"Order of the Phoenix" casts a wonderful spell
Film review
MARCUS KEELY Sentinel Writer

I've been trying to think of what to write now for four days or so. How do I begin to review a movie so anticipated, so heralded? The first step is to divide aspects of the movie into "the good" and "the bad," and then expound upon why such parts were deemed so. Then there is always the occasional input from others (which seems inevitable to avoid with such a blockbuster film). Oftentimes these encounters are what ultimately definemy views and opinion of a movie.

Sitting here at four days and counting, I've had the opportunity to speak with many of my friends, much of my family, and the occasional stranger about what they thought of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." The result? The vast majority of them loved it. Sure, there were a few who thought it was just "ok," but on-the-whole, the filmseems to be a success.

People of all ages and from all backgrounds seemed to agree that this is one of the better Potter flicks. Perhaps it's because of the more mature feel of the movie, or the dark plot that infuses the filmwith twists and turns around every corner. Most of the people I talked to couldn't really pinpoint why they liked "Order of the Phoenix," they just "did." Maybe that's attributed to the magic that Potter casts over audiences worldwide.

I try never to miss an opening day with Harry Potter films, and this year was no different. For a Wednesday matinee it was by far the largest crowd I've ever seen (but then again I don't frequent many of those). The theater was packed from wall to wall with viewers of all ages eager to be entertained and magically transported to another world.

The fifth filmdepicts Harry's rebellion against an administration at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that is increasingly being dictated by Ministry of Magic regulations. Potter, at the urging of his friends Hermione and Ron, forms a group of students to fight against the oppresors and the evil Lord Voldemort. The filmcenters around this group's struggle to survive, and depicts the characters in a fresh way.

As the movie began I knew I instantly liked what I saw. The filmbegins in a playground outside Harry's home at Number Four Privet Drive, where Harry is being taunted by his cousin Dudley and his friends. The sequence is shot artistically, making "The Order of the Phoenix" a pleasure to watch from the start. This trend of unique and captivating cinemaphotography remains throughout the film.

Supporting the beautiful footage is wonderfully brilliant CGI (computer-generated imagery). It sometimes seems that not a scene goes by without some CGI effect that blows you away. The best part of it all, however, is that the massive amount of CGI never takes away from the storyline or the film's natural presence. Unlike some movies where computer-generated graphics steal the show, "Order of the Phoenix" is enhanced by such imagery rather than hindered. The culmination of breathtaking cinematography and similarly beautiful CGI makes Potter eye-candy to watch.

The acting isn't half bad either. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) continues to portray his title-character with poise, even though this time he must depict a Harry who is more depressed than determined. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, played by Emma Watson and Rupert Grint respectively, continue to develop as characters, and are portrayed well. However, it is the addition of Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch) that really steals the show. The quirky character is played exceptionally well, and is an allaround likeable role.

Opposing Harry is the detestable Dolores Umbridge, a Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and a newly appointed Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Actor Imelda Staunton portrays Umbridge superbly, resulting in a character who is hated by all who watch.

Like all of the previous Harry Potter films, this one is much too short to pack in all the plot that it needs to make sense to someone who has never read the books. The movie does stand on its own, but it doesn't have quite the same impact that it would if it could fitsome more storyline in. Though understandable (a movie any longer would probably drive moviegoers away), the rapid pace of "Order of the Phoenix" makes for a wild ride that one can sometimes easily get lost in. Things don't always fittogether so well, and some unnecessary scenes take up screen-time that other moreworthy sequences could fill. It's not a huge problem, however, as the condensed screenplay is sufficient.

Aside from the abridged script and some awkwardly portrayed moments (i.e. Cho Chang and Harry Potter's kiss), this fifth installment of the Harry Potter filmseries is worth its weight in gallions. A likeable cast, brilliant CGI, and beautifully shot cinematography makes "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" one of the best Potter flicks to date.

To comment on this article, email Marcus at keelma6@wfu. edu

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