Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Having finally watched Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire on Sunday, I couldn't wait to see the latest effort from the Harry Potter franchise, even though I wasn't too happy about Goblet. Expecting this new one to make the same mistakes, I was very surprised this time they actually did it right, making it the best Harry Potter film so far. Or at least, I think it is. I guess a lot has to do with director David Yates being in charge this time around, who made the lovely Girl In The Café just a couple of years ago. I'm very happy that he will also be directing Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince since this new one has a lot of great moments. Filled with excitement, buzzling with energy and having a very good and clear structure, eventually leading to a big climax at the Department of Mystification, this new Harry Potter finally feels like it really delivers. I really liked the beginning, almost looking like you were going to watch a horror movie. Also I loved the moving of the camera during Harry's Occlumency lesson's from Snape, adding to the suspense of those scenes. Imelda Staunton indeed gives a great performance as Dolores Umbridge, although I don't know if it could get her an Oscar nomination, considering the type of movie. What I liked the most about this one was that it really felt like the first Harry Potter film of the series. The feeling of friendship was really back, which was something I really missed in Goblet. This one didn't feel rushed either. They really took the time for everything leading up to many beautiful scenes, some very intimate, like the conversation between Sirius and Harry at the headquarters of the Order. I also didn't feel there were any gaps, even though they left some things out. This film finally brings the magic from the books to the big screen and now I've seen this new movie it really makes me wonder why they couldn't fit in certain storylines like the one with Rita Skeeter in Goblet, if in this one they seem to have plenty of time telling almost everything from the book both including Grawp and paying attention to the thestrals, the flying horses which are invisible for those who haven't faced death.

What is it about?

When Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts arrives, he almost is expelled from school when two Dementors attack both him and Dudley Dursley. Luckily there turns out to be a witness, Mrs. Figg, who lives across the street from the Dursleys, but whom Harry never knew was also part of the magical world. After a trial, Harry gets permission to return to Hogwarts once again. Having met the order of the Phoenix before being sent back to school, Harry knows this year's gonna be extra tough now Voldemort is gaining more power every minute. His biggest obstacle however this year seems to be a new teacher who goes by the name of Dolores Umbridge and who was also present at Harry's trial earlier. Operating in order of the Minister for Magic, she soon gains power at Hogwarts making new school rules for the students and refusing to practice real magic during her class focussing only on theory. Because of this Harry and his friends decide to form their own army of resistance, called Dumbledore's Army. Because it isn't allowed to start student association's anymore, the group has to meet in secret. With Harry acting as their teacher, the group starts to make real progress. This eventually leads to some of them (new friend Luna Lovegood, Neville, Ginny, Hermione and Ron) fighting together with Harry in a battle against Voldemort's followers.

Final Verdict: ****1/2

Finally a film that does real justice to the books, Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix feels fresh and is a total delight bringing back the magic of the series. Already one of my favourites of all the books, this film feels very complete. Building up tension and suspense, it really feels it's going toward a clear direction. This film proofs that it still can feel very complete without including everything. I loved how the Ministery of Magic looked, it was just like I imagined it to be and the scenes where they practice as part of the D.A. looked great. Also I can't wait to see more of Bellatrix Lestrange, 'cause even though Helena Bonham Carter's part was quite small, you could already see how great she's gonna be in the upcoming movies. The same can be said about Sybil Trelawney, played by Emma Thompson. When Dolores wanted to send her away from Hogwarts I felt both a bit teary eyed, but also giggles because of Thompson's perfect portrayal. She looks so sweet and naïve with the big glasses on. She stole my heart immediately. As a whole this film turned out to be amazingly great. There was good character development, the costumes, special-effects and sets looked beautiful as always and the story was told very well. This one definitely seemed to look very good. And one thing that caught my eye was how they changed the look of Sirius' face when he appears in the fireplace, so much better! So far this is my favourite of all the movies providing lots of laughs and bringing back the feeling of true friendship that's such a big part of the story. It really is a cool, fun film that every fan Harry Potter will love.