With a LONG weekend to look forward to, there leaves plenty of time to catch a new flick that will be released this Fourth of July weekend, or maybe even time to rent an older movie that was released on the Fourth of July. Either way here's a little mix of movies to see if you haven't seen them already, and a list of what to look out for.

As seen in“The Patriot,” Mel Gibson stars in this period film, which is centered on our actual fight for independence. “The Patriot” is loosely based on real events that took place during the American Revolution. The filmmakers received guidance from the Smithsonian Institute on some of the period details, but took some obvious creative liberties for the sake of drama and action. Fittingly, “The Patriot” opened during the July 4th weekend in 2000. Other big related successes include the 1996 release of “Independence Day” starring Will Smith. It was dubbed the “single greatest 4th of July opening ever,” banking over $50 million in that weekend alone! Since then, however, an action/adventure film took its number one spot in the running. In 2004, “Spider-Man 2” grossed over $80 million in the box office.

Nonetheless, Smith will try his good ole' American luck with this year’s “Hancock.” This will be his fifth movie release during the Fourth of July week. His other films include “Wild, Wild West," "Independence Day" (as mentioned earlier,) and both “Men in Black” films, dubbing Will Smith as “Mr. Fourth of July.”

On another note, some films that will be in production during and beyond this fourth of July weekend are...

James Brolin talks to the LA Times about playing President George W. Bush in Oliver Stone's upcoming "W." The film is currently in production with an eye on being released in October! Good luck with that.

Variety reports that a sequel to last year's surprise blockbuster "300" is being planned. Word is it would be based on a new graphic novel Frank Miller is writing, and Zack Snyder says he would be interested in directing it. No word yet on how they'll get around one pesky little plot point -- namely, that all but one of the "300" DIED!

Drew Barrymore is making her directorial debut and co-starring with "Juno" Oscar nominee Ellen Page in the roller derby comedy "Whip It!" according to The Hollywood Reporter. Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis and Zoe Bell round out the cast. The movie starts shooting this summer.

THR also reports that Helena Bonham Carter is eyeing a 'small but pivotal' role in the currently in-production "Terminator Salvation," a continuation of the Terminator franchise starringChristian Bale, who said over the weekend that he almost didn't sign on for another tentpole pic. We're glad he's onboard. If Bale's in it, we're there!
Finally, check out the new trailer for Disney's upcoming animated movie "Bolt." John Travolta is the voice of a dog who thinks he's a super pup ...only he's really an actor in a TV show. It opens Thanksgiving weekend.