on Feb 6th, 2008Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
My wife and I just watched the latest Harry Potter movie, Order of the Phoenix. I know, I know - it’s been out for a while, but I’m slow ok?! Besides, I’ve gone through the books and really wasn’t super interested in the movies.
But I decided to watch this anyway - and then give my totally biased opinion.
The movie is based on the fifth book by JK Rowling in the children’s series ‘Harry Potter’. If you don’t know about this series … then just google it, because there is too much to go with.
So, I’ll start with my complaints about the movie. I read/listened to the book (audio books for the win!) and I have to say, if I already didn’t know the story I would be completely confused. The dialog was completely wacked. The new characters ‘introduced’ where never developed. Tonks had three scenes, and her names was mentioned twice but never officially introduced, and she was a pretty slick character in the book being a shapeshifter type person. Luna Lovegood (Loony Lovegood) was the only new character that had any build. Bellatrix Lestrange (played by one of my all time favorite actresses, Helena Bonham Carter) was key in the book, and really was barily developed. They didn’t even name any of the new death eaters who just - pop there they are. And there was barily any Kreature time, who again - key player.
The movie over all felt rushed - more like a clip show than a movie, which was disappointing. Everything happens so fast (trying to stay under 2 hours aparently) that you really don’t get to feel like you’re part of a movie or really have any attachment to it at all. The characters seem dull and lifeless. The director, David Yates, had some interesting camera angels, but it seemed like he was lost when it came to any action - or story telling. Since 90% of his films seem to be drama it’s not a wonder.
The actors, dispite the very limited time, where pretty decent. Daniel Radcliff is really shaping up to be a good actor. He’ll need to try hard to bust out of his HP role though in the future. Most of the other actors and actoresses did a credible job as well. And who can’t say that Alan Rickman isn’t the very embodyment of Snape?!
The effects where very slick. The magic spells, the CG landscapes - all amazing, as usual. Grawp and the Centaurs, however, looked like something from a Ray Harryhausen
Overall, the movie was ok. A popcorn film to kill time and relax. But not something I’d gush over nor anything I’d go to theaters or buy.
