Wield Those Wands, Wizards, It's Magic Time

Newcastle Herald

Thursday July 12, 2007

By DAVID McCOWEN with Reuters

HUNTER cinemas expect a hectic time with the latest Harry Potter film.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix smashed records across Australia, with sessions selling out minutes after becoming available yesterday.

"Nationally it will be the highest number of advance ticket sales for any movie in our history," Greater Union NSW marketing manager Kristie Atkins said.

The blockbuster was screened as part of a global campaign.

"Wednesday is a little bit different but it works with the days and dates internationally," Ms Atkins said.

"Right through until the end of Sunday, it's going to be just massive."

Hoyts Charlestown manager Mark King said people were lined up for the film from 8am.

"Every session we've programmed has sold out," he said.

In Phoenix, Harry has to defend his use of magic in his recent confrontation with the evil Lord Voldemort, while the young wizard's protector, Professor Dumbledore, is strangely distant.

Box office figures show the first four wizard films raked in $US3.5 billion ($4.08 billion).

The first, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, grossed $1.14 billion worldwide in 2001.

Four years later, the global box office for the fourth film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, slipped to $1.04 billion.

All four films so far rank in the top 20 of worldwide box office champions.

The final book in the series by Scottish author J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, is due to be released on July 21.

The sixth film of the series, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, is due in November next year. with Reuters

WHAT YOU SAID

HARRY WHITE

12, Stockton

I liked the

story, especially the ending,

and how you got to see

Dumbledore's powers. I also

liked Ron's two brothers

because of the props that

they had.

MADDISON TERRY

14, Stockton

I liked the

special effects and the powers

that they have, they're really

naughty. My favourite character

is Hagrid because he doesn't

care what people are like, he

just likes them as they are.

BRYCE TERRY

8, Stockton

My favourite

was Harry. I liked the bit

where the Weasleys had the

firecrackers and chased the

professor.

CALLAN TERRY

12, Stockton

I liked the

special effects and the story

but mostly the magic. My

favourite character was Ron

because he's funny.

TRISTAN IRWIN

15, Seaham

It was fantastic.

It left out certain things (from

the novel) but I'm very happy.

This defines the characters more

and I can't wait for the seventh.

Emma Watson (Hermione

Granger) rocks my socks.

ELLY GORTON

15, Stroud

I thought it was

good. It left

bits out but it's really close

to the book. The special

effects were sick. I don't like

Professor Umbridge, but I do

like Daniel Radcliffe (Harry

Potter). He's hot.

BRENDAN HOUSTON

15, Seaham

They missed

too much from the book.

I liked the fighting scene

between Voldemort and

Dumbledore. My favourite

character was Luna

Lovegood.

MATTHEW STOKES

15, Glen Oak

I liked the ending,

because I didn't expect

some of it. My favourite

character would have to be

Hermione, she's very smart.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home