to appreciate both mediums you must understand the limitations and advantages of both film and literature

Rating: 8/10 (15 July 2007)

I've read all 6 Potter books and all 5 Potter films so far and to appreciate both mediums you must understand the limitations and advantages of both film and literature. Not everyone can be expected to do this, so there will always be misinformed displeasure for one or the other form.
With the premise that the first Harry Potter book started when he was 11 years old and of course gets older each year, expect the teenage angst to escalate each time, hence, the darker tone by the time he hits 16 in Order of the Phoenix. Since most of this story's elements occur in the characters' minds, with heavy focus on the characters' feelings, it was definitely a challenge to execute visually on film. For instance, showing someone deep in thought while having a narration in the background simply can't be compared to reading about it if it's meant to be read.
Having said that, I admire the attempt to bring the book to life on screen: the visuals and characterizations are just as you would imagine, having read the book. I'm not a big fantasy buff either, but I enjoy reading the Potter books because I like the escapism, and I can relate with the characters at those ages, and I suppose the characters have grown on me, too; I like to know what happens to them next.
For all the flak people have said about Harry Potter, they can't take away the fact that it's gotten people reading again, especially children who can be so easily distracted these days to do something else requiring less imagination.
Adults who read the series have also had their share of snickers thrown their way for reading children's lit, but that's where the Potter series succeeds: it revels in being different and makes the odd feel at home. Now who can't ever relate to that?
To appreciate Order of the Phoenix, the frequent flashbacks offered in the movie might not be enough so you might need to brush up on the previous books. If you follow the books, you'd like the introduction of the new characters like Kreacher here, who will also appear in the 6th installment, the Half-Blood Prince, where more of Voldemort and Harry's past are threshed out further. Expect an even darker mood and flashbacks galore.