I can scarecly believe how quickly this week of watching and reviewing every Harry Potter film is passing. We have already made it to film #5, The Order Of The Phoenix. Only two more to go before the grand finale on Friday.
The fifth film in the continuing saga of the boy wizard, opens with Harry's expulsion from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The reason for his expulsion is his use of magic in front of his cousin Dudley, a muggle. The Ministry of Magic refuse to take into account the fact that he did this to save both their lives, when they suddenly found themselves attacked by Dementors in broad daylight. The Ministry also refunse to believe that 'you know who' is back and was responsible for the death of Cedric Diggory. They instead believe that Dumbledore is building a secret army at Hogwarts. And they send in senior undersecretary at the Ministry, Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), to discover the truth.
The Order Of The Phoenix was the film I was least looking forward to as it's my least favourite of all the Harry Potter films. A strange reversal of yesterdays film as this is a fan favourite, but not a book favourite. My cinema buddy once described his experience of reading the book as "spending time with your best friend and them being really depressed the entire time". Not exactly the cheeriest way to spend your days.
As I haven't read the book I can't really comment but I will say this; The Order Of The Phoenix has the misfortune of introducing one of the most annoying characters of the series - Dolores Umbridge. Every time she is on screen I want to punch her. All credit goes to Imelda Staunton who plays her perfectly, for it's not the actress I loathe but the character. But that does unfortunately make this film my least favourite to watch because I hate her so much.
All I ever remember about the film is her. Dolores stupid Umbridge and her stupid pink outfits and her stupid little giggle. It makes me forget how much I love the training scenes, and the scenes at Sirius's house, and the end fight, and to some extent it even makes me forget how much I love this film for introducing one of my all time favourite characters, Luna Lovegood. All because one character is so annoying.
It's a pity too as there are a lot of really good qualities about this film. All of the things I mentioned above. But I think the stand out thing for me is how good the performances are. As well as Imelda Staunton creating the most annoying character, we see old favourites Gary Oldman, Emma Thompson, David Thewlis and Brendan Gleeson all return for this movie and they're all outstanding. Even though some of them only have tiny roles to play in this installment.
And the direction is stunning. From the sweeping landscapes of Hogwarts to the dark, cold corridors of the Ministry, it all looks so good. My final nod to both the acting and direction must go to Harry's first kiss. Unlike Hollywood's interpretation of a perfect first kiss, this one appears awkward, both to watch and for the participants. With both sides not seeming like they knew what they were doing. Which is as it should be. And the description of it afterwards is spot on, "Wet".
While it may be my least favourite Potter, even bad Potter is still good. 7 out of 10.
Viewing Date - 12th July 2011
UK Release Date - 12th July 2007
(I saw it exactly 4 years - to the day - since the day it was released!
Spooky eh?)
Cast Overview:
Daniel Radcliffe ~ Harry Potter
Rupert Grint ~ Ron Weasley
Emma Watson ~ Hermione Granger
Matthew Lewis ~ Neville Longbottom
Evanna Lynch ~ Luna Lovegood
Tom Felton ~ Draco Malfoy
Devon Murray ~ Seamus Finnigan
Robert Pattinson ~ Cedric Diggory
Katie Leung ~ Cho Chang
James Phelps ~ Fred Weasley
Oliver Phelps ~ George Weasley
Chris Rankin ~ Percy Weasley
Bonnie Wright ~ Ginny Weasley
Julie Walters ~ Molly Weasley
Mark Williams ~ Arthur Weasley
Jason Isaacs ~ Lucius Malfoy
Gary Oldman ~ Sirius Black
Helena Bonham Carter ~ Bellatrix Lestrange
Ralph Fiennes ~ Lord Voldemort
Michael Gambon ~ Professor Albus Dumbledore
Imelda Staunton ~ Dolores Umbridge
Maggie Smith ~ Professor Minerva McGonagall
Alan Rickman ~ Professor Severus Snape
Brendan Gleeson ~ Professor Alastor 'Mad Eye' Moody
David Thewlis ~ Professor Remus Lupin
Natalia Tena ~ Nymphadora Tonks
George Harris ~ Kingsley Shacklebolt
Emma Thompson ~ Professor Sybil Trelawney
Robbie Coltrane ~ Rubeus Hagrid
Fiona Shaw ~ Aunt Petunia Dursley
Richard Griffiths ~ Uncle Vernon Dursley
Harry Melling ~ Dudley Dursley
David Bradley ~ Argus Filch
Director ~ David Yates
Writer(s) ~ J.K. Rowling (Novel) and Michael Goldenberg (Screenplay)
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