Movie: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince * Trailer * Official Site	In Theaters: July 15, 2009
Runtime: 153 minutes	Directed by: David Yates
MPAA Rating: PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality	Gecko Rating:

One thing I love about Harry Potter movies is that they appeal to all age groups. We saw "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" last night, and the people in the theater spanned at least eight decades, kids from 8 to 80. Aside from that, it’s just a really great production with beautiful cinematography, stunning locations, and thoughtful performances. And oh yeah, a fantastic storyline that hooks you from beginning to end, even if you’ve never read the books by J.K. Rowling. My only complaint is that at 153 minutes, it’s a little long. But I’ll forgive that one thing, and not even mark it down. 

We catch up with Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his pals Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) well on their way to young adulthood. Along with the spells, wands, and broomsticks, we’ve got three kids dealing with hormones and young love (and lust!). It’s been fun watching them grow up on screen, and like seeing old friends again in this latest installment. 

Harry, once a confused young wizard, has grown into a charismatic young man ready to face down evil with a vengeance. He also has a thing for young Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright). Ron is much more than comic relief now, though we still get some of that, thank goodness. And Hermione, who began as a stern young student only interested in obeying the rules and scoring high on tests, is now a lovely young woman with a certain wizard on her mind -– a wizard who’s too dense to see the truth, thus causing Hermione much heartache.

Along with the teenage angst, we have the magical storylines that audiences will undoubtedly eat up with glee. The evil Death Eaters are attacking the Muggle world, and Harry and pals are headed back to Hogwarts. Harry comes into possession of an ancient Potions textbook with all sorts of helpful notes written in the margins and text. It once belonged to "The Half-Blood Prince," as noted in the front of the book.   

Professor Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambone) takes Harry further into his confidence and shows him some memories involving a creepy young Tom Riddle (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin at age 11; Frank Dillane at age 16), whom we know grows up to be the darkest wizard of all, Lord Voldemort.

Dumbledore also asks Harry to befriend the school’s new professor, Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent), who holds a particular memory that’s key to saving the world as they know it. The loyalty of Professor Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) continues to be in question, and he finally shows his true colors. And Harry’s arch-nemesis Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) is more than just a bad, bad boy. He’s truly a tortured soul, torn between good and evil. A tragic figure, really.

Helena Bonham Carter’s Death Eater Bellatrix Lestrange is deliciously evil, with her mass of wild hair and dark shenanigans. I’d say she’s soul-less, but she definitely has a soul. It’s just very, very dark.

We also get a good amount of visually fun scenes with stunning special effects: a visit to the elder Weasley boys’ magic shop; a trip to a dark cavern where Harry and Dumbledore fend off Gollum-like creatures creeping out of the murky water; an attack on our friends by Death Eaters in an earthy field of windswept wheat; a wild and wooly game of Quiddich; and plenty of beautiful shots of spires and staircases and dark alleys.

All of this is intermixed with slower-paced scenes of the characters talking things out, and that’s ok. We see that they’re maturing and growing, and their lives involve more than just magical hijinks.

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is my favorite movie in the series so far, and I can’t wait to see the battle between good and evil play out in the final two movies. Two installments of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" are scheduled for release in 2010 and 2011.

Did you see the movie? And is it your favorite so far?

Images: TM and (c) 2009 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc

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It’s a ridiculously funny sci-fi spoof on "Star Trek," and what’s even funnier is that you don’t expect to see Sigourney Weaver in this type of film, but she rocks it. The story follows the stars of a sci-fi TV show who are heading for a convention, and suddenly tasked with saving an alien race who think they’re the real deal.

ETOnline caught up with stars Weaver and Tim Allen, who talked about some behind-the-scenes stuff. For instance, Allen says he was "a freak for details," and apparently, there was a big discussion about whether they could breathe the air on a distant rock world.

More after the jump, including a video…

"You just can’t land the stupid ship on the planet," he says. "Somebody’s got a Tricorder or something … we’ve got to test the oxygen level."

Weaver says she loves science fiction, having done the "Alien" and "Ghostbusters" movies by then. "You get to invent all this stuff theoretically working in outer space," she says. "I could really appreciate it since I spent days and nights and months and years on sets like that."

The cast reads like a who’s who of stars still doing movies and TV, including Tony Shalhoub ("Monk"), Alan Rickman ("Harry Potter" movies), Enrico Colantoni ("Veronica Mars") and Justin Long ("He’s Just Not That Into You").

"Galaxy Quest" is rated PG for some action violence, mild language, and sensuality; 102 minutes. The Deluxe Edition DVD includes all-new bonus material, including new interviews with the actors and filmmakers; an exploration of the visual effects created by ILM and Stan Winston; the story of how the Thermian race evolved; deleted scenes; an alternate Thermian audio track; and Sigourney Weaver rapping! What more could you ask for?!  Grabthar’s hammer!

Image Credit: Dreamworks

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On author Stephenie Meyer’s Web site, she answers the question, “Can you get me an audition for a part in the movie?”: “Nope. If, for any reason, I do come into possession of knowledge concerning open auditions for any of the parts, I will post that information on the movie page.”

I’m trying to think of all the new parts that would need casting for “New Moon” – Leah, the Volturi, Jane, Alec, Emily, and most of the pack. Am I missing anyone?

More “New Moon” Casting News and Rumors after the jump!

Now, for the RUMORS … I’ve heard:

• They’re talking about changing Jacob Black’s character, because he can’t grow 7 inches in one year. So they might be looking for alternatives to play Jacob’s werewolf side.
• There will be an open audition casting in San Antonio, Texas for “New Moon,” but I don’t know when or where.
• They’ve already cast Shauna Powell for the part of Jane, and they start filming “New Moon” in January. Anyone know if this is true?
• Also heard that Jodelle Ferland was in the running for Jane.
• And that this gal was auditioning for the part of Leah.
• They’re looking at Ian McKellen for the part of Aro.
• Alan Rickman is being considered for one of the Volturi members.

Remember, these are only RUMORS! Have you guys heard anything? Let me know if you do! Post it in the comments!

Image: Amazon.com

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