Posted on 03/06/2007 5:56:17 AM PST by CholeraJoe
We have for you the first complete review and set of details from an early screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix that took place in Chicago. (There is also a review at Ain't It Cool News here.) A review is below, followed by a VERY long and VERY detailed set of answers to questions that our reviewer has been giving in the comments. They are very spoiler-heavy.
Another 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's review is below, and he's been answering questions in the comments (and we'll keep adding his answers to this massive list of details). He gives the movie 3.5 stars and notes it's currently about 2:30; 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!)
Please be reminded that SPOILERS abound in this description (not too many, actually, but we warn you just in case)...if you don't mind that, continue reading... (and if you're on the text only site, better close the window now).
(Excerpt) Read more at the-leaky-cauldron.org ...
You know I like Michael Gambon better than Richard Harris. I imagine Dumbledore as a vigorous older man. Harris was dying in Chamber of Secrets and seemed weak and wheezy.
This review won't load. I've seen two others, and I think they both complained that the Unbridge scenes dragged on and were obnoxious. Which seems about right—they did in the book for me, too. Probably by design. Just areally, REALLY obnoxious woman.
Should have been played by Helen Thomas.
I think I turned off to the character in particular in GOF. When Harry's name came out of the hat and DD grabbed him and shook him in the back room. I just see "Dumbledore" as being more gentle and thoughtful than that. I thought the reaction in the movie was more unbalanced and "the greatest wizard of their time" would be more controlled.
Gambon's portrayal of the character has been a little "off" from what I've read.
Picky? Maybe...Obviously I'm a devoted follower to hold them to standards - lol!
Hopefully Michael Gambon finally read the books.
You know, I agree with you. Two thoughts:
1. As an actor, I like Gambon's portrayal better simply because it has more energy and is more interesting. But I formed that opinion before I'd read a lot of the series.
2. Now that I've read all six, I agree that Gambon TOTALLY doesn't get Dumbledore. He'll really come to grief in the movie for Book Six if he doesn't adjust his portrayal. Rowling makes the point time and again, and in so many ways, about Dumbledore's sometimes-infuriating and always-bewildering inflappability and seeming impassivity.
In fact, I hope he "got it" before he filmed the climactic scene for Phoenix, or he'll totally bobble Rowling's huge point about how much Voldemort DOESN'T stress Dumbledore, and how that very fact so unnerves Voldemort. If Gambon indulges in the sorts of histrionics he gave us in the last movie... yuck.
Nooooooooo!! lol
Perfect! Helen Thomas with a big ribbon bow on her head!
Considering I read the book, I'm not terribly worried about movie spoilers...
ITA with this. My husband hasn't read the books and asked me, "Does it say in the books why he flips out and attacks Harry after his name is called?" Richard Harris WAS Dumbledore. He had a peaceful aloofness that Gambone does not. Gambone plays Dumbledore like a tortured and conflicted soul. In the final fight scene at the MoM Dumbledore is eerily calm and has unwavering faith that good will always prevail over evil. I can't see Gambone's Dumbledore being so calm. He'd be like a freaky manic mess.
I would imagine full length trailers should be coming out soon.
Hmmmmm. I guess it's not a horcrux then.
Should have been played by Helen Thomas.
Or the Hildabeast...
That's what I am thinking now. See, this is why I stated before that I was going to turn over a new leaf and not make predictions. That way I don't look like a total dork when none of my predictions amount to anything, meanwhile some pimply faced 13 year old will have outsmarted us all!
Now, where are my books. I have to go and read them all again...
NO GHOSTS???? :(
He was truly terrible, and the braided beard was hideous.
DD would just NOT have temper tantrum and scream at Harry about the GOF.
Ginny's Patronus appears to be a phoenix. Dumbledore's is a phoenix. Connection or coincidence????
"Ginny -- I am your father!"
Having said that, Ginny is the first female Weasley in 4 generations. A baby's sex is determined by the father and Dumbledore had auburn hair before he went gray.
NOT coincidence, IMO. JKR knows what everyone's patronus (sp?) is. Has to be a reason.
My patronus is a '56 DeSoto.
I never would have picked Luna to conjure a hare patronus. I figured hers would be a crumple-horned snorkack.
With fluid drive or 3 on the column?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.