Review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) by Brandon — 13 Jul 2007

This is only a so so film, and that's the honest truth. This is the fifth Potter film, and so anyoen walking int othe theatre is gong to know what they are in store for. Also anyone who has read the book knows the material already, so all we can really rate is the direction and the adaptation of the story.

The direction is capable, but at times puzzing with eiditing that is breaknect during important scenes and laxadaisical when languishing on unimportant special effects. (Is it more important to spend 30 seconds on watching the kids make animated paper airplanes, or explaining how Harry feels about Cho in the third act of the film?).

The adaptation was also weak, choosing to make the main story of the film about hte rise and fall of Delores Umbridge instead of about the feeling of hopelessness and insecurity at Hogwarts as the students have everything that makes them feel safe systematically stripped away.

Harry choosing to form the D.A. and effectively fight BACK is supposed to be a big moment in his character and the story. This is not handled well in the film, I think, and thereby make the whole Order of the Phoenix story into a filler.

This was an important chapter to nail, and it's sad that it was mishandled. Especially after how amazing the last two films have been. I'm sad to hear the director will be back again for the next Potter film.