The Magic Is Back!
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is top notch suspense, action, drama, heartache, laughter, and teenage angst. With each sequel darker than the next, the intensity grows as Voldemort gathers his forces. In this installment, Harry is still trying to recover from watching his friend Cedric murdered by Voldemort. But the wizard community at large does not want to believe that you-know-who is back. When Harry and his cousin are attacked by Dementors, Harry has no choice but to use magic (illegally) in front of his muggle cousin to rid of the wraith-like creatures. As if Harry’s life couldn’t get any worse, Dumbledore seems to be avoiding him, a new professor has made it her ambition to reform the school making Harry her enemy, and Hagrid is missing.
Just as in the previous movies, a lot had to be cut from the books in order to fit into a decent-length film. But the heart of the story remains. And all of our favorite characters are back. Plus a few new ones. Imelda Staunton played the delightfully frustrating Dolores Umbridge. As Harry’s nemesis through most of the movie, Umbridge takes it upon herself to enforce her will in the name of The Ministry of Magic.
The lovely Evanna Lynch portrays Luna “Looney†Lovegood. Luna is a flighty blond who knows more than people think. She’s a good friend to Harry and often offers advice at times when it’s most needed.
There are too many wonderful characters to mention here, but Umbridge and Lovegood were my favorite new ones this time around. Tonks is another great character, and I wish she’d gotten a little more screen time. And all the kids have grown so much. I didn’t recognize Dudley at first.
It seems with every Harry Potter movie release, the directors, actors, special effects, and screen writers top themselves. This is no exception. As the books just keep getting better and more intense, the movies do as well.
Only 8 more days till the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows!
Perfect review! I saw this one yesterday and have to agree with all you said. Wasn’t the actress who played Umbridge great? And Luna is one of my favorites from that book and now from the movie was well.
I am anxiously awaiting the release of the book.
Great review and I agree with most of it.
I loved Luna and Umbridge was perfectly cast.
The other perfect casting was the actress who played Bellatrix. She looked seriously deranged and played it with such glee. “How’s mum and dad?”
I hated the fact that they left the hospital scene out. It explains so much about Neville. But, it’s a two hour movie and an 800 or so page book. Things had to go.
cjh
That’s it…I’m buying these books this weekend. I love the movies and I’m sure this one won’t be an exception. Great review. 🙂
Literary Feline – Yeah.. I’m not counting down the days or anything… 😉
CJHill – Yeah, I wish they could have left in the subplot with the house elf too. There’s just so much to pack in. I need to go back and re-read the books now.
Christine – I know you’ll love them. The movies bring the characters to life, but the books have so much more to them..
Good review, there. I’m not a Potter fan, but your words made it look very good.
Yeah…this movie rocked!! I thought Luna was just great. I’m still partial to Hermoine though!
I’ll be at the midnight party with my son to pick up the last book!!
Am looking forward to this one! Not one of my favourite HP books I must say but still want to see how things are interpreted!
I saw it Friday and thought they did a terrific job. I swear 30 seconds into Professor Umbridge’s first scene and I wanted to smack her (it was perfect). I can’t wait for Friday night either!