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'Order of the Phoenix' needs book as reference
Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
By Kevin McQuarn
kmcquarn@theadvocate.com
Online Entertainment Editor
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PLAY OFFICIAL TRAILER
out of 4 stars.
In this movie, shortly after being attacked by Death Eaters, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is brought to trial for using his powers in the “Muggle” world. Apparently, The Ministry of Magic, which is similar to a witch government, wants to see him silenced about his experiences with Lord Voldemort.
From this point on, the young wizard finds no refuge, not even within the walls of Hogwarts.
The ministry even assigns Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), an evil, bubbly teacher in pink to make sure their beliefs on the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named (Voldemort) situation are pushed on the children of the school.
Harry must contend with the teacher as well as a stronger Voldemort, who is attempting to raise an army of dark beings to do battle with the forces of good.
All in all, I enjoyed this movie. It was nice to see little Harry Potter grow up. He’s definitely not the cute little kid from the earlier movies. He’s darker and much angrier.
My hat goes off to Radcliffe who seemingly transitions the young character into a troubled teenager with ease.
It was also interesting to see Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) grow and mature a bit as well. Even though they did not have as much screen time in this film as they did in the previous “Harry Potter” movies, I enjoyed their performances.
Surprisingly, one of the most entertaining characters in “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.” is the new arrival, Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch). Although she is rather strange at times, her quirkiness adds a bit of humor and light-heartedness to the otherwise dark story.
As with all of the “Harry Potter” films, the special effects were terrific. The fight scenes were mesmerizing and the creatures were lifelike.
The problem, however, with making an 870-page book into a movie is that some things are going to be left out. Details that clarify and explain have to be removed for the sake of time.
The basic story and visuals of the “Harry Potter” films have always been spectacular. However, in “Order of the Phoenix,” many of the adventures and characters are not explained well. In fact, it wasn’t until I sat down and talked to my wife, who has read the books, that I got the full story of the movie.
With that said, I have no doubt that those who have read “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” will thoroughly enjoy the film.
On the other hand, if you are not into the “reading thing” and still want to see the film, be prepared, you’ll have plenty of questions once the credits roll.
