Very different from the other films, but fantastic!!

Rating: 10/10 (12 July 2007)

Firstly lets point out that I am a Harry Potter fan. I am a big fan of the books, and though the films will never be as good, they have done well at capturing JK Rowling's wondrous world on the screen.
So far each film has improved upon the last, perhaps owing to the fact that the characters/actors grow older with each film, thus each installment becomes more adult. So it would be fair to say I had high expectations for this film, the 5th in the series.
Director David Yates and screenplay writer Michael Goldenberg had their work cut out for them, with the Order of the Phoenix book structured in a way that could present difficulties when translating to screen.
Phoenix takes place after Voldemort has returned, yet the wizarding world is in denial, labeling Harry Potter and Dumbledore as liars, rather than believing their claims that the Dark Lord is back. Yet Harry is faced with more serious problems when he develops a psychological link to Voldemort which channels the Dark Lord's emotions through him.
Unlike its four predecessors Phoenix does not play out in the conventional 'Harry' format. The first four books' plots progress with purpose, obviously building up to its climax, and the character's motives are clear throughout. Pheonix, however, is not so. The book almost plods along with less action, but heavier emotional and psychological underpinnings.
This could have created a dilemma when translating the story into an engaging film; suitable for the broad audience the Harry Potter series attracts.
It is clear from the first scene that Pheonix is going to be a very different film to the other in the HP series, with the use of a steady cam, and jerky filming techniques common in war films (a filming style which has not been used in any of the previous films).
Phoenix has a much darker feel then the other Harry films, the enjoyable and exaggerated teenage drama of The Goblet of Fire replaced with angst and aggression.
This new dark tone is very suitable to the story, and though this 'heavier' feel might not impress those fans who have become comfortable with the fun and fluffy tones of the other films, it is a needed new approach to a film series that could have easily become mundane.
The heavy psychological aspect to the story could have been a challenge to adapt for film. I found myself nervous as the movie started wondering how they could possibly make Harry and Voldermort's mental link understandable and convincing.
The fact that Harry feels the same emotions as Voldemort due to this link could have been hard to communicate on screen, yet Goldenberg and Yates have not shied away from the challenge tackling it head on. The result is awesome.
The scenes in which Professor Snape delves into Harry's mind are  in the words of Ron Weasley  wicked! The use of flashbacks to previous films (look how little and cute they all are!) and the rapid editing are extremely effective and really add an emotional feel, reminding viewers of their connection with the three lead characters, whom they have practically watched grow up.
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter has come a long way from the wide-eyed young boy in The Philosophers Stone. He convincingly portrays a young man that is tormented mentally, adding enough aggression to his character without becoming unlikable.
Dumbledore, the character that stands out most in the books, yet seems to have been neglected in the films, has a stronger presence in this movie. Phoenix finally touches on the greatness of this character and strong bond he and Harry share. The climactic battle between him and Voldermort will have your chin on the floor.
The Verdict: This film follows the book more closely than the others,and though this may come as a relief to die-hard book fans, it does result in a slower moving film. Those viewers who are only loosely interested in the series may not find it as enjoyable, with viewers needing an interest in the character's emotional journeys in order to fully appreciate the film.
The new darker approach to Pheonix, means the film is not a 'kid friendly' as the others, however the subject matter does not allow for sugar coating.
This film is the best of the lot; the new style and tone a very welcome change. Phoenix is the most well made of the series with fantastic and original ways of piecing the scenes together (watch how they utilize the Daily Prophet newspaper). The psychological and emotional aspect of the film makes it very interesting and engaging, and will have even the adults on the edge of their seats.
All I can say is: bring on the next one!