Fourth of July, but also because of the release of the explosive new horror film, “Deliver Us From Evil.”

Directed by Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” and Marvel’s upcoming “Doctor Strange”) and starring Eric Bana and Edgar Ramirez, “Deliver Us From Evil” tells the story of police officers in the Bronx investigating forces of evil. Allegedly based on a true story, “Deliver Us From Evil” isn’t exactly winning critics over; while some reviews are on board with the exorcism thriller’s brand of terror, others find it a run-of-the-mill story that feels more like an episode of “Law and Order” than a feature film.

Read on for a selection of “Deliver Us From Evil” reviews:

The Story
“Set in the South Bronx, ‘Deliver Us From Evil’ is a variation on a theme of ‘The Exorcist,’ complete with a hardened police investigator (Sarchie, played by Aussie actor Eric Bana), who has a ‘radar’ for evil, and a flawed but dedicated young Catholic priest (Venezuelan Edgar Ramirez of ‘Carlos the Jackal’). The action begins in 2010 in Iraq, where three Marines in combat discover an under­ground chamber and two of them explore it to their regret. (Iraq also figures in the opening of ‘The Exorcist.’) Back in the South Bronx in 2013, Sarchie and partner Butler (a very good Joel McHale), a misfit in a Red Sox cap, investigate a domestic disturbance and come across one of the Marines (Chris Coy) and a ...

“Hawaii, Tahiti, the Bahamas — some of the most beautiful destinations on Earth … all look like sh– compared to the rest of the galaxy.”

That’s the official stance of Galaxy Getaways, the universe’s premier travel company, responsible for helping you discover the galaxy’s most exotic location. This is not a thing that actually exists, mind you; it’s simply some very clever, and very fun viral marketing for “Guardians of the Galaxy,” the upcoming Marvel Studios movie that blasts off for the stars later this summer.

The Galaxy Getaways video contains some new clips from “Guardians,” including one particularly memorable glimpse at Drax the Destroyer destroying some beverages at a bar, with Rocket Raccoon cheering on. Beyond the video, the Galaxy Getaways website offers an even closer look at some of the universe’s hottest destinations — places we’re certain to see when “Guardians” hits theaters.

Directed by James Gunn and starring Chris Pratt, “Guardians of the Galaxy” hits theaters on August 1.

Josh Wigler

Happy Independence Day! It’s the Fourth of July, the most patriotic American holiday there is, and as such, it’s worth revisiting some of the most inspirational words ever uttered on this glorious day.

In fact, here are the 160 greatest words anyone has ever said during Independence Day, without question:

“Good morning.”

“In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world. And you will be launching the largest aerial battle in this history of mankind.”

“Mankind — that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests.”

“Perhaps it’s fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom — not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution … but from annihilation.”

“We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist. And should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice…”

“We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight!”

“We’re going to live on! We’re going to survive!”

“Today, we celebrate our Independence Day!”

Seriously, though — that speech. Watch it here:

“Independence Day” is a national treasure (but not part of the “National Treasure” franchise) (even though it should be) and can (and should) ...