HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX (Theatrical Release USA 2007)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix—another great in the Harry Potter series—is difficult to follow on an adult level and would seem even more difficult for the unsophisticated, younger child. The film creates very adult situations based on political intrigue and introduces a wider range of settings that increase the complication of its storyline. The film does not seem as well scripted, almost as if it is an interlude to the films to follow. Adults, be prepared for the necessity to explain the nuances of this film and inevitable question/answer sessions.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

In a summer at home, away from Hogwarts, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his cousin, Dudley (Harry Melling), are attacked by Dementors. In an effort to save Dudley and himself, Harry illegally uses magic to quell the Dementors’ force and Hogwarts expels him based on ‘Follow the rules, no matter the circumstance’. Political powers, outside Hogwarts, deny Voldemort has returned and seek to quell anything that supports information to the contrary. Hogwarts, therefore, comes under political control with the establishment of a political regime headed by Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton).  As the political regime increases untenable rules and regulations, students secretly rally to practice ways to defeat Voldemort and protect Hogwarts. In this episode, Harry learns that his path is completely defined—he must extirpate Voldemort in order for goodness to reign.

Additional Thanks

Great Work for Director David Yates. Thank you to Executive Producer Lionel Wigram for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Piers (Jason Boyd), Malcolm (Richard Macklin), Mrs. Arabella Figg (Kathryn Hunter), TV Weatherman (Miles Jupp), Aunt Petunia Dursley (Fiona Shaw), Uncle Vernon Dursley (Richard Griffiths), Malfalda Hopkirk (voice of Jessica Hynes), James Potter (Adrian Rawlins), Lily Potter (Geraldine Somerville), Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson), and Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane)

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. After all, we must complete the Harry Potter series; but, if the adult shares this film with the younger child, the movie may need pausing, for explanation, due to the political intrigue interwoven into its basic story line.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers