I was fortunate enough to attend an advanced screening of Becoming Jane last night, and as I predicted in my trailer review, this one is a RENT IT. The film plays very fast and loose with the “facts” of Jane Austen’s life, and should by no means be taken as a biopic. But luckily, that doesn’t take away from the bittersweet story it’s telling.

Anne Hathaway, although not British, plays Jane beautifully. She manages to portray Jane as a strong-willed, independent woman, while still allowing her vulnerable side to show through. And James McAvoy is absolutely charming as the philandering Irishman who catches Jane’s hard-to-catch eye. The story tends to lag in places, as most period pieces are known to do, but it manages to pick itself up and engross you again.

So while not a staggering work of genius, Becoming Jane is exactly what it sets out to be; a sweet and sad love story that anyone who has liked the films based on Austen’s novels will enjoy. It’s perfect for viewing on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Everybody has one summer blockbuster they can not wait to see. For some, it is The Simpsons. For others, it is Pirates of the Caribbean. For me, there is only one must-SEE IT movie this summer: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I just finished re-reading all the books in time for the July 21 release of the final book, and in the meantime I can’t wait to see the next movie. I am a total dweeb, and that’s ok.

This is the second trailer released by Warner Brothers. (For the first trailer, click here.) I continue to be amazed at how this franchise just continues to get better and better. The story is becoming more layered and the younger actors have become so skilled that they can go toe to toe against their Oscar-winning co-stars. Judging by both trailers, Order of the Phoenix looks like a suspense-filled movie that can stand on its own and entertain even non-Potter fans (such people exist?) who find themselves in the cinema. (How scary is that shot of Voldemort in a three-piece suit?)

And now, a casting question. The sixth Potter film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is in pre-production and there is one small but juicy role to be cast. Narcissa Malfoy, mother of Draco and wife of evil Lucius, makes her first appearance in a pivotal scene at the start of the story. Narcissa is described as having blonde hair, blue eyes, and “a look on her face as if there were something smelly under her nose.” She has a sixteen-year-old son, so she would be at least 36 years old. Like the rest of the cast, the actress that plays her must be British. Naomi Watts’ name has been bandied about (she grew up in the UK), but she looks a little young and is identified as Australian. So who should play icy Narcissa Malfoy?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is rated PG-13 and opens on July 13. I can’t wait! (Official site)

If you’re looking for me on July 13, look no further than the largest auditorium at the Loews Kips Bay cinema, where I’ll happily be watching the newest installment of the Harry Potter movies.

There’s no suspense here–obviously I can’t wait to SEE IT. The Order of the Phoenix actually looks like it may be an improvement upon the book, which is saying alot. The kids have gotten better and better with each film. And the franchise continues to attract Britain’s top acting talent. This time around, Helena Bonham Carter and Imelda Staunton join the cast that already includes Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Gary Oldman, Maggie Smith, and Jason Isaacs. Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort was so evil, so scary, in the last ten minutes of the last installment that I can’t wait to see Voldemort with more screen time. But whatever, man, I’m just there for the Quidditch.

So now, without further ado, here is the teaser for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is not yet rated and opens July 13. (Official site)