|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At the very end of "Harry
Potter and the Goblet of Fire," Emma Watson says, "Everything's
going to change now, isn't it?" I remembered that quote going
into "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the
fifth installment of the series; the films have greatly changed,
especially in terms of heavy-handed subject matter. Not only is
this film even darker than the last, it's also more mature. This
is somewhat disappointing, but it is to be expected; the main characters,
after all, are now fifteen years old. I have to admit that I was
ready to give this film a lower ranking, simply because it lacks
the bright, whimsical charm of Chris Columbus' brilliant "Harry
Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." But then I realized that
I was unfairly trying to compare two very different films. On its
own, "Order of the Phoenix" is an incredibly well made
fantasy film--well written, well acted, and great to look at, all
while retaining the essence of J.K. Rowling's novel.
The plot, while a bit complicated, is quite engrossing. In his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) will find that the odds against him are increasing. It begins when he's put on trial for breaking the rules and using magic outside of school (he had to save his cousin from a Dementor). Cornelius Fudge, the Head of the Ministry of Magic (Robert Hardy), is convinced that Harry never witnessed Lord Voldemort's resurrection. He also believes that he and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) are conspiring to take control of the Ministry. In response to this, Fudge gives the Ministry the power to enforce new rules at Hogwarts, rules so strict and unreasonable that they practically become dictatorial. As part of the regime change, a new Defense Against the Dark
Arts teacher is introduced (as they have been in each of the films).
Here enters Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), a woman that truly
redefines what it means to be the teacher from hell. She oversees
a complete overhaul of Hogwarts' policies, from dress codes to
class schedules to curriculums. Even social interaction is highly
restricted, as seen when a kissing couple is forcefully separated.
Her uncompromising attitude is only made worse when joined with
bright smiles, girlish giggles, and frilly pink dresses. This
woman is incredibly phony, a ruthless, seething control freak
who unfairly demands respect and loyalty. Harry understands this
all too well; while in detention, he's forced to write sentences
with a special quill. Let's just say that it makes a definite
impression. |
|
|
Fearing that their defensive
skills aren't being challenged enough--and fearing that Voldemort
(Ralph Fiennes) is nearing--Harry and his friends Hermione Granger
(Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) secretly form a rebellion
of sorts. Harry teaches the students a number of spells, hoping
to prepare them for battle with Voldemort's army. The youthful passion
and naivety is just as fascinating as it is baffling; a group of
teenagers are willing to fight against evil, even if they don't
have what it takes. Of course, no one understands this more than
Harry, who begins to have terrible dreams and disturbing visions
directly related to Voldemort. Unfortunately, Professor Dumbledore
is of little help; for as yet unknown reasons, he's been avoiding
Harry the entire school year.
The film progresses quite smoothly for something so convoluted. Consider the fact that the students still maintain social relationships while all this is going on. For Harry, a teenage romance between him and Cho Chang (Katie Leung) is alluded to, as is a strong bond with Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), an eccentric yet understanding young girl. His enemy, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), remains a force to be reckoned with. But his connection to Ron and Hermione has and always will be the strongest. It was a pleasure to see them continue to develop, both as friends and as individuals. There's a moment when Hermione says, "It's quite exciting, isn't it, breaking the rules?" "Who are you, and what have you done with Hermione Granger?" is Ron's reply, which I found amusing. Up until then, he only knew her as a perfect student, always keeping her nose stuck in a textbook, flaunting her intelligence to both students and professors. As with all the other "Harry Potter" films, "Order of the Phoenix" features a number of well-established British actors. These include: Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, Alan Rickman as Professor Snape, Richard Griffiths as Uncle Vernon, Fiona Shaw as Aunt Petunia, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, and Gary Oldman as Sirius Black. David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, Warwick Davis, and Jason Isaacs also reprise their roles. Helena Bonham Carter joins the cast as Bellatrix Lestrange, Sirius' evil Death Eater cousin. All add dimension to the story without becoming overbearing, which is good because room was needed for special effects, all of which are incredible. Yes, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is a top-notch movie, despite its dark tone. Having read the sixth book, I can only say that the next film adaptation will be even darker, which may be problematic for some viewers. Many--myself included--have to accept that the wondrous atmosphere of Chris Columbus' original film has long since developed into something denser, less innocent. But in no way does it lack any of the imagination or style that brought the original story to life. This is a thoroughly entertaining film, full of magic and surging with energy. - Chris Pandolfi
Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I Read the Review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II
|
More
Recent Reviews:
Recommendations:
|