July 10, 2007

Movie Magic or Big-Screen Bust?

Kid Reporter Madison Chapman gives her take on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Madison Chapman

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix can best be described by one word: emotional. This latest screen adaptation of J.K. Rowling's popular books is the fifth in the series and the most intense yet. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is back, but this time he is not as happy. Though the story deals with a full spectrum of emotions, ranging from feelings of resentment and betrayal to love and sadness, the film primarily focuses on Harry's anger.

What's Happening at Hogwarts?

Tyranny rises as the Ministry of Magic spreads lies about Harry and plants a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in Hogwarts, Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), who should rename her class Preventing the Defense Against the Dark Arts. There is also a strange new evil presence that Harry struggles with as he fears possession by Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). Oh, and on top of that, he is falling in love.

As Harry copes with his many new troubles, he finds salvation in a secret group called Dumbledore's Army, which he creates in an attempt to help other students learn to defend themselves against Voldemort and his band of followers, the Death Eaters. As the Ministry gains control at Hogwarts, the students know that it is time to rebel.

Strong Characters Cast a Spell

Imelda Staunton, who plays Professor Umbridge, more than does her character justice as she takes on the role of the pink-clad, child-torturing and power-hungry Umbridge. Her sardonic smile will send chills down the audience's back as she marches around Hogwarts with her signature clipboard.

Evanna Lynch steals center stage as she takes on the role of loveable and eccentric Luna Lovegood. Her interaction with Daniel Radcliffe is superb. The relationship that Harry and Luna have is defined perfectly. Evanna Lynch's long blond hair, dreamy voice and impeccable acting will make fans feel as if Luna has walked right out of the book and onto the screen.

Daniel Radcliffe has also stepped up his acting a notch. The audience can see the struggle within Harry as he juggles the many conflicts that enter his world in Order of the Phoenix. The 17-year-old has gone from a charming boy to an impressive actor who fills the growing Harry's shoes perfectly, after nearly seven years of playing the boy wizard with the lightning bolt scar.

A Longing Look at the Book

While Order of the Phoenix is an engaging movie, diehard book fans will miss details and subplots from the 870-page book, which were omitted from the film. Things like Kreacher, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and Hagrid's mission are heavily downplayed while the movie tends to focus on Harry's feelings of aloneness and betrayal. Also, the Harry/Ron/Hermione trio dynamic is not nearly as strong as in the book and, though there are still some meaningful moments, Harry's two best friends have smaller parts than in the other films.

Warner Bros. "Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe don IMAX 3D glasses in celebration of the record breaking opening of 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' in IMAX theatres, which features the film's finale in IMAX 3D."

Despite the slight deviations from the book, Order of the Phoenix (rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images) is yet another Harry Potter movie with wonderful characters and acting, amazing special affects and an irresistible plot. Harry is back, along with the rest of the wizarding world, and as he ends one chapter of his life and begins a newer and much more important one, fans across the globe will eagerly watch the movie and come out wanting nothing more than to see the final two books spring to life on the big screen.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix sweeps into theaters nationwide on July 11. For fans seeking extra movie-making magic, the film can also be seen in some IMAX theaters, which features the last 20 minutes in 3D.

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