Saturday, July 14, 2007

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Yes, I admit it! I'm a geek when it comes to Harry Potter! I have seen all the movies. I have all the books. And yes, I will be at the Midnight Release of Book Seven: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

I did make it to the opening day showing of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It was a great movie. I really don't know what can be said about it that hasn't already been said. I'm not a movie reviewer, but here's a quick snippet for those of you that don't know:

Our story opens as Harry and his cousin, Dudley, are attacked by Demonators. He has to use a Patronus spell, which is illegal to use A. in front of Muggles and B. outside Hogwarts. Harry is notified that he will be expelled from Hogwarts and must appear before the Ministry of Magic for a hearing. Order of the Phoenix members pick up Harry at home and take him to their HQ. The Order of the Phoenix was founded by Dumbledore to take on "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named", Lord Voldemort. Harry's godfather, Sirius Black (played by the FANTASTIC Gary Oldman) is one of the members.

This movie is just loaded with amazing performances!! Daniel Radcliffe has grown so much since he was first introduced in The Sorcerer's Stone, and his acting is so much more convincing. He is an amazing Harry. Maggie Smith, as Professor McGonagall, is always wonderful. Alan Rickman, as Professor Severus Snape (another genius casting move) is once again creepy and dark. But this time we get to see a glimpse into his past and maybe a couple of the reasons he is the way he is. Helena Bonham-Carter, is only in the movie a short time, but her portrayal as Bellatrix Lestrange is indeed memorable. I honestly think she really is a little unbalanced!! She just plays it too well. And newcomer, Evanna Lynch, as Luna Lovegood, is exactly how I pictured her to be!!

I thought the movie was fantastic! With every movie, as with every book, things just get better and more powerful. The most memorable scenes of the movie come when Harry is training some of the other students in the Dark Arts to help combat Voldemort. Even if you don't read the books, you will get alot of excitement from the movie!

If you'd like to read a great editorial by Uncle Stephen King about the release (and the end) of Harry potter, go to this EW article. It's good to know that other adults out there will be as heartbroken as I will be when it all finally ends!

Later!

14 comments:

Ana S. said...

Thank you so much for the link to that Stephen King article. I loved it. It was so nice to see a writer talk about Harry Potter so passionately - a nice change to the bitter comments I've unfortunately seen.

I am another adult who feels just the way you do, and the way King does. I loved what he said about it being closing the book of childhood for many readers. That's so true. It's not really the case for me (I got my first HP book for my 16th birthday), but I still feel that these books have accompained me through so many years of my life.

Sigh. It's going to be so sad.

Jill said...

I just now got back from seeing the movie, so it was fun to see your post. I enjoyed it as well - it's amazing how much of these very long books they manage to fit into the films. I always wish they could have crammed more, of course, because I'm so sorry when they end. At least when we finish reading the last book we'll still have two more films to look forward to!

chrisa511 said...

I loved the movie too...The acting really was superb and the actors who play the trio have grown tremendously. I've always thought that Rupert Grint has been an excellent Ron and he's really grown into a great actor. And as for Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, I'm sure we can expect great things from them in the future. Can't wait to see where their careers go. I loved Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix. She's always been one of my favorite actresses. This was a really great film. I second everyone else's feelings on the books. It will indeed be a very bittersweet ending. I'll miss them.

Literary Feline said...

I really enjoyed the movie too, Stephanie! We saw it on Wednesday also. It was a lot of fun and the time just flew by. A lot was left out, of course, which was expected, but still, I thought the writers and director did a good job.

DesLily said...

It's funny that my sister in law sent me that article of King's in the mail.. I was wondering how I could post it without typing the whole thing out lol.. I see you found a way hahaha.. haven't seen the movie yet but I plan to!

I ALWAYS hate seeing books with great characters come to an end. It sadden's me no end. Which is why I keep the books and wait a few years and then reread them over. sigh. but of course it's not the same once you know the "ending"..

Radcliffe is turning into quite the actor..but "Ron" has always been my favorite. Could be because he always had the best lines and the best expressions! I hope he continues to grow and become all he hopes to be.

ah yes, Alan Rickman and Maggie Smith..what can I say?! Such excellence in casting doesn't happen every day!

Anonymous said...

I will be at the midnight opening for the final book as well and then plan to lock myself in my flat and not speak to anyone until I have finished reading it. I am determind to avoid all spoilers!

I love Alan Rickman, he is perfect to play Snape. His voice is so distinctive and he's very sexy in a strange kind of way.

Stephanie said...

Nymeth I absolutely LOVE Stephen King's editorials. He writes them like he writes his books. Besides, I like to know someone I admire so much feels the same way about other authors and TV shows!! It is definitely going to be a sad day when Harry is over.

Darla Even though it seems like a lot of the story is cut, they really have done a fantastic job of making these movies, don't you think?

Chris You are right. Rupurt Grint is exceptional. He has done wonders with the role of Ron. And Emma Watson has grown into such a beautiful girl! Since I saw Fight Club, I knew I like Helena Bonham-Cater! Even though I still think she is a little unbalnced! I guess you would have to be to be married to Tim Burton!

Wendy You are right. They have done a great job! I can't wait for the last book!

Deslily The only reason I have ever read EW is for King's articles! My father-in-law gets it weekly, and I always get his copies to read. So I know when there is a good editorial! It is sad to think of the end...

Stephanie said...

Rhinoa I'll be right there with you....locked away until the end!! I've always had a strange crush on Alan Rickman!! The man is so cool...especially when he's bad!!

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Andi said...

I'm hoping to go see it today! I'm so excited, and I'm very glad to hear that it's getting better reviews among the reading crowd than Goblet of Fire!

Dewey said...

I loveloveloved the actor they got to play Luna. I also felt that the girl playing Hermione wasn't as horrifically over-acting as she did in the earlier films, but my husband disagreed. I do think Daniel Radcliffe has grown quite a bit in his acting. Especially in the scene with Dumbledore after the Department of Mysteries scene.

Dewey said...

Also: LOVED the King article. My favorite part was being called a sillykins.

~Kristen~ said...

I too think they did a fabulous job with the movie. I can't wait for the DVD cause I just know there has to be some great scenes that got cut due to time limits which will end up on their deleted scenes section ... or in an extended version of the movie. No matter who ends up directing, they have always made great acting choices.

And what about Professor Umbridge ... you couldn't help but look at her and hate her with every fiber of your being!

I have pre-ordered my copy of the final book and when it gets here I plan to lock myself away, and not turn on any TV or radio shows until I have finished it so my ending won't be spoiled.

Trish @ Love, Laughter, Insanity said...

I watched this one while re-reading number 6 and realized how much they left out of the movie. But I thought the movie was great (probably my favorite of the bunch).

Great review on the movie. I agree that Alan Rickman makes the perfect Snape--I think he is one of the best-casted characters.