This week's new movie releases - July 15/17, 2009

This week, we're looking at one wide release and one limited opening: David Yates' "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Michael Gambon; and Marc Webb's "(500) Days of Summer" with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel:

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

Synopsis: Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching.

First thoughts: I've never read a "Harry Potter" book, but I've definitely been hooked on the series ever since I saw the first film. Thus, I'm really looking forward to Harry and co. returning for an all new adventure. The fascinating story is slowly approaching an end, and I'm interested to find out just how much darker this one will be.

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(500) DAYS OF SUMMER

Synopsis: This is a story of boy meets girl, begins the wry, probing narrator of 500 Days of Summer, and with that the film takes off at breakneck speed into a funny, true to life and unique dissection of the unruly and unpredictable year-and-a-half of one young man's no-holds-barred love affair.

First thoughts: I've heard and read so many good things about this indie flick, and judging by its intriguing trailer, this is just the kind of summer film I'm looking forward to this season. 'Summer" opens on my birthday and I hope I'll enjoy it to the fullest extent.