Coming out next July right behind the release of Transformers, is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This book was by far the most enjoyable storyline yet in the Harry Potter series. I became a fan of the books after taking my 4 year old to see the movie. I promptly picked up the books in a valiant effort to be the supportive dad, and then became a fanboy like so many other parents and children alike.
The Scotsman got wind of these:
HARRY Potter fans have been given a sneak preview of the latest movie with the release of the first stills from Order of the Phoenix, the fifth film in the series based on JK Rowling’s books.
In one image, Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who plays the young wizard, is seen crouching in an grimy alleyway as he attempts to defend himself from an attack by the Dementors.
These are the first official releases by the studio aside from a home video someone caught of a fight scene that hit the net.
Radcliffe is going to be having a hell of a time keeping up with the Potter role considering he is supposed to be 15 in this book, only 16 in the next (due out in 2008) and he is growing up really fast. He hardly looks a thing like the innocent little boy from 5 movies ago. This is largely the reason behind the accelerated release schedule for the movies. Interesting thing to note, J.K. Rowling has written into the books that Harry and Ron have grown considerably in a “growth spurt” over the summer.
In another [picture], Imelda Staunton, who plays Dolorees Umbridge, the latest teacher of the dark arts, stands in Hogwarts school wearing a pink tweed poncho. Maggie Smith, as Minerva McGonagall, clasps her arms round Emma Thompson, looking uncharacteristically frumpy as Sybil Trelawny.
The Character of Delorees Umbridge is a wonderful example of the evil person you love to hate. She embodies that one mean teacher no one ever liked who dished out particularily nasty punishments.
Other notable things from the Scotsman’s report:
– David Bradley is also back as Argus Filch
– Town of Hogsmeade created at Leavesden Studios
– Scotland filming locations include Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Glen Etive
– Radcliffe films Harry’s first kiss with Cho Chang (Katie Leung) and says “We probably got it on the 30th take. My God, it was fun,”
– Helena Bonham-Carter to play DeathEater Bellatrix Lestrange
– Emma Watson gets straight As just as her character Hermione would
– Other notables returning include Robbie Coltrane(Hagrid), Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), Ralph Fiennes(Voldemort), Gary Oldman(Sirius Black), Alan Rickman(Snape) and Julie Walters (Mrs Weasley)
– George Harris will premier as Kingsley Shacklebolt, a shifty member of the Order
And one supporting cast member who will be getting the most attention will be Evanna Lynch, 14, who was picked from among 15,000 candidates in a contest to play Harry’s ally Luna Lovegood.
I can hardly wait for this to come out.
I personally liked Book 5 somewhat less than the earlier books. While Umbridge is a fun villain, and there are a few great scenes (including Dumbledore’s big exit), the book meanders a lot without a clear focus. It lacks much of the humor and satire, not to mention plot twists and character relationships, that the earlier books are filled with. And the ending didn’t provide much of a sense of closure. The book didn’t feel complete, more like a overly long transition. I realize the book was trying to be more adult, focusing on Harry’s flaws, but I’m not sure that automatically makes it superior. The earlier books did fine without much psychological depth. I’m still a devoted fan of the series, and I’m always eager to see where Rowling takes the story. But I found Book 5 far from satisfying.
yawn. the seires is getting stagant, just like the books.
Can’t wait! It was a long book though — imagine it will be a bit condensed.
I had the FUCKIN” CRAZIEST DREAM EVER! I was in a theater and playing on the screen was a this video quality movie. It had no special effects and a troll was shown flying on line of string. Then i hearing the director talking about the movie while it was playin saying he wanted to try something different. Now that I’ve seen these pictures though they really ease my mind that the new movie will be good. I also need to stop eating before I go to bed.
And as a budding fashionista, I have to give a big BOO to what they did to Harry’s hair. The new pics that are online show his hair hacked all off. Yikes.
This book is the worst one though. It may be a way better movie, because the book could easily be trimmed down about 200 pages, which is basicly what they do with the movies.
The books are great. The movie meh. They lack….magic.
I like the Potter movies much better than the books. As much as I love fantasy novels, I just couldn’t get into them. I read the first book and had no interest in reading more. However, any book that gets kids to read is excellent in my mind.
As for this particular movie, I loved the last installment the best and if this one sticks to the same darker vein, it’s going to be fantastic. Can’t wait.
I’m 20, and I dig the hell out of these movies. I used to avoid them like the plague. My little sister is that dork who lines up at night before the next book is released. Never read the books, but the movies are actually really good.
Rod, I don’t doubt the stage personality bit, but the POTTER films really are for kids. Honestly, the first two bored the crap out of me. I’m glad they’re still around, though, if for no other reason that they coax interested folks to read.
Well “Thundercracker” posting from the same IP as Saludos Luis, you do seem to enjoy John and the Audio Edition, but I am flattered that you ask.
I havent been asked to be n the Audio Edition because I have the stage personality of lint and I am uncomfortable discussing my co-blogger’s penises.
Maybe someday, maybe not.
In my opinion they should do 6 and 7 back to back, I know that the book 7 is not finished but if it’s true that it will be next year they could work on both movies in row, this will enable the main actors to only be 2-3 years away from the age they suppose to be, and considering most high school movies that use actors 5-10 years older that’s pretty good.
Rodney
Why don’t u do the AE??
I’d rather u than the selfish John Campea.
He sux
……….
I’m afraid of Harry Potter. One day I went to sleep, and when I awoke the next morning I was surrounded by adults reading children’s books about a boy wizard. Something very strange and possibly supernatural has caused this whole thing, I suspect. Vampires, maybe. Or brain slugs.
That said, they get amazing casts for these films. Helena Bonham-Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman and Julie Walters all in one film? And didn’t one of them have Kenneth Branagh in it? Almost makes me want to watch.