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Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
by [irulan]
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Before I start the review, let me say this: don’t compare it to the book. Seriously. In fact, never compare movies inspired by books to the actual books if you can help it. You’ll just be disappointed. Evaluate them as separate entities. Now, with that off my chest, I’ll continue.
Harry Potter and his friends, Ron and Hermione, are now in their fifth year at Hogwarts. Lord Voldemort has returned, but the general public is kept in the dark by the Ministry of Magic. Harry and Professor Dumbledore are dragged through the mud as the Ministry attempts to discredit them. Despite the lack of faith, Dumbledore establishes the Order of the Phoenix-– a group of witches and wizards who fight Voldemort and his followers. At Hogwarts, a new Defense of the Dark Arts professor, Dolores Umbridge, is appointed. She works for the Ministry, and she is innately wicked. She refuses to teach the class any practical magic, so at Hermione’s urging Harry creates the "DA." It is a group of students from all houses who meet secretly to study defense of the dark arts as it should be studied.
Several important events occur in the movie. Harry kisses a girl; yes, this is important. Harry realizes his dreams are allowing him to see Voldemort’s plans, so Professor Snape is assigned to teach him Occlumency. Neville truly grows up, and it is amazing to see. Dumbledore kicks some butt. The screenplay is very well written.
As would be expected, this movie is a bit darker than the rest. It is filmed in stark layers of lighting, and it gives a “bad times are coming” vibe. The special effects are up to par, and the sets are just amazing in detail. The ending scene in the Ministry of Magic is fantastically done. I don’t want to give too much away, but Dumbledore fights. It’s like when we get to see Gandalf fighting the Balrog. We know he’s an awesome wizard, but we don’t fully realize it until he shows his stuff.
The acting was excellent. The new characters, Luna Lovegood and Professor Umbridge, were cast perfectly. They got all the little details about both characters just right. They seemed born to play those roles. I was very pleased with Michael Gambon’s portrayal of Professor Dumbledore. This movie marks the first time I actually bought him as the character. He is more put together and in charge of the role. Daniel Radcliffe portrayed the angsty teenager well, and Rupert Grint and Emma Watson were fabulous. I would have enjoyed more Ron and Hermione though. They really didn’t get much screen time.
Overall, it was a solid movie. I will enjoy watching it over and over.
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