Half Blood Prince Trailer Out. Finally

In the sixth book of the Harry Potter series, Half Blood Prince, J.K. Rowling takes us into the heart of darkness, examines through the memories of Albus Dumbledore the creation of Tom Riddle into the world's darkest wizard.

The ailing headmaster, knowing his death is forthcoming, spends his last months with Harry showing the boy wizard all that he knows, because he believes Harry is the only wizard alive capable of defeating Lord Voldemort; the two are connected like no other two beings living.

Half Blood Prince was one of my favorite of the book series. In November, fans of the books and films will get David Yates' cinematic interpretation of the work. Based on the first trailer for the November release, it seems Yates understands the importance of this central thread to the mythology of Rowling's work.

Certainly, there are numerous important threads in this semi-final chapter of the seven-part series. We see none of the rest in the trailer. But we are pleased nonetheless.

The countdown begins!

No Toy Story: WALL-E

WALL-E, the latest Pixar movie got some decent reviews. But let's be real: Most of this movie is kinda boring. No talking. Just a robot and a roach. But kids may enjoy it, as will adults who are kids at heart with an interest in animated films, you'll enjoy WALL-E.

Trailer News: Half Blood Prince

Mugglenet.com reports this: Warner Brothers has informed us that the teaser will be going live at the same time as the satellite feeds: 9 PM EST.

Check out more stills from the movie at HERE.

The movie will be released November 21.

Upcoming: Red Sonja

So, is it me, or has Hollywood completely run out of original ideas. The latest rehash: a remake of Red Sonja starring Rose McGowan. Let's hope director Douglas Aarnioskoski doesn't ruin one of my favorite barbarian flicks.

Flashback: Penelope is "Funnier than a Disney movie"

I saw Penelope recently with my 11-year-old niece. You know, that movie starring Christina Ricci as the girl born with a pig's nose, and James McAvoy as the man who falls for her. The movie was pretty much panned by the critiques, who, for some reason, expect high moral storytelling whenever they happen to venture to the cineplex with pen and pad in hand.

In any case, I enjoyed this movie. It's another example of what happens when you get strong actors to do their thing. There might be some holes in the plot, but the earnestness of the acting moves you along. Ricci is sweet and endearing as Penelope and McAvoy is her perfect counterpoint. The film, however, belongs to Catherine O'Hara, who plays Penelope's mother.

Upcoming: Mad Men Season Two

Don't forget: The second season of Mad Men, one of the best dramas on TV right now, starts Sunday, July 27, on AMC.

This show is filling the void that Sopranos left when it went off the air. The ensemble is cast perfectly, the acting is intense, visceral, and the emotions are completely raw. Watch an episode. You'll get hooked.

Avoid: Mamma Mia

It doesn't look that bad in the trailer, but apparently, it's worse than that bad.

A friend told me today that Mamma Mia! is quite possibly one of the worst movies she's seen in years. That the plot makes absolutely no sense, and that each scene is put in place only as set up to musical numbers. And Meryl Streep gives her worst theatrical performance.

I have no intention of seeing this movie (okay, to tell the truth, I never did). So I'll let someone who stomached this tell it like it is. "The legal definition of torture has been much aired in recent years, and I take Mamma Mia! to be a useful contribution to that debate." - Anthony Lane for the New Yorker