Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Movie clips up

[Jedi Master Carr]

Casting was announced today, here is who playing the new major characters
Evanna Lynch - Luna Lovegood
Helen McCrory- Bellatrix Lestrange
Imelda Staunton - Dolores Umbridge
George Harris - Kingsley Shacklebolt
Robbie Jarvis - Young James Potter
Michael Wildman - Magorian the Centaur
Natalia Tena- Nymphadora Tonks
Kathryn Hunter- Mrs. Figg
Here is a press release for the new film

n Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and discovers that much of the wizarding community is in denial about the teenager’s recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort, preferring to turn a blind eye to the news that Voldemort has returned. Fearing that Hogwarts’ venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about Voldemort’s return in order to undermine his power and take his job, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the Hogwarts students. But Professor Dolores Umbridge’s Ministry-approved course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the dark forces threatening them and the entire wizarding community, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry takes matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves “Dumbledore’s Army,” Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.

More here includinding a picture of the girl playing Luna.
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#article:8317

I think most of the cast from the previous movie will be back, including a return of David Thewlis as Remus Lupin.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Helen McCrory looks like she will make a good Bellatrix, likewise for the girl playing Luna. I wouldn't have imagined Imelda Staunton as Umbridge, but their choice of casting has been pretty inspired so far so I expect she will be great for the role.

[Morgan Evanar]

The previous movie was great. Each film has both built on the previous ones and surpassed them. I'm looking forward to this.

[Mortie]

OMG I so cannot WAIT for the Bellatrix x Sirius duel. asdfjkl;asjfdk;lasdfjk;l. :D

[Shawn]

Goblet of Fire was pretty good, but it did feel rushed at times. I'm not really sure how they're going to pull OotP off as a single movie.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Originally posted by Shawn
Goblet of Fire was pretty good, but it did feel rushed at times. I'm not really sure how they're going to pull OotP off as a single movie.
I am not worried, Goblet of Fire had more going on than Order of the Phoenix. There is so much in OOTP they can get rid of, for example the cleaning of the house, Harry's Angst, there are many other scenes. I think it is very doable, more so than GOF.

[Jedi Master Carr]

New news, it looks like the actress who is playing Bellatrix Lestrange had to leave filming, she is pregnant and can't finish. So, they signed Helena Bonhma Carter to replace her.
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#article:8702

I am very happy with that news, she is who I wanted for Bella before, I think she is perfect. Now I am wondering if maybe they might try to nab her husband, Tim Burton for HBP since he directs 2/3 of the films she is in these days.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Oh wow, that is even better. I don't think I can remember Helena having played any really evil characters before, so this should be a treat to watch. I'm glad the movies are continuing to have such a strong and varied cast. They're really lucky in that respect, that I think they could probably get almost anyone they wanted to be involved.

I see they've also named who is going to play young Sirius, Lupin and Snape. Don't recognise any of those names, though. Not that I expected to.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Originally posted by Dasquian Belargic
Oh wow, that is even better. I don't think I can remember Helena having played any really evil characters before, so this should be a treat to watch. I'm glad the movies are continuing to have such a strong and varied cast. They're really lucky in that respect, that I think they could probably get almost anyone they wanted to be involved.

I see they've also named who is going to play young Sirius, Lupin and Snape. Don't recognise any of those names, though. Not that I expected to.

Helena did play an evil part in the tv movie, Merlin, but that is about it. I think she will be great for the part. I am surprised they casted Professor Glubby Plank, I figured they skip the fact Hagrid was away from school.

[Droo]

Oh yes. Yes, yes, yes. Helena Bonham Carter is always a joy to watch.

[Ryan Pode]

Originally posted by Jedi Master Carr
Helena did play an evil part in the tv movie, Merlin, but that is about it. I think she will be great for the part. I am surprised they casted Professor Glubby Plank, I figured they skip the fact Hagrid was away from school.

I don't think it will be a big role, most likely just someone sitting at the professors table, but a character is a character.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Originally posted by Ryan Pode
I don't think it will be a big role, most likely just someone sitting at the professors table, but a character is a character.
I am sure that is all she will have. I just figured Hagrid's side trip would get cut. I am wondering how long this movie will be now. It will have to 2 and half hours at least considering what they are including in the movie.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

THE FIRST STILLS OF THE MOVIE!
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!

http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment.cfm?id=1414202006 Be ware of spoilers, etc, unless you don't care, in which case click the link. :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yep I saw them this morning. I have been waiting for the ones from Newsweek to show up so I can have one big . And hear they are.
http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/4.jpg
The Trio in what looks like Grimmauld Place

http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/3.jpg
Doloros Umbridge
http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/2.jpg
Dumbledore's Army

better versions of the other two
http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/1.jpg
Umbridge kicking out Trewley
http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/0.jpg
Harry under attack

Great pictures, I love the DA ones. That was one of my favorite moments in the book, and I love the look of them, especially Luna heh. Umbridge is perfect I think, wearing that pink cardigan and her office is just how it was in the book with the dancing kittens heh. Man Radcliffe sure looks older. I think its the hair cut which they did to make him look older.

[Darth McBain]

Good pics - though that's not really how I pictured Umbridge.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Good pics - though that's not really how I pictured Umbridge.
Well its tough to find a good actress who looks like a toad. The only one I could have thought of is Kathy Bates but would never get it because Rowling doesn't want non-British actors in the movies. I think it is more important that she has the mannerisms and the voice down. If she has those and the audiences hates her than it will be fine. Look at Gleeson as Moody. I would never have pictured him and he made a great Moody, IMO.

[Jedi Master Carr]

here are two more and a close up of Luna Lovegood, who should be one of the more memorable characters from this movie. And solo shot of Harry.
http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/normal_evanna.jpg
http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/phoenix3.jpg

[Dasquian Belargic]

I think Imelda Staunton is going to be great as Umbridge. I just hope they give her sufficient screen-time. I'd hate to see another character swept under the rug like Miranda Richardon's Rita Skeeter.

Luna Lovegood is looking... er, good :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

I think Imelda Staunton is going to be great as Umbridge. I just hope they give her sufficient screen-time. I'd hate to see another character swept under the rug like Miranda Richardon's Rita Skeeter.

Luna Lovegood is looking... er, good :)

Concidering, Umbridge's importance in the movie I think she will get a lot of screen time. Probably the same amount Moody got in GOF. Yeah I think Luna looks awesome.

[Rutabaga]

Oops, I'd missed this post until now...weird seeing Daniel Radcliffe with shorter hair, it's gonna take some getting used to. But it looks like almost everyone has gotten a haircut (at least the boys), so I'd imagine that it was indeed done in an attempt to make everyone look older and more mature. And that's a good reason for doing it, it's very reasonable.

I think Umbridge looks perfect! :thumbup

[jjwr]

Rita wasn't really necessary to the plot of the movie, Umbridge is.

I'm wondering if they will detail any of Hagrid's visits with the Giants and his brother, I could see the majority of that getting cut.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Rita wasn't really necessary to the plot of the movie, Umbridge is.

I'm wondering if they will detail any of Hagrid's visits with the Giants and his brother, I could see the majority of that getting cut.

It sounds like some of that is going to make it into the movie. Grawp is still there. The biggest cuts look like SPEW again, Dobby and Quidditch.

[Jedi Master Carr]

With the trailer about to debut this Friday, here is the teaser poster.
I think its pretty cool myself.
<img src="http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/harrypotterandtheorderouc5.jpg" alt="harrypotterandtheorderouc5.jpg" />

[jjwr]

Nice Poster!

[Darth McBain]

Awesome!!!

[Shawn]

The first 10 seconds of the trailer are online: http://pdl.warnerbros.com/wbmovies/orderofthephoenix/10seconds/10sec_500.mov

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yep I saw that, the full trailer will be online officially on Monday. Although, if you search Youtube you might be able to find a bootleged copy of it.

[Droo]

http://pdl.warnerbros.com/wbmovies/orderofthephoenix/teaser/teaser_500.mov

[Miranda Tarkin]

The only good coming out of the travesty of Happy Feet was a trailer for Harry Potter. I am so excited to see it! :)

[Droo]

Helena Bonham Carter looks perfect as Bellatrix Lestrange.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Too bad its so short. Helena Bonham Carter does look perfect as Bellatrix. I think she is going to be the scene stealer in this one. Although, every scene Voldemort is in, Ralph Fiennes will be great as well.

[Darth McBain]

Looks really good. I can't wait to see Voldemort and the Death Eaters. And yes, Helena Bonham Carter looks like she'll make an awesome Bellatrix...

[Jedi Master Carr]

I found this picture one on of the fan sites.
<img src="http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/Bellatrix.jpg" alt="Bellatrix.jpg" />
She looks awesome.

[Jedi Master Carr]

HBO on Demand had a preview of OOTP. Here is the video,
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7105707010768650236&sourceid=docidfeed&hl=en
There is a lot more footage in this one. We get a early look at Grawp and the Threstals and even a small peak of the Dumbledore-Voldemort duel (very little actually) Also I loved the Ministry of Magic set that one is going to be incredible. The Hall of Prophecy looks great too.

[Rutabaga]

Harry and company flying brooms over London, and even past Parliament?

AWESOME! :crack

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah that part looks great. I think that is Harry flying with the Advanced Guard.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

http://www.comingsoon.net/cgi-bin/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Fantasy/Harry_Potter/Harry_Potter_and_the_Order_of_the_Phoenix

New HP5 pics. ;)

[Rutabaga]

*sigh*

They all look so grown up, they're really turning into adults....

*double sigh*

Lucius Malfoy...yeah, baby!!! :D

[Jedi Master Carr]

Great pictures :) It was a cool artcle in Entertainment weekly as well.

[jjwr]

Assuming he stays on Harry will look 30 by the time the last book rolls around ;)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Assuming he stays on Harry will look 30 by the time the last book rolls around ;)

You must missed the news that all three (Radcliff, Grint and Watson) all have signed on for the last two movies. Also that is unfair, he is 17 now by the time he films Deathly Hallows he will be 20 which isn't that bad. Michael J. Fox was in his 30's when he filmed Back to the Future 3.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I have to admit, I am very excited for this one coming out. I felt a little let down by the last HP movie, but this looks as if it's going to make up for that.

Bellatrix looks aaawesome.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I have to admit, I am very excited for this one coming out. I felt a little let down by the last HP movie, but this looks as if it's going to make up for that.

Bellatrix looks aaawesome.

I thought the last two movies were great and were 5 times better than the first two. This one does look great though, I love the look of Bella as well.

[Doc Milo]

You must missed the news that all three (Radcliff, Grint and Watson) all have signed on for the last two movies. Also that is unfair, he is 17 now by the time he films Deathly Hallows he will be 20 which isn't that bad. Michael J. Fox was in his 30's when he filmed Back to the Future 3.


I agree. Its not bad, especially since each book takes place a year later than the one that preceeded it (at least up to date). So, considering he was 10 in the 1st book, Potter should be 17 yrs old in the last book. I'm sure a 20 yr old actor can pass for a 17 yr old character.

I've always felt the criticism of people saying the actor will be too old to play the part comes from people that either haven't read the novels, or don't realize that the characters are aging a year wiyh each novel.

[Droo]

Grrr! When will the theatrical trailer be out!? :mad

[Jedi Master Carr]

Grrr! When will the theatrical trailer be out!? :mad

I am wondering that too. Unless they put it on some major tv show like American Idol or something, I am betting it will be on Spiderman 3.

[Park Kraken]

I am looking forward to this movie. We'll probably go dressed again in our Harry Potter costumes. When does the movie come out exactly?

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am looking forward to this movie. We'll probably go dressed again in our Harry Potter costumes. When does the movie come out exactly?
July 13th, oh about the trailer I don't know if this means anything but Daniel Radcliffe is going to be on some special American Idol charity show on April 25. I wonder if WB will sneak a trailer on that?

[Shawn]

The international trailer was posted on Youtube. http://www.mugglenet.com/app/news/show/820

From the trailer, it looks like this is going to be the best film yet.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

That trailer looks awesome! Can't wait to see it. :D

[Jedi Master Carr]

The trailer looks awesome. I love the bits that show Voldemort and Dumbledore fighting because that will be one of the highlights of the movie. .

[Rutabaga]

*goosebumps*

"Who are you, and what have you done with Hermione Granger?" :lol

[Jedi Master Carr]

*goosebumps*

"Who are you, and what have you done with Hermione Granger?" :lol

I know that line was terrific. I love Ron's lines :)

[Dasquian Belargic]

Wow. That new trailer gave me goosebumps on my goosebumps. :D

[Droo]

Nice! I'm completely chuffed with the way this film is looking indeed! :D

[Jedi Master Carr]

USA Today reported that we will be getting a new trailer with Spiderman 3 that will be different than the international one. I can't wait to see what that will be.

[Rutabaga]

Logical choice, I figured that might be the movie it would get tacked onto. I'll be seeing Spidey opening weekend, so I'll keep my eyes open. :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yeah me too, so that is cool.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Big news today, first the Poster
<img src="http://uploader.chipszone.net/userfiles/638/harry potter/harrypotterandtheorderofthephoenix_bigposter.jpg" alt="harrypotterandtheorderofthephoenix_bigposter.jpg" />

Second the offical U.S trailer was released on yahoo today.
http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/harrypotterandtheorderofthephoenix.html
You can save HD trailers here
http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?sid=36100857&sdm=web&pt=rd
http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?sid=36100876&sdm=web&pt=rd
http://playlist.yahoo.com/makeplaylist.dll?sid=36100892&sdm=web&pt=rd

The trailer is amazing, I think the U.S trailer is better. I love the footage of Dumbledore vs Voldemort. That battle is going to be amazing.

[Rutabaga]

Anything I could possibly say in reaction to this trailer would automatically get the swear filter icon slapped on this thread.

Holy.

Crap.

I simply cannot wait to see this trailer on the big screen. If it really will be attached to Spidey 3, then even if Spidey 3 sucks big time, it will have been worth to price of admission to see the trailer.

If the movie lives up to the trailer, this will without a doubt be the best movie in the series so far. :clap

[Jedi Master Carr]

They moved the released date up by two days. It is now coming out July 11th I am guessing they are trying to give it a couple of extra days before the book.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

http://www.slashfilm.com/2007/06/22/75-photos-harry-potter-and-the-order-of-the-phoenix/ 75 pictures of Harry Potter here, all the old ones we've seen and lots of new ones. :D

[Jedi Master Carr]

I love the one with Dumbledore in the middle of battle. That part will probably be my favorite moment of the movie. Kreacher (the house Elf) and the Thesterals (the skeletal horses) both look awesome. Oh and one of those pictures (won't say which) is very sad, knowing what happens in that scene, I know that will be the saddest part of the movie.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Tonks! :D

Bellastrix looks as awesome as I had expected.

[Hartus Kenobi]

Wonder when Luna Lovegood got so pretty. Excellent shots though.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I never thought Luna was ugly just strange. I also agree Both Tonks and Bellatrix look great.

[Alexia Marzullo]

I was disappointed in Tonks acutally I thought she would look different. I can't wait to acutally see all of them act the roles

[Hartus Kenobi]

I never thought Luna was ugly just strange. I also agree Both Tonks and Bellatrix look great.
I thought she was supposed to look very strange too. And she was constantly made fun or picked on, when she wasn't avoided. Maybe I just have a problem believing that a girl that looks like her will be a guy repellent regardless of how weird her personality is.

Anyway, the character I'm most impressed with is Neville. They struck gold with that kid. He's the only character that is still PERFECT for the role.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I never thought Luna was ugly just strange. I also agree Both Tonks and Bellatrix look great.
I thought she was supposed to look very strange too. And she was constantly made fun or picked on, when she wasn't avoided. Maybe I just have a problem believing that a girl that looks like her will be a guy repellent regardless of how weird her personality is.

Anyway, the character I'm most impressed with is Neville. They struck gold with that kid. He's the only character that is still PERFECT for the role.


I disagree there here is who I think are perfect
Alan Rickman (the man is snape)
Ralph Fiennes he is just perfect
Helen Bonthman Carter (I am so glad the other woman dropped out)
Jason Isscas (can't picture anyone else for Lucius)
Also Robbie Coltrane does a great job as Hagrid
Gary Oldman to me is also perfect for Siruis.
David Thewlis has grown on me for Lupin.

[Hartus Kenobi]

I never thought Luna was ugly just strange. I also agree Both Tonks and Bellatrix look great.
I thought she was supposed to look very strange too. And she was constantly made fun or picked on, when she wasn't avoided. Maybe I just have a problem believing that a girl that looks like her will be a guy repellent regardless of how weird her personality is.

Anyway, the character I'm most impressed with is Neville. They struck gold with that kid. He's the only character that is still PERFECT for the role.


I disagree there here is who I think are perfect
Alan Rickman (the man is snape)
Ralph Fiennes he is just perfect
Helen Bonthman Carter (I am so glad the other woman dropped out)
Jason Isscas (can't picture anyone else for Lucius)
Also Robbie Coltrane does a great job as Hagrid
Gary Oldman to me is also perfect for Siruis.
David Thewlis has grown on me for Lupin.

I agree wholeheartedly with you Snape and Lucius.

[Wyl Staedtler]

I am still upset that Harry's eyes are blue! :mad

But otherwise it looks incredible! :crack

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am still upset that Harry's eyes are blue! :mad

But otherwise it looks incredible! :crack

Daniel tried wearing green contacts for SS but he was allergic to them or something like that. So they just made his mother have blue eyes instead.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I think the casting has been spot-on for pretty much the entire cast of the whole film series so far. The Weasleys couldn't be anymore... Weasley. All of the staff have been excellent (Hagrid, Snape and Gilderoy Lockheart always stand out in my mind). Whoever they have casting is doing a fine job.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I agree even if the ones that don't look like the characters (David Thewls as Lupin and Brenden Gleeson as Moody) turn out to work out great and play the characters exactly like the books.

[Yog]

Apparently, Harry Potter director David Yates is going to run kissing auditions to help him decide who will be Lavender Brown in the next movie (november 2008).. :lol


"You know what I'm going to do?" Yates said. "I never did this before, but I'm going to get Rupert together with the top five Lavenders, get him to come and read with them and snog with them. It's a chemical thing, and you want to feel that chemistry between them. That will help me decide."

"Really?" Grint asked — since this was news to him. "Oh, wow, I didn't realize that. That's going to be interesting. It's going to be embarrassing."

Grint already had his first on-screen kiss in the indie film "Driving Lessons" (see "Rupert Grint Learns Driving, Making Out — But Not At Hogwarts"). Still, even with that notch in his belt, the actor isn't any more at ease with the idea of being instructed at how to tilt his head at just the right angle for the cameras to get the most of his mouth. "It is a bit clinical and they do so many takes," Grint said. "I'm not really looking forward to it."

http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1563340/20070625/story.jhtml?rsspartner=rssBloglines

[Jedi Master Carr]

LOL that is funny, not sure if he was being serious.

[Jedi Master Carr]

There are some new clips. If you don't want to see footage of the movie, I would wait. Most though are very short and are mostly teasing. The best one is the last one with Lucius and Bellatrix. Helen Bontham Carter looks amazing as Bella. We finally get to hear her speak and she is terrific. Jason Issacs is great as well, but that isn't surprising. All of the clips are cool I liked the Patronus one and love seeing Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Luna's Patronuses.
http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2776&Itemid=99

[jjwr]

Excellent pictures, Belltrix looks perfect! I'm really psyched for this, my whole family loves Potter and we're all going to the midnight showing tomorrow, two sisters, a step-daughter, a brother and a nephew, shoudl be a ball!

[Jedi Master Carr]

I can't wait I am going to the midnight show tomorrow night to see it. I am a little disapointed that it is getting some up and down reviews. It is at 67% at RT and some of the reviews on there are calling the best Potter film, some of the negative ones are calling it the worse. Most of the negative ones don't like that it is darker which I can't not understand. To me this sounds like Empire Strikes back which was as liked as ANH because it was darker.

[Jedi Master Carr]

The reviews have gotten better over all. The score is like 75%. Most of the critics who are negative are like Roger Ebert who thinks the series is getting too dark. Man it shows he has never read one of the books. I think Richard Roeper should have a talk with him (Roeper is big Potter fan). I am not too worried because the problems that these critics are having to me are dumb, and I think Potter fans will eat this film up. Well I will find out in a few hours for myself.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I just got home from it and I loved it. The film is dark like the book and really captures it well, and I don't mind that there were things cut out too much. My only complaints at the moment is I wish Ginny could have had more lines. She just felt like she was there, although I loved the hints of jealousy by Ginny towards Cho. I also would have liked to have seen a few more minutes of the chat between Dumbledore and Harry. I do understand why it was cut shorter, if filmed wrong it would just be way too long. Another couple of lines between the two and the scene would have been perfect. Overall I loved it, not sure where to rank it, and I will have to think about it some more. Oh I thought Daniel Radcliff is becoming a much better actor with each film. He did a great job throughout most of the movie.

[Yog]

I am surprised. Thought it would be a higher RT rating than that, especially this early. I will probably watch this in the theaters, even though I am no fan of the series.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am surprised. Thought it would be a higher RT rating than that, especially this early. I will probably watch this in the theaters, even though I am no fan of the series.

Well most of the critics like Ebert don't like the series getting so adult and dark. It is at 77% now, could finish around 80% which is good. I loved it so that is all that matters to me.

[jjwr]

I really enjoyed it, it seemed to clock in around 2 hrs and 15-20 mins and felt it could have been a bit longer as some parts felt a bit too rushed but as a whole it was very good.

I loved Luna, that girl is spot on.

[CMJ]

Most of the critics who are negative are like Roger Ebert who thinks the series is getting too dark. Man it shows he has never read one of the books. I think Richard Roeper should have a talk with him (Roeper is big Potter fan).

Should critics read every book that is made into a film...because that'd be about 70 a year. ;) I like the fact the series is growing darker, but Ebert doesn't. Neither of us have read any of the books, and neither of us will more than likely. It's not his job to read them - he's a film critic...not a book one.

[Yog]

Well, if it is getting more adult and darker, I might like it better. That was my main complaint about the previous movies. In the end, I think of them as kids movies.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Most of the critics who are negative are like Roger Ebert who thinks the series is getting too dark. Man it shows he has never read one of the books. I think Richard Roeper should have a talk with him (Roeper is big Potter fan).

Should critics read every book that is made into a film...because that'd be about 70 a year. ;) I like the fact the series is growing darker, but Ebert doesn't. Neither of us have read any of the books, and neither of us will more than likely. It's not his job to read them - he's a film critic...not a book one.

Well I was being harsh there I admit, but still he should have realized the series was getting darker from GOF. Voldemort coming back kind of shows the series is going darker. I guess he perfers the kidish first two films, which I don't understand. I can barely watch either one of them any more.

Well I really enjoyed the movie. I agree with you jjwr Luna was great. She was just perfect, I thought. I also liked Gary Oldman and Alan Rickman's performances. Stanton was great as Umbridge. I thought she really pulled off that role.

[Alexia Marzullo]

OMG!!!! I loved the movie!!! I got to see it last night at 8 pm!!! Yay for preshowings!!!! I heard that it was supposed to be for book purists, well... I don't think it really was, but I still loved it!!!

[jjwr]

Forgot about Umbridge, she nailed that performance. The little ah-hems were done perfectly.

"I think the nargles stole my shoes" lol

[Jedi Master Carr]

Forgot about Umbridge, she nailed that performance. The little ah-hems were done perfectly.

"I think the nargles stole my shoes" lol


LOL that was funny.

[Alexia Marzullo]

I am really pleased with Luna... I was kinda eh about her before
and I wish Umbridge was more unattractive, she wasn't froggy enough for me... but the ah-hems were good

[Jedi Master Carr]

I loved how they kept here laugh in that was great. I also liked how they had her slap Harry that made me want to hit her.

[Alexia Marzullo]

Yes, that was a nice addition.
All in all, I liked the movie, I just felt it was way too rushed. I can't even believe that it was only 2 hr and 18 mins, it should have been longer. Haven't the others been nearly 3 hrs?

How do you use spoiler tags? I used {spoiler}text{/spoiler} and it is not working

[Yog]

I will likely watch this and some other movies in theaters some time next week while I am in Stockholm, and let you know what I think of it when I get back (next sunday).

[Droo]

Without going into detail, I was pretty much underwhelmed. I enjoyed the film and it was good but there was nothing fresh about it - nothing stood out to me. This film gave me the impression that its makers brought the cast back together, took their source material and simply went through the motions to churn out another Potter movie.

Truth be told, I wasn't particularly excited going into the film - I'm pretty sure that's only because the book comes out next week and nothing else matters to me. Nevertheless, when I left the cinema, I thought: "I always felt Order would never make a good film - they could've at least tried, though."

Enjoyable film, but nothing special.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yes, that was a nice addition.
All in all, I liked the movie, I just felt it was way too rushed. I can't even believe that it was only 2 hr and 18 mins, it should have been longer. Haven't the others been nearly 3 hrs?

How do you use spoiler tags? I used {spoiler}text{/spoiler} and it is not working

it is [ instead of {

Well I thought the ending was more rushed than anything. I would have like to have seen a little more time in Dumbledore's office and I would have like to have seen Harry mourn Sirius more.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Without going into detail, I was pretty much underwhelmed. I enjoyed the film and it was good but there was nothing fresh about it - nothing stood out to me. This film gave me the impression that its makers brought the cast back together, took their source material and simply went through the motions to churn out another Potter movie.

Truth be told, I wasn't particularly excited going into the film - I'm pretty sure that's only because the book comes out next week and nothing else matters to me. Nevertheless, when I left the cinema, I thought: "I always felt Order would never make a good film - they could've at least tried, though."

Enjoyable film, but nothing special.

I disagree actually I liked it better than all of the previous films, except GOF. That one is still probably my favorite movie. I have to say OOTP was hard book to make into a movie. I do like the new director and love his take on the universe and am looking forward to what he does with Half-Blood Prince.

[Droo]

I do think it's a shame they're keeping the same director, not only because I was unimpressed by his first effort but because I like the way they keep bringing in fresh blood in an effort to keep the styles of the films fresh.

I really like the GOF film, it's my favourite of the books, but I think Alfonso Cuaron's predecessor stands head and shoulders above it. Of all the films, I think Azkaban can stand alone strongest on cinematic merit. I'd love to see him come back and direct again, or perhaps even Guillermo del Torro.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I do think it's a shame they're keeping the same director, not only because I was unimpressed by his first effort but because I like the way they keep bringing in fresh blood in an effort to keep the styles of the films fresh.

I really like the GOF film, it's my favourite of the books, but I think Alfonso Cuaron's predecessor stands head and shoulders above it. Of all the films, I think Azkaban can stand alone strongest on cinematic merit. I'd love to see him come back and direct again, or perhaps even Guillermo del Torro.

Actually I like the style of the movie. I feel is tough book to adapt. I also think I like Kloves better as the screenwriter and he will be back with HBP. I also think the acting is great. I think Daniel is really getting a lot better with each movie. We still might see a director change for DH. They could go a lot of different directions with it.

[Droo]

You're not wrong about the acting - Daniel Radcliffe especially has come along in leaps and bounds.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Of course the adults are all great in the movie. Alan Rickman did an amazing job with such a small part. This was the first film that I thought Gambon actually did really capture Dumbledore. Gary Oldman was of course amazing and Stanton did the best job acting in the movie. She made you want to hate her. Also Helena Bonham Carter was perfect as Bellatrix. Just all of the adults did a great job. As for the kids we already bragged on Daniel, but Rupert continues to shine as Ron. Also I liked what they did with Ron in this movie, finally he isn't limited to comic relief. Emma was the weakest of the three, IMO. The girl who played Luna was great of course. I was disapointed with Ginny, not the actress but more that she hardly had any lines. I did like it when they showed her power in blowing up half the hall of Prophecy.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Going to watch this tonight.

Remember - spoilers need to be tagged (even by you, Moderators - otherwise why are you here?) :)

Not everyone has read the books, and regardless, you shouldn't post spoilers for a movie that will be different than the book anyway. :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Going to watch this tonight.

Remember - spoilers need to be tagged (even by you, Moderators - otherwise why are you here?) :)

Not everyone has read the books, and regardless, you shouldn't post spoilers for a movie that will be different than the book anyway. :)

Heh sorry didn't think of that as much of a spoiler. I hope you enjoy it.

[Droo]

Just got back from taking my sister to see it and I'm very pleased to say that I enjoyed it just as much, if not a little bit more, than the first viewing. So it does stand up after repeated viewings, even if I didn't have much praise for it the first time.

The first thing I'd like to illuminate which I'd noticed but failed to mention in my first post, is that the usual cast are unsuprisingly flawless, but the additions are perfect. Luna, Umbridge, and Bellatrix were wonderfully cast and I simply cannot say a bad word about their portrayal in this film.

I adore Michael Gambon but up until now, I'd never quite gotten over the loss of Richard Harris. I think it's because of two scenes: Harry's hearing at the MInistery and Dumbledore's escape. The latter of which I was thrilled with since his lines were verbatim from the book, and the lines in the book are just pure gold, as is Gambon's delivery of them. There's still a part of me which wishes we could see Richard Harris deliver those lines because his portrayal of Dumbledore is peerless. However, I'm aware that it was Gambon's wise decision to not immitate what Harris did with the role but bring something different to the role. I can appreciate that. Two criticisms I do have of Dumbledore's scenes are his duel with Voldemort didn't seem as fast and magical as it did in the book, it felt more like Ghostbusters meets Star Wars - I understand they went in that direction to make it potentially more stimulating on the cinema screen, but I think it was more wonderous in the book to imagine these two masters of magic craft and uncraft each others marvellous spells. Plus, one of my favourite moments was when Fawkes appeared and swooped in front of Dumbledore to swallow the Killing Curse, then burst into flame. That was painfully absent. The second of my grievances was the unforgiveable cut of Harry's talk with Dumbledore in his office. It lacked any of the drama, tension, and emotion of the orginal version: Harry trashing the room, Dumbledore explaining why he treated Harry the way he did, and most importantly this:

"I feel I owe you another explanation, Harry," said Dumbledore hesitantly. "You may, perhaps, have wondered why I never chose you as a prefect? I must confess... that I rather thought... you had enough responsibility to be getting on with."

Harry looked up at him and saw a tear trickling down Dumbledore's face into his long silver beard.

That bit killed me when I read it and there was none of that feeling present in that short scene. Woefully misjudged. And before anyone starts, I fully understand the mediums of film and literature are vastly different, but there are some beats so significant, that should not be missed. The heart of the characters and their story is what matters.

And that is my biggest issue with this film, not only does it suffer from Middle Film Syndrome - which the others haven't thus far, but it also fails to hit the emotional notes correctly. I felt nothing when Sirius fell though the archway, and I compare this to the scene in which Gandalf falls from the Brdige of Khazad-Dum, chiefly because these scenes are executed in a similar fashion. I knew both moments were coming, and even though I knew Gandalf would be back in the next book and Sirius would not, I wasn't moved. Yet when Gandalf fell, I cried like a baby.

Of course, this is a problem with the direction of the film, the writing and editing are partly to blame but I am so frustrated that after missing such significant emotional beats, this director will be back for the sixth film and I fear he's going to ruin it completely.

I started out with this post by saying I enjoyed it and now it sounds like I hate it. I don't at all. I love the story of Harry Potter, the books, the characters, the films, all of it. And these stories shouldn't be merely passable popcorn flicks; they are stirring, moving adventures with real threat and loss and I felt none of that watching Order of the Phoenix the first or second time. I hope that highlights my feelings on it more clearly this time.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Well I saw it, and while I enjoyed it there were a few things that made me raise my eyebrows and question the movie.

Prof. Umbridge gets away from the centaurs? How?? And what the heck happened to Cho? Everyone felt badly once they found out she'd been coerced with the veritias potion, but she still was never on screen again. Also, I was sad when Sirius died, but Droo you're right, it lacked all the emotion it should have had. I saw Harry going mad with grief but didn't feel much of it myself.

Lupin felt terribly underused in the entire film - I was hoping for more of him. I liked Snape's bits quite a bit, esp. when Harry invaded his mind and saw some of his memories. I am a little afraid that this will lead to many ambiguities about why people are the way they are - Harry's dad is held in high regard by most, but he treated Snape the way that Draco Malfoy treats Harry. I realize that good people aren't always good, but when it comes to 'childrens' materials I hope for less moral ambiguity as children aren't always equipped to see shades of grey in these matters.

But as has been said, the Potter movies have been progressively getting darker and more adult as Harry grows up, so we are venturing away from a children's film and embracing adult themes.

Over all I liked it, and I thought that the battle between Dumbledore and Voldemort was wizard. I want to watch it again to catch all the back and forth between their spells again. :D

[Figrin D'an]

Much as others have posted here, I felt the film suffered from middle movie syndrome. However, in a lot of ways, the book is much the same. The story in Order of the Phoenix, although good in many ways, has always seemed to me to be less of a story to stand on its own and more of a bridge connecting Voldemort's return in Goblet of Fire and Harry beginning the journey to understand and carry out his destiny that we see in Half-Blood Prince. We get a lot of quirky side stories and some new characters to entertain us until the payoff of the last few chapters (or last 25 minutes or so of the film).

It's an important part of the story, because it forces Harry to mature significantly in such a short time frame... having to teach other students while still being unsure of his own abilities, handling both the promise and the perils of love, facing media and politicians that call him a liar, feeling almost abandoned by Dumbledore, dealing with the loss of Sirius, finally learning that he will either kill Voldemort or himself be killed in end. But, it is ultimately transition and setup, and this is likely why fans of the books can appreciate it's significance, while the casual moviegoer will feel it lacking.


The film does the job it's supposed to do, for the most part. It just doesn't necessarily excel in doing so.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Well I saw it, and while I enjoyed it there were a few things that made me raise my eyebrows and question the movie.

Prof. Umbridge gets away from the centaurs? How?? And what the heck happened to Cho? Everyone felt badly once they found out she'd been coerced with the veritias potion, but she still was never on screen again. Also, I was sad when Sirius died, but Droo you're right, it lacked all the emotion it should have had. I saw Harry going mad with grief but didn't feel much of it myself.

Lupin felt terribly underused in the entire film - I was hoping for more of him. I liked Snape's bits quite a bit, esp. when Harry invaded his mind and saw some of his memories. I am a little afraid that this will lead to many ambiguities about why people are the way they are - Harry's dad is held in high regard by most, but he treated Snape the way that Draco Malfoy treats Harry. I realize that good people aren't always good, but when it comes to 'childrens' materials I hope for less moral ambiguity as children aren't always equipped to see shades of grey in these matters.

But as has been said, the Potter movies have been progressively getting darker and more adult as Harry grows up, so we are venturing away from a children's film and embracing adult themes.

Over all I liked it, and I thought that the battle between Dumbledore and Voldemort was wizard. I want to watch it again to catch all the back and forth between their spells again. :D
I will answer your questions. about Umbridge, in the book Dumbledore rescued her from the centaurs. It wasn't seen in the book either, it happens afterwards. I figure it is the same, really I doubt the centaurs would have killed her just roughed her up a bit. As for Cho, well I think a lot of it is because she played no role in the book after their break up. Although their break up was a little different. In the book, Cho's friend is the snitch and Harry and her break up over it. In the movie, they changed it. They probably should have kept a scene in showing her and Harry at least argue or something. Really, it doesn't bother me because I feel Ginny is more of Harry's soul mate. They made a lot of hints in this movie about something being there and the next film will be the payoff there.
I agree with Fig, though I really like the movie, I think in part because of the acting and visual effects and the overall story. I think they made some bad decisions in editing. Although, it sounds like this is WB's fault. WB wanted a movie under 2.5 hours. Yates actually filmed a movie closer to 3 hours. So except a DVD with almost 40 minutes of deleted scenes. Kind of curious what those scenes are.

[Regan Valdis]

I'm not a Harry Potter nut like my girlfriend, or you Droo (as you know!) But I really enjoyed this film. As Droo will bear witness to -I'm a sucker for coolness in films, and this had it's fair share of coolness. I can't remember the line exactly but when Sirius appeared at the archway and said 'Get/Stay away from my Godson' SMACK!' was awesome. I was so pleased that he did it. It actually felt good to me, I felt like I did it :)

And despite his small rloe in the film, that black guy had me howling for several minutes since it was just so unexpected. I am of course referring to the black dude present when Dumbledore uses the fire escape as it were, and he turns to Fudge and says 'You may not like it, but Dumbledore got style' or something like that. That line kept a smile on my face for quite a while afterwards. As did Dumbledore's defiance of the Ministry - I remember both Droo and my girlfriend telling me about his amazing line on separate occasions and I looked forward to it when we sat down in the cinema.

Again, a small and insignificant (on the whole) point, ut I thought it was really cool when Mad Eye Moody zapped one of the deatheaters by slamming his staff on the ground. I really could see a different, unique style of magical combat in the members of the OotP.

And I was outraged when Gilderoy Lockheart failed to make an appearance. This was yet another scene from the books brought to my attention that I was eager to see for myself, since he simply is amazing in every respect. I'm also eager to see more of Snape in the next movie, as I understand he's in book six quite a bit - Alan Rickman rocks. Every scene with Snape, I can't help hoping somebody asks who/what he is or how he is and him replying with 'I'm ----ed off, is what I am!" a la 'Dogma'. Alas!

Overall, very very enjoyable but, as usual, not enough to convert me into a reader.

PS: Umbridge was great, or at least great in a plot sense - I wanted to repeatedly bash her head against the nearest jagged rock all the way through this film. I assume that's what I was supposed to feel like!? Or is that a bit mild?

[Jedi Master Carr]

I loved that line by Kingsley "You may not like him, Minister, but you have to admit, Dumbledore's got style." Both times I have seen everybody laugh and clap at that line.

[Alexia Marzullo]

I really want to see it again, hopefully sometime this week I will. Kingsley kicked butt, and so did Tonks, I was happy with her, even though I was iffy with her before the movie.

*Spoiler talks about stuff left out from the book.*

I would have liked to have atleast seen Regulus Black on the family tree and maybe the locket somewhere in the house. Maybe Kreacher carrying it off. I think they both should have been in there, somewhere.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I really want to see it again, hopefully sometime this week I will. Kingsley kicked butt, and so did Tonks, I was happy with her, even though I was iffy with her before the movie.

*Spoiler talks about stuff left out from the book.*

I would have liked to have atleast seen Regulus Black on the family tree and maybe the locket somewhere in the house. Maybe Kreacher carrying it off. I think they both should have been in there, somewhere.

I agree although he was probably on the tree but we just couldn't see his name from the right angle. The locket part would have been cool.

[Knight Staedtler]

A Poor Ode to Poor Pads

Oh Black, Black, Black
Today hearts mourn for thee;
You escaped Azkaban and Voldemort,
To be swallowed by magicked drapery.

Gone is the battered rebel's frame,
With it's dogged, roguish face.
No more will your footsteps pace in halls,
For you've left that grim old place.

Fair Bellatrix, cruel Bellatrix,
The fateful mortal blow did cast.
And were she not played by HBC,
Would forever be harrassed.

Your death, so wronged in cinema,
Still tolls the mourning bell.
For a loved, fictitious scamp they'll say:
"T'was here, this day, he fell."

:cry

[Alexia Marzullo]

And I did not like how Black was killed by the Killing Curse, that's so not what happened in the book. This movie claimed it was for Book Purists, ha! I so think not.

and Nice Ode :)

[Wyl Staedtler]

OMG I so cannot WAIT for the Bellatrix x Sirius duel. asdfjkl;asjfdk;lasdfjk;l. :D

I've been looking forward to this ^ for over a year and still can't believe it wasn't there. :(

I echo most everybody's sentiments and they've put it all very well. It's a good night out, that's certain, and, IMO, the most beautifully filmed of the entire lot. However, I left the theatre with more I-wish-they'd-done's and I-miss-the-part-where's than things I liked (though there were plenty of those, too)

Like Droo I really missed the exchange between Dumbledore and Harry. And the bit between Molly and Sirius, because not only did it really show how impetuous Black was, it also allowed Remus to play mediator and that's important to his character, I think. Not that it mattered really, since he was scarcely to be found. Um and flashbacks please? The occlumency montage was utter nonsense and did absolutely nothing.

I kept waiting for someone, anyone to shout. It was frustrating. Maybe it was supposed to be so we could relate to Harry's frustration??

The new cast members were amazing, and oh! How the Maggie Smith love did grow; the exchange on the stairway? sweet. Ron was also quite a lot better in this film than in previous. I quite liked him.

The ministry bits are sort of half-half. It was great overall, but at the same time all of us who went tonight felt cheated. Sirius's death was just so wrong, right down to the music playing over Harry and Remus' supposed-to-be-heartwrenching moment. Augh.(although HBC singing 'I killed Sirius Blaa-aack!' was so fantastic. :D)

There is a lot of winking in this movie. o_O

On a storytelling level it was top-notch, and did a really good job of clearing away bits from the book that were just window dressing. Overall I think it was my favourite of the batch, but at the same time I've no desire to see it again. It came, and it's gone. Move along.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Anybody here seen in it IMAX? I am curious because I will probably be going to see it in IMAX when I go to Orlando next week.

[Lilaena De'Ville]

I could - but I haven't. IMAX 3D even~!

[Itala Marzullo]

Movie was good, but my least favorite of the five so far, though the battles at the end were pretty sweet. And why does Sirius Black pull an Obi-Wan?

[Ryan Pode]

Movie was good, but my least favorite of the five so far, though the battles at the end were pretty sweet. And why does Sirius Black pull an Obi-Wan?

The archway, as per the book, is the barrier between the living and the dead. That's why only Luna and Harry good hear the voices.

[Itala Marzullo]

Right, but why did Cedric just die and fall on the floor as opposed to Sirius banishing in thin air?

[Ryan Pode]

Because Sirius fell through the archway. They were in the department of Mysteries. And among the places they fight in, during the book, are the hall of prophecies, the room with the gateway to the afterlife, a room of time, and a room with all sorts of brains everywhere.

[Droo]

In fairness, that scene is handled very poorly in the film: the significance of the archway or Sirius falling through it is not stressed at all. In fact, my sister didn't realise that Sirius was dead until Harry had his conversation with Dumbledore.

[Jedi Master Carr]

In fairness, that scene is handled very poorly in the film: the significance of the archway or Sirius falling through it is not stressed at all. In fact, my sister didn't realise that Sirius was dead until Harry had his conversation with Dumbledore.

Well I thought it was pretty clear because Bellatrix used Avada Kadavre. Now it took him longer to fall through the veil, but I think that was a directoral decision. Although, some fans are trying to argue he was used protego when he got hit which weaked the spell. Still that didn't bother me that much the only thing I wish was expanded was Harry mourning over Sirius.

[Rutabaga]

I finally saw the movie today, and overall I liked it very much, although I would definitely say it wasn't as good as the last two. This is the first time I did feel that the story suffered a little bit from the cuts, although much of what was cut out was more character stuff than things ultimately important to the plot.

Imelda Staunton was outstanding as Umbridge, I just loved her office with the meowing kitty plates. And the climactic scene inside the Ministry was very well done, and very exciting.

There were 2 things, though, that are bothering me...the first is, as some other people have mentioned, the portrayal of Sirius's death. Overall, it was rather anti-climactic, and if you'd sneezed or blinked at the operative moment, you might have very well missed the whole thing. (Although I did love how it went completely silent at that moment, and all you saw was Harry screaming and being held back by Lupin...that worked really well.) The other thing that shocked me a bit was they left out the confusion over the interpretation of the prophecy, and that it might have been referring to Neville instead of Harry. That seemed a little important to me, so I was really surprised it wasn't addressed.

But overall, even with the quibbles, it was generally a successful adaptation of a very long and complicated book and a good addition to the Harry Potter film library.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I saw it on IMAX, when I was in Florida. I missed out on going to a theater in Orlando (I had too much going on) and had to go to a theater that was showing it outside of St. Augustine. Unfortunetly, they didn't have the 3d technology which sucked but it was still great seeing it on IMAX. The IMAX experience is pretty incredible and just seeing a movie on it is a treat.

[Yog]

I saw it last week in a theater with my father. It was pretty decent. Very nice visual effects, quite a bit of humor and drama bits is starting to feel more believable since the franchise is less kids oriented. Like I said before, I am not much into Potter, only read the first book.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I saw it last week in a theater with my father. It was pretty decent. Very nice visual effects, quite a bit of humor and drama bits is starting to feel more believable since the franchise is less kids oriented. Like I said before, I am not much into Potter, only read the first book.

I can understand, I can see how some non Potter fans wouldn't like it as much as fans. The franchise is defintely becoming less kid orientiated, although I am not sure if it will ever be up there with LOTR, although second best fantasy franchise isn't a bad thing.