Universal has unveiled new banners for the Paul Weisz-directed threequel Little Fockers, starring Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro. While the comedy has undergone some production woes, most notably a last-minute effort to inject Dustin Hoffman into the film, Fockers looks to be on track to meet its December 22nd release date. Whether that’s good news or bad news depends on how much you’re looking forward to spending more time with Greg and the Focker clan.

Both Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers were directed by Jay Roach, who left the series to helm this year’s Dinner for Schmucks with Paul Rudd and Steve Carell. Paul Weisz (American Pie) eventually took the reins and will attempt to inject some fresh blood into a franchise that already felt dated in its second outing. Hit the jump for more, Focker.

Posters via Yahoo! Movies.

Here's the official synopsis for Little Fockers:

The test of wills between Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) and Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) escalates to new heights of comedy in the third installment of the blockbuster series-Little Fockers. Laura Dern, Jessica Alba and Harvey Keitel join the returning all-star cast for a new chapter of the worldwide hit franchise. It has taken 10 years, two little Fockers with wife Pam (Polo) and countless hurdles for Greg to finally get "in" with his tightly wound father-in-law, Jack. After the cash-strapped dad takes a job moonlighting for a drug company, however, Jack's suspicions about his favorite male nurse come roaring back. When Greg and Pam's entire clan-including Pam's lovelorn ex, Kevin (Owen Wilson)-descends for the twins' birthday party, Greg must prove to the skeptical Jack that he's fully capable as the man of the house. But with all the misunderstandings, spying and covert missions, will Greg pass Jack's final test and become the family's next patriarch... or will the circle of trust be broken for good?

While not necessarily a comedy classic, Meet the Parents (or that “old film from 2000” according to Cerie on NBC’s 30 Rock) was pretty friggin’ hilarious. Both Stiller and De Niro were in top form (comedy-wise), benefiting from a sharp script, and Roach’s sly direction.

The sequel, for what it’s worth, was more of the same, but not nearly as clever as its predecessor. Despite the presence of Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand, who gamely participated in the absurdity, Meet the Fockers was a forgettable comedy at best.

Will Little Fockers restore the franchise to its once-hilarious roots? Or will the third chapter sink the ship entirely? What do you think?