HarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenix Tagged Articles at Cinematical

I asked a bunch of people over the weekend about their favorite movie villainesses, and discovered something amusing: When you say "movie villainess," most people automatically think "Disney." Disney animated films seem to have set the standard for evil, conniving women in Hollywood. Other people bring up the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz, another unquestionable, unwavering villainess, although I always found the flying monkeys scarier than Margaret Hamilton, myself.

Our best villainesses in film are sometimes scary, sometimes a little campy, sometimes seemingly inhuman. Disney's witches are fine if you want uncomplicated opposition, and fun to watch, but I also like the women who seem to have everyone's best interest at heart while they spread nastiness throughout a movie. We have so many memorable, wonderful, terrifyingly evil women in film that I can't simply make a list of five or six, so I've instead compiled a list of categories into which many of our most villainous female characters fall.

What do you do when your best-grossing movie franchise is near its end? You try to prolong it, of course. This may be what Warner Bros. has decided to do with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the adaptation of the seventh and final book in J.K. Rowling's series. According to The Mail on Sunday, "crew working on the sixth Potter film, Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, have been told J.K. Rowling's seventh book, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, will be released in two halves." But the decision -- if true -- is claimed not to be about squeezing more money out of the boy wizard. Instead the studio would split the final book over two films because the book of Deathly Hallows is way too long to appropriately condense it into one feature-length release. Of course, the book of Order of the Phoenix was even longer and they made that one into a single movie.

The move to extend Harry Potter 7 so that it's Harry Potter 7 and Harry Potter 8 seems to make sense for both financial and artistic reasons, and it also seems appropriate after the confirmation that The Hobbit would too be spread out over two films. Considering none of the other attempted fantasy franchises have been received very well, the idea that both the Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings franchises would be extended appears to be a good one for both Hollywood and the fans. Who cares if Warner Bros. does want to do this for the money? You hardcore Potter lovers know you'd rather have another movie to watch, especially one that allows more of your favorite scenes from Deathly Hallows to make it in. Apparently Rowling agrees that the adaptation of her book needs to be at least longer than 4 hours -- and anybody thinking they can keep the kids seated for a single, 5-hour movie would have to be crazy. And speaking of crazy, that's exactly what The Mail on Sunday is for thinking Steven Spielberg could be the "big-name director" expected to helm the two-part Deathly Hallows and for thinking that Warner Bros. could seriously be hoping for an Oscar-worthy finale.

The Golden Globes and the Oscars may be in trouble due to telecasts, strikes, and all of that turmoil, but the other award presentations are trucking on as planned. Variety reports that the Visual Effects Society has picked their nominees for their 6th awards ceremony. Thinking back on the year...who would you pick? The Academy, they picked a pretty solid 13-film shortlist that they have to somehow whittle down into 3 picks -- a list that includes the likes of Rataouille, Beowulf, and Spider-Man 3. This society is pretty in-line with that.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End unsurprisingly leads the pack with six nominations, and they're closely followed by Transformers and I Am Legend -- both of which follow with 5 nominations each. You just can't refuse a screen full of Johnny Depps. Continuing on, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, on the other hand, has to hold court with Spider-Man 3 with three nods each -- and according to Variety, both of them have fallen off the Academy list. Of course, as with the Oscars, animated films are also present with Ratatouille neck and neck in nominations with Surf's Up (both have 4 each).

Who will come away with the big, special prizes? I imagine the leading three will probably have a pretty successful sweep when the awards are held on February 10 in Hollywood. In the meantime, you can check out the full list of nominees for film after the jump.

There's a continuing debate about whether or not computer-animated films should be eligible for visual effects awards. But despite the fine line seen by some, others are quick to point out that many effects artists have the same function on Surf's Up as they do on Spider-Man. To them, it should come as quite a triumph that the Oscar shortlist for the visual effects category includes two animated films, Ratatouille and Beowulf. According to the Hollywood Reporter, they join 13 other effects-heavy movies, including definite front-runners Transformers, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End and Spider-Man 3. The trade points out, however, that this is not the first time animated films have joined the effects race. Back in 1994, The Nightmare Before Christmas was one of the three nominees (against Cliffhanger and obvious winner Jurassic Park).

The animated effect issue is different now, though, then it was 14 years ago. Animated films now have their own Oscar category, and it's fair to say that is the place to recognize Ratatouille and Beowulf (actually Beowulf shouldn't be recognized at all). Typically movies nominated in the visual effects category are popular blockbusters that wouldn't otherwise receive notice from the Academy. Until there's an Oscar for best sci-fi/fantasy or action movie, this is one of the best ways for a little movie like Transformers to be put in the spotlight. Sure, I'm being sarcastic, but nonetheless I like the category being the place for those movies actually seen by the majority of Oscar telecast viewers.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I don't think that I've ever been half as impressed with a series of films as I've been with Potter's trip to the big screen. It's the sort of franchise that instigates excitement and still pays off in the face of huge expectations. This time around, the kids finally have enough of the stodgy adults who won't believe that Lord Voldemort is back. In the face of Dolores Umbridge's rapidly-growing rules, they take matters into their own hands. It's got great action, and that undeniable fire of good-guy rebellion. But it's also got one heck of a supporting cast that is not only powerful due to the likes of actors such as Gary OIdman, but the new, quirky faces that have popped up -- namely Evanna Lynch's Luna Lovegood.

No DVD of wizardry would be complete without a slew of special features, and for this installment, there are the usual treats, plus one really sweet extra feature for those getting the HD version: the option to have a "Live Community Screening" where a number of Potter fans with the HD DVDs can all watch the film together through web-connected players.

There's also a Limited Edition Gift Set of movies 1-5 hitting shelves today.

Check Out Jette's Take and Kim's Take | Buy the DVD

The Bourne Ultimatum
It took five years, but the travails of Jason Bourne on the big screen have finally come to an end -- as much as "end" ever means what it is supposed to in the world of cinema. I must admit that I'm not the hugest fan of the series (I miss Franke!), but it's easy to see why many flock to it, and rave about it. And heck, how many action movies get a 93% positive review rating over at Rotten Tomatoes? In this third and final installment, Matt Damon's Bourne is still raving around trying to put together the pieces of his past -- this time spurred on by a reporter trying to do an Operation BlackBriar expose. And he's also being followed by an assassin -- just to make life more difficult and action-packed.

For action-laced extras, you get to taste some director's commentary, deleted scenes, and five featurettes.

Check Out James' Take and Scott's Take | Buy the DVD


Other New DVD Releases (December 10)

High School Musical 2 (Extended Edition)
December Boys
Interview
Silent Night, Deadly Night
And we can't forget... Bikini Bloodbath!

Check out Peter Martin's Indies on DVD for even more new releases.

Not only is playing a Harry Potter character one of the most sought after jobs for British actors, it apparently is a gig some of them wish they could keep. In an interview with MTV, Kenneth Branagh, who played Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, revealed that he was hoping to see his character's name prominently featured in the seventh and final book, Deathly Hallows. That way he could return to the movie franchise, something he had also hoped for with the making of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (the character appears briefly in that book). But Branagh didn't simply want a little cameo in the final movie, he jokes that he should have been revealed to be Harry's dad. At least, I think that's what he meant. I'm not sure how that plot revelation would have worked out, but I guess since the actor-director was kidding, it doesn't matter.

Branagh did also reveal that he was considered to direct Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, but it ended up going to Alfonso Cuarón. He said the main reason he wanted to direct an installment was because of the kids, who he liked working with a lot. He thought they had more potential than they were exhibiting -- perhaps he can cast some of them in one of his Shakespeare adaptations down the line? I think Emma Watson would make an excellent Viola/Cesario -- which I personally think they finally got to show in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, under Mike Newell's direction. However, when asked whether or not he'd like to helm the adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Branagh said he thinks Warner Bros. will likely choose one of the series' previous directors (Columbus, Cuarón, Newell or Yates), any of whom he thinks would do nicely. Anyway, Shawn over at MTV Movies Blog put out the question of what character the fans most wanted to see reappear in the movies. You could leave him a comment about that over there, or feel free to tell us below.

All of you Harry Potter fans who were disappointed with the absence of quidditch in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix can rejoice. There is definitely sequences of the wizard's sport in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I haven't read the book nor do I know exactly how much quidditch figures into the next installment, but I have just watched a new featurette on the film's production, which specifically focuses on quidditch costumes. Titled "Quidditch: Back in Style," and hosted by the site Worst Previews, the video features costume designer Jany Temime presenting a new padded quidditch uniform. She says that because the characters are now older, they are more physical in their play of the sport, hence the need for shoulder pads and such.

Another Half-Blood Prince featurette now available is titled "Set Magic: Creating Wool's Orphanage." In this video, we see production designer Stuart Craig discussing the plans for and construction of, yes, Wool's Orphanage. For those out of the loop, Wool's is the childhood residence of Tom Riddle (aka young Voldemort). There's models, sets, and other art department goods, but unfortunately for you fans there's no sign of the cast. At the beginning of each video, however, there is a bit of movie footage, plus Daniel Radcliffe saying he's glad to be back. Of course, we've only just begun to get the real goods from Half-Blood Prince, which only began filming two months ago. Earlier today we got casting news for the character of Lavendar Brown, and on Monday we found out who is playing Narcissa Malfoy. So, be sure and stay tuned to Cinematical for plenty more exciting Potter stuff as we receive it. And remember, we have a whole year before the thing comes out, so try to be patient.

I guess it goes to show how little I've been paying attention, but I could have sworn Narcissa Malfoy already showed up in the Harry Potter movies. Of course, it could also mean I'm easily mixing up the books and the adaptations, because I must be thinking of the character's first appearance in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire -- the novel not the film. But Narcissa, who is mother to Draco (Tom Felton), wife to Lucius (Jason Isaacs) and cousin to Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) features prominently in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince -- the novel -- and so she will be making her cinematic introduction in the movie version. And now we've got word on who will be playing the role. According to BBC, Helen McCrory will play Narcissa, who in Half-Blood Prince is dealing with her husband being a prisoner of Azkaban and her son being a teenage brat.

Audiences are likely most familiar with McCrory through her role as British first lady Cherie Blair in The Queen. She also appeared recently in Becoming Jane, as Mrs. Radcliffe (somewhat a Potter-riffic name, right?), and Casanova, in which she played mother to Heath Ledger's title character. The interesting thing now is that McCrory is actually playing the sister of the character she was originally all set to play. If you remember back to the original casting announcements of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, McCrory was first attached to play Bellatrix Lestrange, a part that went to Helena Bonham Carter when McCrory became pregnant and had to bow out. And you may recall that earlier this year, the part of Narcissa was linked to Naomi Watts, whose reps quickly denied her involvement. As much as I loved the idea of Watts playing the role, I'm intrigued to see McCrory take it on. I wonder, though, will she have to dye her hair, or am I once again revealing my lack of attention to the books? Half-Blood Prince, which is currently in production at the helm of Order of the Phoenix director David Yates, is set to hit theaters in little over a year from now (21 Nov. 2008)

There are still two Harry Potter movies to go, but the franchise is already the top-grossing series of all time with $4.47 billion in worldwide earnings. This figure puts it above Star Wars and its sequels and prequels ($4.23 billion) and the 21 official James Bond movies plus the unofficial Never Say Never Again ($4.44 billion). The success came over Labor Day weekend as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix reached a worldwide box office gross of $923.7 million. With it continuing to take in money overseas, that number will only get bigger. And then there's the next installments, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which will add at least another billion to the franchise total. Of course, the Bond series will also continue once the Potter films are done and could regain the spot -- still, at only a quarter of the number of 007 installments, those more-family friendly Potters are doing some serious business.

Then again, there's always the issues of inflation and rising ticket prices. According to inflated adjustments, the Bond films have made $10.9 billion (provided by Wikipedia, minus Never Say Never Again). Also, according to Variety, the Star Wars movies have actually out-grossed the Harry Potter series domestically ($2.18 billion vs. $1.41 billion -- without inflation adjustments). So, as usual with box office records and announcements, this is only big news if you want it to be. Warner Bros. COO Alan Horn told Variety that it isn't about competing with franchises like Star Wars and 007; it's just bragging about a "fun number." Anyway, it never should be about what franchise makes the most money; it should be about which franchise is the best, and we all know what that is.

Few villains in movie history have inspired as much ire, as much fear and as much nausea as the man known alternately as You Know Who, He Who Must Not Be Named, the Dark Lord, Tom Marvolo Riddle and -- last but not least -- Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). The Harry Potter archvillain has the bald head and winning personality of Darth Vader, the crusty face of a leper, the thin forked nostrils and flat nose of a serpent, and the dental hygeine of an Englishman circa 1800. In summary, he is one ugly mother, inside and out.

In honor of Voldemort's vile return to the big screen in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Moviefone has ranked the best of the worst Harry Potter villains, beginning with the dubiously diabolical and powering straight on through to the most wretched, foul-smelling, remorseless, compassionless fiends in Hogwarts history.

Check out Moviefone's Harry Potter Villains: The Best of the Worst gallery, then tell us who you think are the most odious evildoers in the Potter-verse. Did we miss any on our list? Did we include any that shouldn't be on there? And, lastly, do you think Voldemort would ever consider rhinoplasty?