Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Rating: 10/10 (16 July 2007)

The Order of the Phoenix is definitely the best of the Harry Potter movies to date. It actually is one of the few movies I have seen that outdoes it's literary counterpart in developing and sustaining the arc of it's main character. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of J.K. Rowling and I have the entire collection; eagerly awaiting each one as it hits the bookstores. However in adapting J.K. Rowling's book, the screenwriter and director were able to truly capture the exact essence of the story and the dilemmas of it's characters while removing the unnecessary and the repetitive; something a good editor could have -and should have- done with the book. The movie was able to fully explore Harry's adolescent angst, anger and terrible losses without making him seem like a spoiled brat, as he often appeared in the book. The same can be said for the characterization of Sirius Black, who comes across as the Godfather that James and Lilly Potter would have chosen for their beloved son, rather than the self-absorbed and reckless character which came into focus in the book. I not only find both Harry and Sirius more likable in the movie, but also -and more importantly- they are more consistent with their previous characterizations and therefore more believable. The exploration of Luna Lovegood is equally impressive. The director allows us to see the absolute beauty and wonder in this character. Also, like Neville, we can see that this is someone from whom we can expect the unexpected. Someone who can understand Harry's deeper self. Someone who knows what it means to suffer loss. Yet, despite the the depth and darkness explored here, the movie moves along at an exhilarating pace with special effects that support the storyline rather than detract from it. There are none of the childish antics and visuals so typical of Chris Columbus in the earliest movies. This is a serious handling of an archetypal plot. While I would have liked to see more of Alan Rickman, Emma Watson, and Maggie Smith, among others, this focus on Harry was true to J.K. Rowling's vision. This is really Harry's story. More than any of the other books, this is the arc in Harry's development from child to young adult. Daniel Radcliffe does a fine job portraying this transformation and has developed into a fine young actor. As usual the casting of new characters is impeccable, with Imelda Staunton as the most wicked woman in pink the world has ever seen. Evanna Lynch is an absolute gem as Luna Lovegood! A most impressive movie. I find myself hoping that this screenwriter and director stay on for the next one.