FILM REVIEW
Latest Harry Potter installment best yet
Harry Potter is back and he is more grown-up, developed and interesting than ever.
In “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” (Warner Bros.), the fifth film installment in the series, director David Yates takes control of the tale and produces the most exciting and heartfelt Potter film yet.
Although the fate of Harry Potter will not be revealed to fans until the release of the seventh and final book of the series July 21, those who have grown up with Potter will love watching the serious turn the world of Hogwarts takes in the latest film.
Harry, played again by Daniel Radcliffe, waits through a hot summer, remembering the disastrous finish of his fourth year at Hogwarts, which included battling the evil wizard Voldemort and witnessing the death of his schoolmate.
When school begins again at Hogwarts, Professor Umbridge, played brilliantly by Imalda Staunton, takes over and makes sure no one believes Harry’s claim that the Dark Lord Voldemort has returned. Ultimately Harry must face Voldemort in a battle that once again shows the triumph of good and love over darkness and evil.
Exciting, well-acted and entertaining throughout, the film is a treat for Potter fans, and a bit confusing for those new to the “Harry Potter” universe. Although much of the large novel is covered in the two-plus-hour film, many of the finer details are omitted, leaving a few small plot issues unclear.
While it is unquestionably disturbing, especially for young children, the themes are nothing short of impressive. Beyond the obvious battle of good and evil that has existed throughout the entire Potter series, there is a focus in the fifth film on the choice every person makes to be good or evil.
Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on community. As Potter begins to alienate himself from his friends because of his realization of the potential for evil inside himself due to his Voldemort connection, his friends draw him back to them.
It is clear by the end of the film that one cannot walk the road of righteousness alone. People must have others to help them, make them stronger in their convictions and thus a more powerful force of good together. Although wands are never shown sharpening one another, the concept that “man sharpens man” in the pursuit of righteousness is present throughout.
The film delivers strong performances from the actors that have come to embody Harry, played by Radcliffe; Ron, played by Rupert Grint; and Hermione, played by Emma Watson. Imelda Staunton steals the show as the smiling, sinister representative of the Ministry of Magic, taking over Hogwarts with a firm hand and bright pink suits.
Solid special effects alongside well-directed and suspenseful scenes just add to the solid story that is the fifth Potter film.
Albeit amidst a positive portrayal of witchcraft and wizardry, the film is filled with positive messages if viewed at a metaphorical level. Harry barely survives the trials of his fifth year at Hogwarts, but the film easily soars to the top.
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” contains violent images, frightening scenes, portrays the use of magic in a positive way and includes a brief scene of attempted soul possession.
Rebecca Bostic is a regular contributor to The Catholic Sun. Comments are welcome. Send e-mail to letters@catholicsun.org.
