I don’t remember much of the book. I know that I did read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and I do remember the ending, but a lot of what went on in the middle. No recollection whatsoever. So in a way you could say that I wasn’t faced with comparing the novel and the film. Which is a good thing. And without that comparison I’d have to say that this is a good film. (there are spoilers for the previous books/films below the cut. None for The Order of the Phoenix.)
The film starts off with Harry, back with the Dursley’s, and still recovering from the end of the previous instalment. Understandably, the death of Cedric and the return of Lord Voldemort have put a damper on his summer holidays. Plus he has to deal with the Dursley’s. He and Dudley are attacked by Dementors, which means he has to face a trial for performing magic in front of a muggle. This is the first major hint that all is not well within the wizard community. And that is one of the major themes in this film, that divisions and animosities created by the fear of Voldemort.
Back at Hogwarts and we have a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. She doesn’t really look the part, all pink and fluffy, but we soon learn that with Dolores Umbridge, appearances can be deceiving.
I think this may be my favourite of the Harry Potter films so far. The first two were very child orientated. Azkaban looked, and felt, the part, but the atmosphere didn’t translate into a great film. But the OOtP seems to have blended together the best bits of the book. I’m sure there are bits left out, despite my faulty memory I do have one or two things that I’m pretty sure were in the book that weren’t in the film. And there is the fact that no film can be as in depth as a book can, so in certain instances there is a glossing over of aspects. But all in all I thought it worked really well.
Special effects-wise I thought this was perfect. Okay, we didn’t have any quidditch matches, but the thestrals looked amazing, as did the final battle. Spells can often look silly on screen, but they really worked well here. And the few short flashback scenes really showed how much the characters, and the actors, have grown up since the films began. All in all, worth going to see. Although you really do need to have seen the earlier films, or read the books, otherwise you will be lost.
IMDb ; Heather Anne ; Life Particles ; Zombat ; The Bottom Line ; Orson Scott Card ; John Maguire on set & talking to Brendan Gleeson & Daniel Radcliffe
Hooray! I'm so glad you liked it. People have been critical, and I always want to say "Just shut up and have a good time. YOU try making a 2,000 page book into a 2 hour movie." I had a total geek out when Ginny cast Reducto and obliterated that practice dummy.
See, Fence? Somebody else loves Ginny, too. I thought it was an excellent movie; the best all year (for me, anyway – but I'm easily disappointed). It felt more remote, less crowded and warm, than the other movies, but the subject matter was darker, and warranted that approach. DEFINITELY a worthy addition to the Potter pantheon.
Only three days left 'til Deathly Hallows! Yeek!
Scott, people are always critical. Don't they know I'm the only one allowed to criticize things?
I am glad I hadn't reread the book though, cause I think I probably would've been, "where is X and what happened to Y" this way I was just able to enjoy it as a film.
Kelly, who doesn't love Ginny? I think they did a really good job with her in this film. She doesn't have a whole lot to say, but the little looks and glances are more than sufficient hints :)
I watched it with you last night and (as you know) I thought it was far and away the best of the Potter fillums. Great stuff, had me interested, moved and excited. Imelda Staunton was brilliantly horrible. Sirius was warm, sympathetic and seemed to have an actual emotional connection to Harry. I thought the Drawda wan did a lovely job with Luna Lovegood too – very sweet and otherworldly.
It was scary and creepy in parts and there were some actual laugh out loud moments – Fred and George 'whipping out their wands' :-), "a person couldn't feel all that" and "Brian". Hee hee.
A big summer blockbuster that actually delivered. Great stuff.
I was surrounded by children but couldn't help erupting with laughter at the "whipping out your wands" comment. And then feeling dirty and nasty and sleazy.
Didn't ye think this was one became overly melodramatic towards the end, slipping even unto cheesiness? Harry saying, "You don't know what it is to love, I pity you"…"we have something he doesn't have, we have something to fight for"…it was a bit too Dan Dare, and disappointing because the films have managed to pitch that stuff just right so far.
I thought this was the weakest since Chamber of Secrets, being overloaded and confused, though that was inevitable. And the prophecy became a mere McGuffin in the film, unlike the book where its full significance was explained. Still very good though, and the films are getting visually better all the time. Half-Blood Prince should be amazing, if they don't muck it up.
Why do the Dementors look different now, though? Eh?
Mal, what sort of a site are you making me link to?
Hee hee. Just my little joke, now that Samizdisandat has died (to universal lamentation).
I've also used the Flat Earth Society site in the past, but nobody noticed.
Oh no, I noticed the Flat Earth one, and thought it was funny. But this one?
What's life without a little sick humour?
A place with well humour? ;)
Is this better?
I would like to point out that I have enjoyed (and advocate) nothing more than cordial relations with animals.
Dude, noddy is totally racist! Don't you know that Enid Blyton is evil :twisted:
She also used to send form letters back to the chislings who wrote to her. That's just nasty. But she could write up to twenty thousand words a day. You have to take your hat off to that.
Actually, it's my declared purpose to force you to censor me, since I am so ardently pro-censorship. I even have an article (COMING SOON) in the library newsletter, defending censorship.
Besides, you have a spam-guard on your comments…isn't that censorship? And if not, why not?
I'm anti-censorship Mal. I'm not going to censor you.
Anti-spam isn't censorship. It is telling people to fuck-off. There is a difference.
If you only knew the power of the Dark Side.
Oh I know its power Mallington Skellington Beachcomber, all too well. I fear you do not!