Way Better than the Book!!!

Rating: 9/10 (12 July 2007)

I watched this IMAX version this morning and it was well worth the expense. This is one of those rare times where the movie is WAY BETTER than the book! The Order of the Phoenix is my least favorite of the six published books so far. The adventures were repetitive of previous books. I felt that nothing original was introduced. I also felt that it was not well-written since the action is not clearly described. When I finished the book, I did not feel any sense of awe that I felt especially with the fantastic 4th (Goblet of Fire) and 6th (Half Blood Prince) books! But this film was the total opposite. After sitting through disappointing film interpretations of the 3rd (Prisoner of Azkaban) and 4th books, this movie is a vast improvement over the book. I guess I have to credit the writer for distilling the ponderous text into this coherent and action-packed adventure script. And the director, David Yates, who is relative newcomer, who created an amazing vision from the lackluster printed words. The story is easy to follow, and logically sequenced. The action scenes are very well choreographed and executed on the big screen.
The IMAX version features 3D rendition of the last 20 minutes of this 2 hour 20 minute film. This was from the scene where the gang flies off to London to fight Voldemort on flying beasts, through their dangerous magical adventures in the Ministry of Magic. The 3D effects of the flying around, the perspectives of the doorways and corridors within the building, the destruction made by the violent spells being thrown around were nothing short of amazing and impressive.
The three main kids have really grown up. Daniel Radcliffe really turned out to be the perfect actor for Harry. He grew up well with the series, and can indeed carry off the heroics and angst of the title character. Emma Watson (Hermione) and Rupert Grint (Ron)have less screen time here, but they also did their job well. The chose well for the actress (Evanna Lynch) to play Luna Lovegood, who is quite annoying in the book, but very well portrayed in this movie. Those small clues regarding Ginny Weasley were also excellently hinted in many scenes, and very well underplayed by Bonnie Wright.
The esteemed senior members of the class do their best with their limited screen time, such as Gary Oldman, Robbie Coltrane, Emma Thompson (so good as Sibyl Trelawney!) and Maggie Smith. I still miss Richard Harris as Dumbledore. There is something amiss in Michael Gambon's performance in my opinion.
Their nemesis in this installment is Dolores Umbridge played so sinisterly by Imelda Staunton. I have only heard of this actress from "Vera Drake." She is so good at being so hateful! She interpreted this villain as I imagined as she was described in the book. With a shorter villain role is Helena Bonham Carter as the mad Deatheater, Bellatrix Lestrange.
Overall, an excellent film!!!