Harry Potter and the Screen Redemption

Rating: 8/10 (15 July 2007)

After an arduous wait of three days I finally went along to see Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix (my favourite of the book series)this afternoon and was pleasantly surprised as I thought after the film of Prisoner of Azkaban the screen series has suffered. However David Yates has included what was necessary for the plot to flow properly and although it lacks the humorous frivolity of the book, it allows images that have been floating around the book readers' minds to appear on screen with spectacular results.
As usual Dan Radcliffe perfected Harry's insecurities and emotional turmoil effortlessly and even Michael Gambon was tolerable as Dumbledore - a big improvement from the violent, bellowing maniac we saw in GOF. Imelda Staunton was every bit as I imagined Umbrige and Ralph Fiennes was again wonderful as Lord Voldemort.
They didn't change too much as in the Goblet of Fire and didn't ruin the fantasy as in Prisoner of Azkaban but instead portrayed the book powerfully on screen. My only qualms would be the handling of Sirius' death scene, which wasn't as poignant as it was in the book and the scene where Harry, Fred and George beat up Malfoy for his offensive comments after a Quidditch match but I approved immensely of Voldemort urging Harry to murder Bellatrix and in, Star Wars style, move to the dark side.
Of course what was missing was always going to be vexing for fans of the book but the film series has redeemed itself with this effort and I am looking forward to The Half Blood Prince which I think, with Yates at the helm, could be equally spectacular.
So all in all I think it was enjoyable for fans of the films and for fans of the book, which is a big improvement on recent years.
To those who enjoyed the films but haven't yet read the books: what on earth are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the world Rowling has created.