the Order of the Phoenix

Solid Super HUGE

As a big fan of both the movies and the books (I recently finished the seventh, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), I can understand the difficulty of condensing an 870 page tome into a 2 hour film. Warner Bros. had even considered splitting the previous book, Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, into 2 separate films because of it’s length. And it was over 130 pages less than Phoenix.

In this fifth adventure, author Jo Rowling further emphasizes similarities between muggles (non-magic people) and the witches and wizards who, supposedly live among us rather than their differences; one of the key aspects that has made Harry and company a joy toboth read and watch on the big screen.

Deniability takes center stage with Harry’s wizarding world in a state of unbelief concerning his encounter with Voldemort after the Triwizard tournament. He is nearly expelled from Hogwarts for defending himself and his overweight cousin Dudley from two of those ghoulish dementors sent by He-who-must-not -named himself; surmounting evidence that the Dark Lord has returned. In his defense of Harry, Dumbledore tries to convince the counsel of this. But it seems to fall on deaf ears.

Complicating matters is the arrival of Hogwarts’ new Defense-Against-the-Dark-Arts teacher, Dolores Umbridge played with charmingly evil finesse by Imelda Staunton. She also happens to be the Undersecretary to Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge (H’mm something smells here). Taking full advantage in her attempts to “straighten up” Hogwarts, she imposes gruesome punishments along with new and stricter student rules getting cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch to post them on a giant wall inside the school.

It isn’t long before the students realize that Umbridge’s instruction won’t prepare them to defend themselves against anything. When Hermione suggests that Harry should take the reigns and teach them, Dumbledore’s Army is formed composed of 20 Gryffindor students. Don’t you just love a good rebellion? Especially when there’s no choice.

One of my favorite highlights, Harry’s first kiss, was given special attention. Amongst all the adverse excitement in Phoenix, the film could not have been made without this poignant scene between Harry and Ravenclaw’s Cho Chang. It takes place after the rest of Harry’s “students” call it a night and have left the secret chamber. The conversation he has with friends Ron and Hermione afterwards is one of the funniest scenes dialogue wise.

While Cho may be Harry’s main squeeze, his relationship with enigmatic new comer Luna Lovegood seems more personal. Portrayed by 16 year old Irish lass Evanna Lynch, she’s definitely not your ordinary witch-in-training personality wise and you imimmediately see how easily she could be an outcast amongst her fellow students; like Harry is Voldemort wise.

I’m sure fans of the novel, like yours truly, were disappointed that some scenes were excluded. Indeed, Phoenix is the shortest running Potter thus far at 138 minutes. Scribe Michael Goldenburg’s task of adapting the huge tome was not easy. He includes all the essential characters and elements of the story, creating a solid abridgement director Yates can work from. He keeps to the main focus without being choppy.

Returning to support and mentor our boy wizard are Lupin, Mad Eye Moody and Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather. Also returning to torment and oppose are Lucius Malfoy, the dementors et al. All bets are off in a stunning battle of magical spells, curses and charms between the two factions that matches the light saber melees in Star Wars.

Adults as well as kids have been growing with these books and films since Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone hit bookstores a decade ago. It’s good to see that Harry Ron, Hermione and their friends- and enemies- seem to be growing in both mediums. I’ve read the seventh and supposedly last book in the series, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Phoenix, however, assures us that there’s a lot more to come.