This and that in film news: 'Half-Blood Prince' pulls $104M worldwide; Ed Helms picks 'Rapids'

Here are some brief film news you shouldn't miss on July 17, 2009:

• While David Yates' "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" collected $58.1 million domestically, the sixth installment in the popular series picked up a solid $45.9 million on the international circuit. That brings the one-day total for "Prince" to a huge $104 million. (Variety)

• Scott Speedman, Bruce Greenwood and Macha Grenon are the latest to join Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Driver, Rosamund Pike and Rachelle Lefevre in Richard Lewis' "Barney's Version," based on the book by Mordecai Richler. The film follows a man who's been through three marriages, had two kids, and seems to be involved in the disappearance of one of his buddies. (THR)

• Ed Helms from "The Hangover" is set to star in Miguel Arteta's "Cedar Rapids." Helms plays an insurance agent heading to a convention to save his colleagues' jobs. Phil Johnston wrote the script. Helms, who also stars on "The Office," will soon be seen in "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard." Arteta recently wrapped "Youth in Revolt." (Variety)

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Paul Giamatti set for lead in 'Barney's Version'

Paul Giamatti, one of my favorite actors, will star in Richard J. Lewis' indie drama "Barney's Version," according to Variety. The project is based on Mordecai Richler's final novel and focuses on a character who's been through three marriages, has had two children, and may have been somehow involved in the disappearance of one of his buddies. Michael Konyves wrote the screenplay. Lewis' credits include plenty of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" episodes.