HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX

UK, 2007, 138 minutes, Colour.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Imelda Staunton, Gary Oldman, Michael Gambon, Fiona Shaw, Richard Griffiths, Geraldine Sommerville, Ralph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson, George Harris, Mark Williams, David Thewlis, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, Alan Wickham, Helena Bonham Carter, Julie Waters, David Bradbury.
Directed by David Yates.

This is Harry Potter time. With the release of the last book in the series (and sales of millions) and the fifth film in the series, Harry Potter is a worldwide phenomenon.

Six years ago, when the first film came out, there was a great deal of heated discussion. Children and adults who were content to move into a fantasy world that looked at times a little like ours but was vastly different enjoyed the opportunity to make believe. What if…? On the other hand, a number of fervently religious people were alarmed at the words ‘magic’ and ‘spells’ and ‘wizard’ and interpreted the story as being against some of the literal injunctions of the Old Testament.

We hope that this discussion has been resolved, realising that J.K.Rowling was just inventing a world that was another fairy tale place with some adolescent epic touches. This is not a world to be taken literally. It is more like the imaginative world that J.R.R. Tolkein invented for the Lord of the Rings or that George Lucas invented for the Star Wars series. In fact, it is a useful comparison to make between Harry Potter and Frodo as well as with Luke Skywalker. They are young heroes who bear some of the burdens of evil in the world and receive a mission to combat evil.

This mission is becoming clearer as the books and the films continue. Harry started as a young boy. We have seen how he has changed as he moved through the early years of adolescence. Last time, Harry came face to face with the personification of evil, someone who had chosen to ‘go over to the dark side’, Voldemort. This film is literally darker as Voldemort now moves in on Harry to create an evil world. Harry has to draw on inner resources to be able to live up to his mission.

This time he has the support of his parents’ friends, the Order of the Phoenix (with its name of hope for rising again) and of his godfather, Sirrius Black. He also has to learn that he is not alone and rely on the support of Ron and Hermione (even if it means listening to lectures from Hermione).

This is a film for adolescent audiences. The classification is 12A or its equivalent which means that parents have to decide whether they want their younger children to see the film. If young children have started with the other books and films then they will know what to expect. Otherwise it could be puzzling and frightening.

Most of the familiar cast have returned, even if some of them have only a few moments. Adults will regret that there is not more of Emma Thompson, Maggie Smith and Robbie Coltrane. However, there is a new character who leaps off the screen at us as she tries to control Hogwarts and impose her kind of order. This is Dolores Umbridge, sent by the ministry to correct what are considered Dumbledore’s mistakes. She flounces around in pinks and mauves completely self-satisfied. Imelda Staunton gives a wonderful performance.

There are plenty of special effects that are amazing to watch, a delight that technology can create so much magic.

This is a review of the film, not the book – readers always find that the filmmakers have left out characters and incidents that they really wanted to see. But, as a Harry Potter film, the Order of the Phoenix should satisfy.

1. The popularity of the books, the films? Harry Potter becoming older, nearing the end of the series?

2. The locations, the family homes, London, the mysterious London behind-the-scenes? Hogswart? The musical score?

3. The role of magic, the school, the magicians, the staff? The special effects, flight, giants, Voldemort, the conflicts and battles?

4. Harry, the teenager, in himself, his concerns, his fate, the influence of Voldemort, the photos of his parents? His cousins, their persecution? The attack of the boys, the conflict in the overpass, the presence of evil, Harry using the spell, letting it be seen? Taking his cousin home? The old lady as the witness? Moody, his urging Harry to leave, going to the city, the house for the Order, the range of members present, Sirius Black, the Weasleys, Remus Lupin, Moody? Meeting Hermione and Ron, trying to listen? Everybody flying to safety?

5. The Ministry, the dogmatic attitudes of the Minister, his pomp, television interviews, that Voldemort was not appearing, the newspapers, headlines and pictures? The arrest of Harry, the hearing, the Minister, the members all solemnly sitting, Dolores in pink, loyal, the laws? The questioning, Dumbledore appearing? The judgement and Harry innocent?

6. Dolores and her appointment to Hogwarts, her presence, address, the pink, her speech? The staff present, Snape, Miss McGonigal?, Sybil, Moody, Filius Flitwick? Dumbledore welcoming her? Her takeover, the clash with Miss McGonigal?, dismissing Sybil, in class, the rules, conservative? Harry and his clash? Her exercise of power, with the students? Taking her to Hagrid, the giant, her fears?

7. Professor Snape, Harry, the warnings, about his father, Voldemort?

8. The difference appearances the different appearances of Voldemort, his appearance, the effect? Dumbledore referring to him as Tom? The attack on Harry, the breath?

9. Hagrid’s return, help, his brother, the giant, fears? With Dolores?

10. Sirius Black, Remus Lupin? Their interest in Harry? Mr Weasley taking him to the Ministry?

11. Sirius, the past, the prisoner, the accusation of crimes? Harry’s Godfather? help, talk, encouragement, his appearance, his fighting and dying? The Minister’s denunciations?

12. The appearance of Malfoy, his son?

13. The release of Bellatrix, her madness, appearance, the attacks, mayhem?

14. Dumbledore, at Hogwarts, his disappearing, his testimony the Harry? Against Dolores?

15. The film building on the story, the confrontations, the Order, support, saving Harry? The intimations for Harry’s future?