FilmEdge.net reviews HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
|
July
11, 2007 |
What
a ride! Harry Potter fans, grab your wands and broomsticks and get
ready for Harry's greatest adventure yet, HARRY POTTER AND
THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX. I was happy to join a few hundred
other muggles at my local multi-plex midnight debut, with eight
screens and each auditorium was filled to capacity.
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, the
fifth entry in the seven-film series, follows the timeline that
we have come to expect from each installment. We meet up with Harry,
once again, during the school holidays on a bright, summer day at
a playground. Immediately, director David Yates
makes the viewer put away childish things as dark, roiling clouds
cover the sky, and the adventure begins in earnest. The action continues
throughout the school year, and wraps up at the end of term on the
train from Hogwart's to London. The wizarding students are now 15,
and it is immediately apparent that they are no longer children
who are amazed at the magical world, but important protectors of
it. Harry, Ron and Hermione are growing up, and the young actors
(Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint
and Emma Watson) are adept at helping their characters
age into young adults. Radcliffe carries a simmering rage throughout
the movie that is amazing to watch. We also see Harry as a leader,
authoritative and confident in his burgeoning magical abilities.
But don't worry--this isn't a dour or despondent Harry! He's determined
and resolute, and he's also quite interested in what all 15-year
old boys are interested in: girls. So, enter a love interest for
our hero, Cho Chang (Katie Leung). Mix a lovely
young lady with some magical mistletoe, and who knows what might
happen?
But this is not a story about kids moving in an
adult world. The film focuses on the young people, and they command
our attention as well as most of the screen time. There are plenty
of magical non-human creatures to entertain us as well. The special
effects in the film are nothing short of spectacular. Technologically
perfect, creative, exciting — from ethereal patronus familiars
made of light, to a fire that holds the faintest image of a speaking
face, to spell effects that seem dangerous and even deadly —
the CG teams deserve special kudos.
Umbridge, played by veteran British actor Imelda
Staunton, is evil wrapped in cotton candy. As she slowly
strangles the students at Hogwarts with dozens of rules and proclamations,
Harry and his cohorts realize that something must be done to preserve
the school as they know it. What they don't realize is that their
actions in this regard will have grave consequences later on. It
is in this cinematic chapter that Harry begins to understand he
has a vital role to play in the wizarding community, and that much
of his fate may be beyond his control. His godfather Sirius Black
(Gary Oldman) becomes his staunchest supporter,
and tries to make sure Harry is prepared for the dark days ahead.
Harry must muster untold courage, make devastating choices, and
face heart-rending loss in a battle that begins a new war and a
new age. He learns who his enemies are, and which of his friends
are ready to join him in the war against evil. As Harry Potter comes
of age, the true importance of his very existence becomes apparent
both to the audience and himself. |
