phoenix review

Order of the Phoenix is my least favorite book of the series. Yet, I've been anticipating "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", the fifth movie installment of the most celebrated wizard in new age literature, the moment Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) was casted last year.

I recalled the novel version of the film having parts where I wanted to skip chapters and stop reading. A huge part of it was pretty much talk, talk, talk. It was not as action packed as "Goblet" and not much revelations like "Azkaban". The major thing offered by "Order" was Harry and Voldemort are somewhat connected in ways that is yet to be revealed.

As expected, the movie had its down side as the novel and pretty much revolved around the pages of The Daily Prophet; but the impressive set, cinematography and most of the actors giving justice to their respective characters were the movie's saving grace. Plus, it was really exciting seeing the younger characters all grown-up.

To those of you who have read the book, most of the things were showed in Director David Yates' 2-hour-and-18-minute masterpiece. I will just mention the things that were different and were missing that I think, if presented as is, would've helped the story-telling better.

SPOILERS ALERT!

The Opening Scene - it had a hip-hop Dudley and not the motor-cycle-leather-jacket Dudley.

Nymphadora Tonks - I expected a tougher, more tomboy version. She was my most memorable new character when I read the book, but her movie version didn't appeal to me that much.

Sirius' mother was missing - as soon as Harry arrived at Number 12 Grimauld Place, I expected to hear the ear-splitting shrieks of Sirius' mother. That would've been unforgettable.

Dolores Umbridge - I expected a more Matutina-ish demeanor.

The Enchanted Coin - The presentation of Dumbledore's Army (D.A.) will be more interesting if they showed the part where Hermione put an enchanment (Protean Charm) to the coins for the group. In the book, she did this to cleverly and secretly transport the meeting schedules to all the members of the D.A.

Dobby and Cho's best friend - in the film, Neville was the one who found the room of requirement, and it was Cho whom Snape gave the Veritaserum, leading to the betrayal of Dumbledore's Army.

The Kiss - It was awkward, cute and longer than I expected.

St. Mungo's - would've been interesting if they showed Neville's parents, but on second thought, this might have been disturbing to the younger audience

Department Of Mysteries - where's the tank full of brains?

The D.A. Sessions, Weasly Twins' escape, Harry's Occlumency Lessons with Snape and the battle that Harry had when he was possessed by Voldemort were the unforgettable parts of the movie for me.


All in all, I give the movie 4 stars for the impressive visual effects and for maintaining the peg Cuaron started in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

As they always say, reading the book is better. But seeing Harry and the rest of the gang come of age amidst us through Daniel Radcliffe and the rest of the cast, the movie was worth every penny.