Not accurate to the book, but a great movie

Rating: 8/10 (19 July 2007)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Daniel Radcliffe, Imelda Staunton) Directed by David Yates Grade: B
How do you turn a 890 page novel into a 138 minute movie? Well, you can't. Try as they may, newbie director David Yates and his screenwriter omit a lot of important events and details from the book. I will not mention them, but, if you read the book, expect to be a little turned-off by some of their decisions. Some (myself included) think that Yates didn't truly understand the book, which would explain why some of the characters' actions in the movie seem odd. However, there is no doubting Yates' gift as an amazing director. The book is darker, and you better believe that Yates notices that. Everything from the dimly lit hallways of Hogwarts to Professor Snape (played brilliantly by Alan Rickman) seems enhanced, which can probably be attributed to Yates' vision.
But then again, some blame on the big screen adaptation can be placed on screenwriter Michael Goldenberg (eyeball his page on IMDb.com to learn about what he has done). He took over for Steve Kloves, the screenwriter for Harry Potter movies 1-4. Basically, he doesn't seem to understand the Potter books; leaving out so many important details can really hamper the film, especially for fools who don't read the books but watch the movies. But enough nagging: overall, the film is truly something. The more the movie progresses, the better it gets.
If you can go to the movie to enjoy it as a movie (not a book), you will enjoy it. There is a reason to the negative buzz from the midnight showing- you must be awake and attentive to enjoy this installment. There's a lot to take in, most notably the ongoing feud between Harry Potter and the Dark Lord, Voldemort. Even though the movie leaves out parts of the book, it still follows itmostly. The movie follows Harry as he struggles once again to deal with the pressure and torment he receives from fellow students and Voldemort himself- this time through visions that Voldemort sends to Harry during his sleep. Remember at the end of book four, when Voldemort comes back to life? Well, only a select few people (obviously including Harry Potter) actually believe this. The Ministry of Magic (acting a lot like the current government of the United States) try their hardest to cover all this up, even going to the extent to try to expel Harry from Hogwarts. But none of these evil, cowardly acts can prepare you for Dolorous Umbridge, an evil, manipulative woman sent to Hogwarts by the Ministry to become the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. As the movie goes along, her power increases due to her being a "high inquisitor" and the like. Umbridge is played by Imelda Staunton, a very smart actress who relishes in the role of Umbridge. It's not just the fact that Umbridge is evil, it's also that little smile and look of innocence she gives people while dealing out punishment and harsh words. Quite simply, she's a movie critic! Kidding. Harry's godfather Serious Black is back again, which is, of course, good news. As I mentioned, Snape, too, is back, but none of these characters (except for Umbridge, Harry Potter, and the great Albus Dumbledore) get enough screen time.
Like I stated, the movie gets better as it goes along. The ending scenes involving the Dark Lord are truly something special. Try not to yawn or bitch about the middle of the movie being boring, because it sets up the ending well. Sure, I miss quiditch games and sunlight as much as the next guy (the movie has like zero of each), but for making the movie with such a dark tone, Yates has succeeded. Now it's time to get a better screenwriterwell, at least one who reads the book.
Good) fun special effects, great ending, strong performances from all characters over 20 years
Bad) doesn't have that Rowling magic, most characters under 20 years can't act worth a crap, too short
Oscar) the grapevine says that Imelda Staunton may get nominated for best supporting actress