Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
You will get the most out of it if you read the book first."Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," released in 2007, is a film that sees Harry and Dumbledore dismissed and targeted by the Wizarding authorities. This is all due to their warnings about Lord Voldemort's return being scorned, while an authoritarian bureaucrat gradually takes over Hogwarts.
A huge round of applause goes to David Yates. I hold this film as my favorite in the series, despite my deep affection for the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Yates deserves immense credit for injecting new vigor into the series and steering it through to its conclusion. The final films under his direction felt less like standalone movies and more like parts of an epic miniseries.
Worth noting is that Order of the Phoenix is the only film in the series not penned by Stephen Kloves. While Kloves generally did an admirable job with the series, Michael Goldberg was able to infuse more thematic depth into this film, something that occasionally felt lacking in the later installments. This movie isn't just a continuation of the complex saga, but also a deep dive into Harry's struggle with his inner darkness and his decision to overcome it.
Yates brought a presence to the directorial role that was absent in the Goblet of Fire. He also engaged Nicholas Hooper to compose the film's score, reintroducing some unforgettable themes to the Harry Potter universe. While no one can truly replace John Williams, Hooper's work comes commendably close.
Many people express their dislike for this movie. I believe this stems from the fact that it marks the series' departure from its lighthearted fantasy roots, venturing into more mature emotions and themes. However, for those who are willing to undertake this journey, the Order of the Phoenix is arguably the most rewarding of the lot.
- You are under the age of 7, as it contains mature and potentially frightening themes
- You are uncomfortable with intense action scenes
- You have no familiarity with the Harry Potter series, as the plot may be difficult to understand without prior knowledge
- You are not a fan of fantasy or magic genre
- You are easily bothered by dark, dystopian atmospheres
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix?"I mean, they're running around, waving wands, casting spells, and I'm sitting here like, "I can't even find my car keys in the morning!"
And what about that Room of Requirement? A room that becomes whatever you need it to be? I could really use one of those. Except every time I walked in it would just become a nap room.
And Dolores Umbridge, with her obsession for pink and cats... She's like the scary aunt nobody wants to visit. I mean, who thought it would be a good idea to put her in charge of a school? Hogwarts went from 'Defense Against The Dark Arts' to 'Defend Yourself From The Crazy Cat Lady' real quick!
And why is it that every time something goes wrong, it's always, "Harry, you must do something!" What about the other students? They've got wands too, right? But no, it's always down to poor Harry. "Harry, you must fight the dark lord." "Harry, you must save the school." I'm surprised they don't have him doing the plumbing while he's at it!
I mean, what's next? "Harry Potter and the Order of the Late Night Pizza Delivery?" Now that's a movie I'd like to see!
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016):
This is a perfect alternative if you enjoyed the "Harry Potter" franchise. Set in the same enchanting universe, but decades before Harry's time, this film follows the adventures of eccentric, introverted wizard Newt Scamander in New York City. It is rich with magical creatures and captivating storylines, and even allows you to explore a different side of the magical world - the one across the pond. Directed by David Yates (who helmed the last four Harry Potter films) and penned by J.K. Rowling herself, its a must-see for any Potter head.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005):This is a high fantasy adventure film based on the book by C.S. Lewis. The story is about four British children who enter a magical world by walking through a wardrobe. The parallels between the magic and fantasy elements in Harry Potter and the mystical and adventurous world of Narnia make this a fantastic recommendation.
Stardust (2007):If you loved the fantasy and magical aspect of the Harry Potter series, you would thoroughly enjoy "Stardust". A young man ventures into a magical realm to find a fallen star and encounters witches, princes, and pirates along his journey. Directed by Matthew Vaughn and featuring an ensemble cast that includes Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro, this film offers a charming blend of romance, comedy, adventure, and fantasy.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010):This film, rooted in Greek mythology, brings another adventurous storyline with thrilling elements similar to "Harry Potter". It follows Percy Jackson, who discovers he's the descendant of a Greek god and embarks on an adventure to settle an ongoing battle among the gods. If the intertwining of the real world and mythical backstory fascinated you in "Harry Potter," "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" might catch your fancy.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008):This fantasy adventure film centers on the Grace family as they move into the Spiderwick Estate and uncover a world full of fairies, goblins, and other magical creatures. The film shares the sense of mystery and wonder prevalent in the Harry Potter series, making it a great watch if you enjoyed that aspect. Director Mark Waters brought this captivating tale to the big screen with Freddie Highmore excellently playing dual roles.
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