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MOVIE REVIEW
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Warner Bros. Pictures
By Amy Steele
Just because you're allowed to use magic doesn't mean you have to whip your wands out for everything.
--Mrs. Weasley
As Harry Potter grows up, he's become more serious and the latest film reflects that darker tone. The result is less magic, brightness and fewer surprises. In his fifth year at Hogwarts, Harry tackles inner demons and those who are out to take him town. No doubt #5 will prove to be a blockbuster and a winner among Pott-heads all about the Globe. Turning a 900 page book into a film provides numerous challenges. The thing of it is: it really only appeals to those who have been following the story all along. It's quite difficult to drop in to this Harry Potter film and feel comfortable with the characters and the storylines.
This time around there's less character development, too many predictable magical jokes and mishaps. As Harry, Daniel Radcliffe has grown along with the character. The boyishness works for the bewildering moments, his adolescent awkwardness makes the character level and approachable and his expressive facial expressions show the fear, wonder and heartache of Harry. There's tragedy behind every moment for Harry but he builds strength from it. He is the every-boy hero that audiences cheer for to conquer evil.
Unfortunately the nearly three and a half hour film falls flat. I lost interest about an hour in and looked at my watch four or more times [very rare for me and I couldn't see the time as it was so dark most of the time]. Overall, the darkness of the film makes it too staid and there are few moments of light and excitement as in earlier films. No balls, no celebrations and few magical times.
Hermione [Emma Watson] is the light and charm and shine. She's the brains of the operation and is funny and independent and a fantastic role model for girls [spin off!]. Star power collides in this film. New additions Helena Bonham Carter and Ralph Fiennes as the Darth Vader-esque Voldemort join the rest of the seasoned actors who make up the staff at Hogwarts are back. Emma Thompson has a delightful cameo as the awkward teacher who gets humiliated by the new Master of the Dark Arts teacher [a delightfully twisted and evil Imelda Staunton].
I know my opinion will be highly unpopular, but Harry Potter no longer interests me. I never felt invested in Harry's welfare or future as in earlier films. It could have been cut some. The film's soundtrack soars and brings ebullient moments. The special effects are impressive, though no longer a thrill. Order of the Phoenix has a slow start, a muddling middle and then a final charge at the end.
Steele Recommendation: Unless a rabid fan, put it in the netflix queue.
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