evanna lynch Tagged Articles at Cinematical

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.

As per usual, AICN is the destination for the latest test screening reviews written by folks plucked off the street, shown a free flick and asked not to say anything about it. But in the case of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, did you really expect these test screening viewers to keep their mouths shut longer than, say, 10 minutes? Yeah, I didn't think so. Set to hit theaters on July 13, it seems Potter landed in Chicago last week where a few people were lucky enough to be the third audience to check out the latest big-screen installment in the Harry Potter franchise. Is it good? Is it bad? And, does Harry order his Phoenix rare or well done?

According to one viewer --who asked to go by the name 'Rosncranz' -- the film " is a success in many, in fact most, aspects." While the writer doesn't ruin the entire film, there are some mild spoilers included within ... so beware. Right now (and keep in mind there's probably still some editing to be done), pic's biggest problem seems to be its pace and running time (which currently clocks in at 2 hours and 30 minutes). Says 'Rosncranz', "The movie moves along at a good pace until about halfway through and then gets bogged down a bit for most of the rest of the film." Bonus points were awarded for the acting, with Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Gary Oldman (Sirius Black) being the "standouts."

Another problem Rosncranz had with the film was that, while he/she certainly enjoyed it as a whole, they felt the story was a little too weak -- almost to a point where it could have been stuffed into one of the other films. Since I'm not exactly a Harry Potter pro here, I'll ask you: Is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix one of the weaker books out there? Where would you rank it?

Oh, I know you want your Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix casting updates...and you want me to be the one who gives them to you. Perhaps I should be tortured and chained to a wall for never diving head first into the world of Harry Potter, but I'm going to use the excuse that I'd rather wait until the entire story is complete before dedicating every waking second to the boy. I'm crazy like that.

Regardless, it is my duty to report the movie news folks and, just 48 hours after we last left Potter casting land, there's a bunch more information to hand out. First off, for all of those fans lingering about in our comments and offering up their immense acting talent for the part of Luna, you're crap out of luck. After 15,000 girls showed up to an open casting call for the role of Luna Lovegood, an unknown 14-year-old by the name of Evanna Lynch (check out her publicity photo here) has snagged the part. In the book, this odd character (who's called the name Loony behind her back) befriends Harry and his friends.

Imelda Staunton (Nanny McPhee, Vera Drake) has been confirmed to play Professor Umbridge, a major villain in the fifth book. Probably the second most hated character in the series, many have been speculating as to who will play her. Helen McCrory (Interview with a Vampire, Casanova) will take on Bellatrix Lestrange (coolest name ever!), as one of Lord Voldemort's evil fans. Rounding out the new additions are Natalia Tena as Tonks (a shape shifting Auror) and Kathryn Hunter as Mrs. Figg (a Squib who plays a key role in a scene early on). So, are we done? Is this everyone? Are you satisfied with the choices made? Gear up people because shooting begins...tomorrow!