Amazing

Rating: 10/10 (13 July 2007)

A new direction for the potter franchise with newcomer to the series David Yates. I wonder why he wasn't involved in all of them, as the previous four films have lacked solidity, direction, pacing, atmosphere and have just been generally disappointing and fairly poor in quality. Yates brings a much needed crunch to the series, with frenetic camera work, tight editing, special effects sequences that finally reflect the magic of the world being portrayed by the books and.....fantastic performances. Yes, I may have criticised Radcliffe in the past but his performance has finally broken out of the dulcet tones of the previous films. His performance matches the new pitch of intensity resonated by this outstanding film.
As the film begins, the grey clouds surround the WB sign, drifting forward and out of sight to reveal the Harry Potter logo set to what can only be described as a jaded rendition of the theme tune, which sets the tone immediately. Then the camera drops from the sky to a playground where Harry faces Dudley and his friends. What is instantly noticeable is that the camera work is much more well considered, effective and artistic than previous directors botched attempts at the franchise. What entails is an eerie contemplative build up that plunges right into a heart pounding chase. But its not that the cinematography is just good for the Potter films, it is fantastic beyond this and is some of the best work i have seen in recent films.
This is an overall much darker set of affairs than before, more serious, reflecting a desperate time for the wizarding world. Harry begins to become isolated in his mind's eye. He gets angry, he questions himself and others a great deal more. But this is also the time when he breaks from the mould and takes things into his own hands. A new addition to the fray is Luna Lovegood, providing an outlet for Harry's isolation. Drifting and flaky she adds a greater depth to the film. Umbridge is fleshed out superbly, a wicked callous performance laced with a buoyant sense of self indignation. Its good to see that Gary Oldman was in fact used on set this time, and delivers a fantastic and emotional performance. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint also deliver great performances, but I always felt they were never as problematic as Radcliffe. And, as per usual The rest of the supporting adults slink in nicely from Rickman's world weary, cynical and snarling turn to Gambon's dutiful and wise performance.
The success of this film is that it ..feels like Harry Potter, this is how it Should be. It never at any point feels rushed as the others have, instead taking time to reflect on itself with serene moments of ambiance that bring a wonderful sense of calm to the darkening world around the characters. The sets are also fantastic, the Ministry of Magic reflecting a sense post communist fascist nihilism, with the Stalin-esquire portrayal of Fudge looming over the cold black walls. Which ultimately sets up the genuinely creepy panic stricken dash through the Hall of Prophecies and the blisteringly exciting set of wand duels that bring the film to a close. Another new set is Sirius' house which is brilliantly shabby, tucked away between two muggle houses. It is both inviting and chilling, especially effective are the room with the family tree and the bitter house elf kreature who's ramblings are a refreshing change from the way the cgi creations have been presented before.
Although worth mentioning is the shift in music as well, as it now is not just chirpy renditions of the theme tune, but fantastically suited to the events and help to shape a mood and bring much needed emotional impact.
Overall Potter mad or not, this is and absolutely amazing film, subtle in places, brash in others, never is boring, always boiling with an underlying intensity, with a wash of ambiance and reflection. It is perhaps ironic that possibly one of the weaker books turns out to be the best film. I cannot recommend it any more : ) , but thanks for finally getting it right.