Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Returning for his fifth year at Hogwarts, Harry is stunned to find that his warnings about the return of Lord Voldemort have been ignored. Left with no choice, Harry takes matters into his own hands, training a small group of motivated students to defend themselves against the Dark Arts.
Tubeman72 reviewed
7d ago•
'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' is the fifth part in the popular 'Harry Potter' series. Even after the four previous successes, this part also manages to be surprising, partly thanks to the possibility of viewing part in 3D (IMAX).
Just like the book, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' immediately starts dark and ominous without any build-up. You can't let go of that gut feeling that something radical is about to happen and that is partly why the film is probably not suitable for the little ones. The film – just like the characters and actors – is on its way to the climax, a lot more mature, menacing and serious than previous parts. In part this will mean that the 'magic' of Hogwarts is gone; It's not all fun and games anymore with the occasional saying. Although there is occasionally room for a joke here and there, the black undertone clearly continues to determine the atmosphere - as many readers and fans can confirm. The story, as well as the characters, has grown with its original fans, and will still enchant young and old.
As said: Harry, Ron and Hermione are older, but also wiser. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are not only more mature, but are increasingly proving themselves as serious actors. Watson in particular is a megastar in the making. Unfortunately, the role of their schoolmates has shrunk even more, although this time it is a lot less bad that the story is mainly focused around Harry Potter and Voldemort.
What is striking is that this time quite a few new people are introduced, including one of the most hated people - who is still on the 'good' side. Namely: Dolores Umbridge, a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and Secretary General to the Minister for Magic. In her candy pink clothes, neatly coiffed hair and pouty lips, this cat lover seems like she wouldn't hurt a fly. But appearances can be deceiving and this sour lady is quite a cat; especially on Harry and anyone close to him. Imelda Staunton is scary convincing and draws blood from under your nails with the terrible cough she makes when she doesn't like something. To stay in the 'bad guys' category; Also 'new' is Bellatrix Lestrange, a niece of Harry's godfather Sirius Black. Helena Bonham Carter is perfect as the crazy witch who manages to escape from Azkaban. She knows how to use her experience working under a director who likes morbid films (Tim Burton) to give Bellatrix that twist that makes her even scarier.
Grawp is not exactly scary, but special; half-brother of Hagrid and also a huge giant. Actor Tony Maudsley spent a long time in the recording studios bringing it to life. Grawp is now a combination of special effects and motion capture, but Maudsley somehow manages to bring this innocent, naive good guy - who can't concentrate on anything for ten seconds - to life. Unlike the Dementors who suck the soul out of your body... A full-size head was recreated for the recordings so that the actors had something to play against, which helped everything look as natural as possible.
But out of everyone, the most notable newcomer is Nymphadora Tonks (unknown discovery Natalia Tena). Not only her giftedness to transform (she is, after all, a 'transformation artist') stands out, but also her beautiful appearance and talent. Unfortunately, her role in part five remains modest - but when she appears she really pops off the screen. Natalia Tena is definitely an actress you will encounter more often in the future!
'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' becomes truly spectacular as soon as the end is in sight and the climax approaches. The gut feeling emerges more and more and when the time for the confrontation comes, the audience is treated to breathtakingly magical fight scenes (especially if you are presented with it in 3D). The special effects become better with the film, more spectacular and exceed everyone's wildest dreams.
So you can actually say that 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' is a film of nothing but superlatives. But good actors and an exciting and entertaining story are of course nothing without a director. That's why a lot of praise goes to David Yates, who doesn't have very high-profile films to his name. No wonder he was also allowed to draw part six of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'. One thing is certain: if it comes anywhere close to this fantastic film adaptation, the fan will be satisfied.