JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) – The Premiere Orble Review
A Nightmare on Hogwart’s Street.
John Doe received an advance ticket to see this one on Monday night, so special thanks to WB and Civic Video for the preview.
Harry Potter Released Tomorrow
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, Daniel Radcliffe, Natalia Tena, Brendan Gleeson, David Thewlis, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton, Evanna Lynch
"You won't last two seconds if he invades your mind." - Snape
Stalked in his vivid nightmares and wrestling with adolescent hormones, this is the one where Harry’s balls drop. Where he begins to mature, taking the first steps towards adulthood by confronting his destiny. Getting his first kiss and forming an underground rebellion to combat he who shall not be named.
"If Voldemort's building up an army, then I want to fight." - Harry Potter
Darker and more threatening Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix plunges the young wizard with Zorro’s mark on his forehead into a world ruled by paranoid bureaucracy living in denial about Lord Voldemort’s return.
"Now fear makes people do terrible things Harry. The last time Voldemort gave power he almost destroyed everything we hold most dear. Now he’s returned and I’m afraid the minister will do almost anything to avoid facing that terrifying truth." - Lupin
Disbelieving Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Dumbeldore’s (Michael Gambon) sighting of their nemesis at the conclusion of the previous adventure, the Press and Ministry have been conspiring to defraud the story.
"You have been told that a certain dark wizard is at large. This is a lie!" - Dolores Umbridge
The film opens with a daylight Death Eater attack on Harry and Dudley Dursley that forces HP to unsheathe his wand. The arrival of a letter of expulsion from Hogwart’s for using magic in the presence of a muggle is swiftly dispatched and a hearing follows at the Ministry of Magic.
Thus begins a chain of events towards horrifying consequences. As upheaval at Hogwarts, secret societies are in the shadows and terror begins to grip the magical community with realisation, maybe there is some truth in the boy’s words after all.
Prepare for a battle royale of incantations and spells where swashbuckling wands are wielded with a Jedi’s prowess.
"Every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more then what we are now. If they can do it, why not us?" - Harry Potter
Harry Potter Voldemort Poster
John Doe says:
Grim but optimistic, commenting on the Post 9/11 paranoia, there is a real world tension attached to this chapter that dictates a majority of the tone. Continuing the less fantastical mood set up in the best of em all Prisoner of Azkaban adaptation, there is genuine emotion and atmosphere that develops.
The magical elements are equally well commandeered by new to the franchise Director David Yates. Making his name on gritty TV productions (Sex Traffic) the staging and camera choices evoke the necessary spectacle of the larger action moments. Observing from the sidelines during more tender ones.
Right from the start there is raw gothic horror atmosphere materialising in the handheld lens chasing the fleeing and terrified Harry and Dudley. The grandiose sweeping CG assisted cinematography of the finale is appropriately confronting and majestic, with several ground breaking FX sequences that have the action coming straight at you and in the peripheral vision too. (Fans would do well to ensure they secure tickets for the IMAX 3D presentation of the last 20 minutes.)
The film does have its faults though and typically they lie with the editorial choices from novel to screen. Sympathies to those who haven’t read the books because some of the plot omissions here cause conflicts in the narrative, contradictions that remain unless you know the sources explanations. (EG: a mythical creature flight late in the story) With the other movies it was more a case of missing a favourite idea, here it’s a little bit more jarring.
Thankfully all the younger cast performances have improved and Emma Watson stands out as developing into a fine actress. She has honed Hermione down, now there is less exuberance and more thought behind the eyes.
Daniel Radcliffe continues to grow too, obviously working on his thespian potential. The brooding, skulking rage brewing inside that this chapter demands of his Harry is admirably reached, only faltering occasionally.
Rupert Grint again brings Ron Weasley to life with his animated humour, this time mixed with more serious reactions.
Jason Isaacs and Helena Bonham Carter’s (Fight Club) onscreen chemistry is dynamite and both are strong individually but together they serve as the highlight for John Doe.
Inhabiting the role, first time actress Evana Lynch is perfect casting for Luna Lovegood, like a mixed up love child of Crispin Glover and Bette Davis.
Imelda Staunton (Citizen X) also mirrors the character on the page as Dolores Umbridge. Ralph Fiennes (Strange Days, The Constant Gardner) is menacing and diabolical as the no nosed, flat faced arch villain.
It is now impossible to imagine anyone but Gary Oldman (Leon The Professional) as Sirius Black. The rest of the regular cast like Maggie Smith (Murder By Death), Alan Rickman (Truly, Madly, Deeply), Michael Gambon, Emma Thompson (Stranger Than Fiction) are now the embodiment of J.K Rowling's fictional characters.
John Doe was not a fan of the first two films or novels, but third began to exist in the adult world, more important in our reality. Though Order of the Phoenix doesn’t reach the high standard set by Prisoner of Azkaban, it does treat the subject matter seriously and strives to envelope us in its tale with cinematic technique. Part horror and part adventure, this is the series coming of age and like the books which also get blacker the further you read.
JD thinks fans should like the film, it delivers for the most part though he would have enjoyed a bit more of the political intrigue present in the original text, but then the kids would fall asleep..........."One two Voldemort's coming for you...three, four better lock your door"
Watch the Trailer
Here is a preview special screened on ABC in the US.
Movies and Life
What a great score to get a preview to this film.
I'm not a big Pothead fan but I'm curious. Your review is excellent, you've captured it so concisely.
Tray
Love Speaks
Food Slate
Thanks for the trailers too.
Really looking forward to watching it!!
Learning Something Everyday
Umbridge (judging from the poster) looks nicer in this movie than I have imagined her while reading the book, she looked almost the same (from my imagination), but her fashion disaster is worse in my imagination, I can say that...
(Though I haven't watch any preview yet)
This is actually a very very interesting chapter of the entire series. You can see Harry most of the time throwing his tantrums to his best friends, and the anxiety of trying to fight "He who must not be named" is so strong that sometimes I just feel that Rowling push his character to the edge.
Yet my interesting part of the story will be "Dumbeldore’s Army" although it was "Defence of Dark Art" extra classes (if I recall correctly...) at the first place. The "Room of requirement" is the interesting part, and if I were one of the characters I'd love to join that club too. lol....
In the end, it is just how well the director can extract the main points of the movie, since the book looks more like a dictionary than a book when I got it in 2003.
I should look forward when it officially shows here soon.
Have a blessed day
Jessicca
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
What a treat.
My daughters and I can't wait to catch this one... and from your excellent review, I can see we are in for a real treat. Not having had the time to read the book on this one, we'll all be flying blind with the plot, but by the sound of the ministry invention of "cover-ups," and slightly darker themes... wow : it just looks AB FAB to me...
Out tomorrow? THat's come around so much faster than realised...
..as I said a reeal treat to look forward to.
Lilla
Kalikapsychosis
Though I wasnt happy when our night out to 'Transformers' got cancelled and Kman goes "now we can watch harry!" Um, What?
I think everyones hoping that Harrys gonna give it to Hermione one day.....If they dont get killed first!
Plus, I was disgusted to hear Rowling admit to 'changing the final chapter' nothing pisses me off more when I writer does that! Im shaking my fist at you as well Sarah Douglass!
just read a review of the same film from Bryn on Horrorphiles...
He has said he liked the film too although he's not a big Potter fan...
LOL
Both of you gave it a really great review, so maybe I'll have to break down and go see it!
Take care,
Nick
Movies and Life
Celebrity Obsession
Great review. I can't wait to see the film. I love the books (I have The Deathly Hallows on pre-order so I won't miss out).
All the reviews/news of the movie have mentioned how good Evana Lynch is. Can't wait to check her out.
I can't wait to see Ron again. I love Ron.
Kylie
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
They're getting a little old for these movies, aren't they?
What I can enjoy about the movies is, like you said, that atmosphere of gothic dread and danger. I can dig it.
I'm starting to seriously worry about you and Bryn.
David ...
Horrorphile
Film & TV on DVD
Hi Tracy,
I enjoy the books more than the films, but both have their merits and faults. (JK Rowling seriously needs an editor)
I wouldn't say Im a massive fan, but I do dig on fantasy and they are a step above most big budget no brainers around.
Hi Lara M,
Glad you enjoyed it, I look forward to reading your thoughts once you watch the film.
Hi Jessica,
Fear not Umbridge is Nurse Ratched and Tracy Flick roled into one, a deplorable human being who actually thinks she is helping with her actions.
You will enjoy the way Dumbeldore's Army is handled, it is treated with the plot importance it deserves.
I appreciate the visit and look forward to chatting again soon.
Film & TV on DVD
Be warned this one will certainly creep out the young ones. The story has the darker elements that will probably keep them on edge like 3 & 4 did.
Hi Kleonaptra,
The books are fun, easy reads well worth the tiny effort. They are all a little overlong though and sometimes the pacing is off but its a detailed world Rowling creates.
As for the ending change, I hope it was to follow through on the harsher promises of book 6.
Dont worry, I haven't seen Transformers yet either.
Always good to see you.
Film & TV on DVD
The film does have faults, but overall its a satisfying film.
I do enjoy the Potter universe but I wouldn't say I'm a massive fan, I reserve that sort of geekdom for the likes of Blade Runner and Star Wars.
I appreciate the mutual respect.
Film & TV on DVD
Evanna Lynch is one kooky little presence, Ron is still Ron but he has some more somber moments in this.
Hi Cib,
Ron makes me laugh, but he is a twit I agree.
The gothic horror of this one made me think of Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow, a good thing.
Hi David,
No need to worry about me, Im off with the fairies....(Thats the Tinkerbell kind, tasty)
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I will go with the eldest first and take it from there. I just notice that it is "M" rated.
Thanks, really appreciate the heads-up...
Lilla ...
HA!
My kids and I have seen each of the movies so far. When we lived in Tulsa, it was a nightly routine to gather 'round the fireplace and read a chapter or three before bed. Those are some of my fondest memories. But the kids have grown since the first book came out, one has moved away, and we've resorted to silent reading, for the most part. I stopped reading after book five because I didn't like what I was told happened it book six, but eventually I'll get over myself and read that one, too.
One of the things I like most about the Harry Potter movies is that they generally stay very close to the storyline, changing little along the way. I think they've done an outstanding job with casting, as well as with effects, and the movies themselves don't seem to have any of the "slow bits" that weigh other movies down and make them seem longer than they are.
I have an appointment, so I've got to run, but this afternoon I'll come back for a second read and to watch the videos.
*still laughing at the opening paragraph*
W
Fantastic review of the film.
Even as an adult I was happy that the political injustice featured in the book wasn't so predominant in the movie - this was the least favourite of the books for me but I really enjoyed the film version (usually I like the books better than the movies)
It was good, just a few improvements would have made it great!
Maybe they will have deleted scenes on the DVD!!!
Civic Video Pride!!!
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I know this is a bit of a late response to this blog entry, but since I have not seen Order of the Phoenix yet, I wanted to give a general comment and say thanks for the review.
I'm looking forward to the fifth installment. Of the six books that are out so far, I like book three- Azkaban- the best, followed closely by Order of the Phoenix. The third movie was fantastic, so I expect this one will be too. I'm hoping that the special effects are good in all the fight scenes.
Great cast lined up- Imelda Staunton, Helena Bonham Carter and the return of all the other favourites. And heading towards much darker plotlines and teenage issues.
Can't wait!
Once again, thanks for the review,
Nicky