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Despite some darkly inspired moments, the fifth of seven Harry Potter movies feels like — well, like the next to the next-to-last installment in a series that's taking its time.

Fresh Air's critic-at-large reviews a new DVD set featuring two masterpieces by French filmmaker Chris Marker: 1962's La Jetee and 1984's Sans Soleil. The first is a science-fiction story set in a post-apocalyptic Paris; the narrator of the brilliantly perceptive Sans Soleiltells viewers about the letters she's received from a globe-trotting friend; her monologue is accompanied by footage from around the world.

Natasha Trethewey was recently awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her poetry collection Native Guard. Trethewey grew up bi-racial in Mississippi, and her mother was murdered by her stepfather; these, along with the South, are recurring themes in her poetry.

Fresh Air's film critic says Adam Shankman's candy-colored teeny-bopper parable feels fatuously energized, with the songs all blaring at one manic pitch and a heroine whose delusional optimism has peaked by the end of the opening number.

For centuries, Venice maintained strong economic and social ties with the Islamic world. The city's art and architecture bear the mark of this vibrant exchange.

An American Idol-style contest to choose the stars of Broadway's latest Grease revival wasn't exactly a ratings smash. But hefty advance ticket sales means that the NBC series may have been a success in a different way: as a marketing gimmick.

Children are going to have to read fast to avoid finding out from others what happens in the long-awaited final book of the Harry Potter series. Young readers discuss strategies for keeping the ending secret.

Artist Edward Hopper is best known for provocative, shadowy oil paintings of people in urban settings — diners, offices and bedrooms. But the work that put Hopper on the map is a watercolor of an elegant, light-drenched house in Gloucester, Mass.

Actor and writer Ricky Gervais is best known as creator and star of the British TV comedy The Office, which was adapted into a U.S. hit starring Steve Carrell. Gervais also stars in Extras, which airs in the U.S. on HBO, and writes the Flanimals children's books.

Sex talk, alcohol and the Jungian uberdork: The latest squirmy movie from Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen may just be the most provocative teen sex-comedy ever made.