And the Harrys just keep on coming. Film five of seven, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is based on the worst tome in J.K. Rowling's best-selling series. Does this make for the worst Potter movie? Certainly not. But it's not the best either.
As the movie numbers have increased, the adaptations have become less literal. By rationalising what was essential to the crux of the stories, the Potter adventures have become more streamlined and, put simply, better films. But in Phoenix this streamlining seems to have gone too far, focusing more and more on the trials and tribulations of our central hero, resulting in a loss of periphery character screen time and a less engaging film.
It's particularly a shame for Rupert Grint's cheeky chappie Ron, who's reduced to occasional comedy sidekick, and Emma Watson's Hermione, who now seemingly exists solely to espouse words of wisdom to Harry when needed. Their dedication and work over the series deserves more. When you have such a remarkable roster of British talent at your disposal–Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Julie Walters, Gary Oldman to name a few – it also seems such a terrible waste of talent to reduce them to little more than cameos.
This isn't, of course, meant as an indictment against Daniel Radcliffe's acting ability. The growth he has shown over the years is remarkable. He proves it again in Phoenix , comfortably commanding the screen through his star presence and an increasingly accomplished performance, as Harry steps up to lead and finally comes of age. It's just the love of Rowling's work is more than just Harry; it's the whole Potter -verse.
For the uninitiated, film five finds Harry facing puberty, girls and the growing threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named since his untimely return last time around. But with his warning about You-Know-Who's return scoffed at, Harry is faced with ridicule and resentment by his school chums and the wizarding establishment in general, whilst an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.
The most notable addition to the cast, this bureaucrat is brought to life by a perfect-in-pink Imelda Staunton ( Vera Drake ). A giggling and simmering menace to the way of life at Hogwarts, Professor Umbridge is a magically irritating character and a fun villain for our heroes to face.
Unlike Helena Bonham Carter's ( Fight Club ) Bellatrix Lestrange, the only other significant new character, who is entirely wasted in her limited screen time.
New to the Harry hotseat, director David Yates (TV's State of Play ) brings his own unique take to Potter, ramping up a portentious atmosphere whilst adding a quirky prophet-based way to reveal some much needed exposition. Showing an adept hand throughout, each important moment is well-handled, from Harry's first kiss to the grand reveal of the Ministry of Magic. It's little wonder they've signed him straight up for another.
What Phoenix does have to boast over previous Potter adventures is the most exciting, explosive and thrilling final act thus far, as we finally get to see fully-fledged wizards and witches take each other on in a mega-magic showdown at the Ministry of Magic. It's a 20-minute thrill ride that easily outstrips any of the action set-pieces offered by parts one through four, brought wonderfully to life by eye-popping special effects and some kinetic camerawork.
So overall, it's chiefly a case of new movie, same issues: never as comprehensive or captivating as the book and always somewhat rushed in coming to its conclusion. Phoenix also has the unwanted stigma of breaking tradition – it is the first film not to improve on the last. Nevertheless it remains a good Potter adventure; it just lacks the ensemble magic of earlier efforts that would have made it great.
Three stars out of five
Feeds