First Review of Order of the Phoenix, from Chicago Screening
We've received several reports in the past few days about an early screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Chicago; this is consistent with the timing and location of previous early screenings of other HP films. One reader noted that the movie looked like it had about 70 percent of special effects finished, and called it by far her favorite HP film. Reader Carlos sent us a detailed summary, which is below (and says if you ask questions in the comments, he'll answer). He gives the movie 3.5 stars and notes it's currently about 2:20 minutes; highlights, he says, include Evanna Lynch's turn as Luna and Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix. (If you went to the screening and want to share, email us!)
All of the following between the quotations is a review from this Carlos fellow:
"Yesterday, Christmas came very late, as I was fortunate enough to attend an advance screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
As I duck the volley of butterbeers thrown my way, I have to say I was rather impressed. The version I saw was not a finished product in that some of the soundtrack and CGI hadn't been completed in time for the screening, but what you do get is a version of the movie that's about 85% complete. The dialog and final edits seem to be complete so you get a film that was easy to follow. The CGI that wasn't complete usually centered on creatures that were rendered as either animatics or rough versions of the finished product.
The movie opens with the audience being introduced to some of the Order of the Phoenix, including Tonks, who's being played by Natalia Tena, as they whisk Harry away to Grimmauld Place. All of the returning players did an excellent job with the script and have seemed to really settle into their characters. Their on-screen ease translates into a much more digestible storyline. And for the new cast members, among them, the ineffably delightful Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge made the experience all the more delightful. Newcomer Evanna Lynch had a great turn as the eccentric Luna Lovegood. Her scenes with Harry had the audience chuckling. The biggest laugh of the film was also tied to Harry; however, it's what preceded this laugh that will have some of Daniel's fans swooning.
We see Harry's first kiss. In the room of requirement, after most of the members of Dumbledore's Army leave, he's left alone with Cho and she tells him how difficult it's been for her after Cedric died. They just sort of get closer and finish in a long kiss which he later relates, in comic detail, to Hermione and Ron in the common room.
It's clear throughout the movie that Harry is maturing and finding his place in this world where Voldemort has not only returned but has strengthened his numbers.
Maturity is a recurring theme for some of the other characters as well and everyone is beginning to take responsibility for their actions.
One more standout performance, that would be tragic if I didn't mention it, has to be Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange. She is one of the three actresses who floated around in my head when I read the book. Her performance was over the top, but I quite expected it from her character.
All in all, the movie is a quick paced fun ride which is sure to wow audiences with the sharp visual effects and provide staunch literalists with a balanced story line. Director David Yates, who has mostly worked in television, has helmed a great movie. Condensing a book of near 900 pages into a film of tolerable length would be a challenge for any director, let alone one who's new to feature films.
Yes, there are deep cuts, but the heart of the story is faithfully represented. Hopefully, the built in fan base, who can be rabid and quite militant at times, will appreciate this movie and for new fans (obviously living under a rock for the last decade) of the series it will serve as an explosive introduction. I will be in line to see the finished product many, many, times.
RATING ***1/2
Runtime is approximately 140 minutes or 2:20."
Okay, so Carlos was answering all questions that came to him in the Comment section of this article at The Leaky Cauldron. I actually asked a few questions concerning Snape's Worst Memory (the scene I'm most looking forward too) and I also remember a few of his other responses to other questions asked...
MORE SPOILERS:
Snape's Worst Memory is about 3-4 minutes long tops and, if I read Carlos' statement correctly, Snape DOES NOT call Lily a Mudblood. Also, no underpants shown :( Overall, the Maruaders are a lot less vicious in the film than they appeared in the book.
Also, according to Carlos THERE ARE NO RON/HERMIONE SHIPPY MOMENTS. All platonic. Same goes for Harry/Ginny except for a look shared between the two that may make H/G shippers pee a little bit. And Carlos had this to say: "Yes, there are duels in the film, but ONE in particular is going to blow up the forums. Shippers, that one's for you."
:O
What on earth could THAT be? The first thing I thought of was Neville/Ginny but, maybe it's Harry/Draco or something. Talk about a riot.
Just to add, there will be no mention of Victor Krum, Ginny has very few lines, Draco is in very few scenes, we are never told that Ron and Hermione are prefects, no jumpy eyebrows from Emma Watson (thank God), Ron is less of a coward (no "D:" face from him this time), and very little Remus (damn, I'm guessing no Remus/Sirius buttsecks then).
I'm a defender of the movies to the end and although I'm sort of (OKAY, VERY) upset with some of the choices made, I know I'm probably going to be entertained by the movie nonetheless.
So, what's your verdict?
SOURCE
If you want your questions answered or want to see the other questions Carlos has responded to, go to the comment section at the source link.
All of the following between the quotations is a review from this Carlos fellow:
"Yesterday, Christmas came very late, as I was fortunate enough to attend an advance screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
As I duck the volley of butterbeers thrown my way, I have to say I was rather impressed. The version I saw was not a finished product in that some of the soundtrack and CGI hadn't been completed in time for the screening, but what you do get is a version of the movie that's about 85% complete. The dialog and final edits seem to be complete so you get a film that was easy to follow. The CGI that wasn't complete usually centered on creatures that were rendered as either animatics or rough versions of the finished product.
The movie opens with the audience being introduced to some of the Order of the Phoenix, including Tonks, who's being played by Natalia Tena, as they whisk Harry away to Grimmauld Place. All of the returning players did an excellent job with the script and have seemed to really settle into their characters. Their on-screen ease translates into a much more digestible storyline. And for the new cast members, among them, the ineffably delightful Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge made the experience all the more delightful. Newcomer Evanna Lynch had a great turn as the eccentric Luna Lovegood. Her scenes with Harry had the audience chuckling. The biggest laugh of the film was also tied to Harry; however, it's what preceded this laugh that will have some of Daniel's fans swooning.
We see Harry's first kiss. In the room of requirement, after most of the members of Dumbledore's Army leave, he's left alone with Cho and she tells him how difficult it's been for her after Cedric died. They just sort of get closer and finish in a long kiss which he later relates, in comic detail, to Hermione and Ron in the common room.
It's clear throughout the movie that Harry is maturing and finding his place in this world where Voldemort has not only returned but has strengthened his numbers.
Maturity is a recurring theme for some of the other characters as well and everyone is beginning to take responsibility for their actions.
One more standout performance, that would be tragic if I didn't mention it, has to be Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange. She is one of the three actresses who floated around in my head when I read the book. Her performance was over the top, but I quite expected it from her character.
All in all, the movie is a quick paced fun ride which is sure to wow audiences with the sharp visual effects and provide staunch literalists with a balanced story line. Director David Yates, who has mostly worked in television, has helmed a great movie. Condensing a book of near 900 pages into a film of tolerable length would be a challenge for any director, let alone one who's new to feature films.
Yes, there are deep cuts, but the heart of the story is faithfully represented. Hopefully, the built in fan base, who can be rabid and quite militant at times, will appreciate this movie and for new fans (obviously living under a rock for the last decade) of the series it will serve as an explosive introduction. I will be in line to see the finished product many, many, times.
RATING ***1/2
Runtime is approximately 140 minutes or 2:20."
Okay, so Carlos was answering all questions that came to him in the Comment section of this article at The Leaky Cauldron. I actually asked a few questions concerning Snape's Worst Memory (the scene I'm most looking forward too) and I also remember a few of his other responses to other questions asked...
MORE SPOILERS:
Snape's Worst Memory is about 3-4 minutes long tops and, if I read Carlos' statement correctly, Snape DOES NOT call Lily a Mudblood. Also, no underpants shown :( Overall, the Maruaders are a lot less vicious in the film than they appeared in the book.
Also, according to Carlos THERE ARE NO RON/HERMIONE SHIPPY MOMENTS. All platonic. Same goes for Harry/Ginny except for a look shared between the two that may make H/G shippers pee a little bit. And Carlos had this to say: "Yes, there are duels in the film, but ONE in particular is going to blow up the forums. Shippers, that one's for you."
:O
What on earth could THAT be? The first thing I thought of was Neville/Ginny but, maybe it's Harry/Draco or something. Talk about a riot.
Just to add, there will be no mention of Victor Krum, Ginny has very few lines, Draco is in very few scenes, we are never told that Ron and Hermione are prefects, no jumpy eyebrows from Emma Watson (thank God), Ron is less of a coward (no "D:" face from him this time), and very little Remus (damn, I'm guessing no Remus/Sirius buttsecks then).
I'm a defender of the movies to the end and although I'm sort of (OKAY, VERY) upset with some of the choices made, I know I'm probably going to be entertained by the movie nonetheless.
So, what's your verdict?
SOURCE
If you want your questions answered or want to see the other questions Carlos has responded to, go to the comment section at the source link.