Run Time: 2 hr. 18 min.
Rating: PG-13 - sequences of fantasy violence and
frightening images
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena
Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman,
Michael Gambon, Imelda Staunton
Director: David Yates
Genre: Fantasy Adventure, Fantasy
Wow Harry’s pissed. I’ve never seen the BMOH (that’s Big Man on Hogwarts) angry before. But he certainly has a right.
No one believes him that “the unmentionable” Voldemort is back and ready to get down terrorizing the little witches and warlocks. And, gasp, Harry actually used his magic outside of school.
In front of Muggles.
The world is falling apart. Ha.
Now I have to admit, I do like the Harry Potter series. When it’s all said and done, it might be a better series than Star Wars - GL did kind of screw us on the first three.
Honestly, I was not really looking forward to the new Harry. I don’t know if I’ve grown tired of the series - this now being a “five-quel.” Or I have seen so many movies this summer that I’m worn out. Bottom line, I wasn’t in a hurry to rush out and see this one like Spider-man 3 or Transformers.
Man was I wrong.
In a summer of sequels, this may be the second best one. I hear, Bourne is the bestest. We’ll see this weekend. But HPATOP is more than just Harry’s usual Hogwarts’ adventure.
It’s a character study and a real coming of age movie.
Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is back for year Five. But he’s still mourning (and blaming himself) for the death of his friend, Cedric, in Goblet of Fire. The wizarding community - led by the Minister of Magi Cornelius Fudge - scoffs at the idea that Lord Voldemort is back and is actually fearful that Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) is forming an army. Fudge appoints Professor Delores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) to the post of Defense against the Dark Arts teacher. Yet she doesn’t seem to want to teach the spells. Instead, she busies herself with collecting information to get Dumbledore fired.
Which, of course she does.
Her actions leave the kids vulnerable. So Harry – convinced by Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) – follows in his parents and Sirius Black’s footsteps and form the new Justice League, I’m sorry Order of the Phoenix. Little geek humor there.
They finish training just in time - when Dumbledore leaves, Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and his minions (including a lust favorite of mine, Helena Bonham Carter) arrive to wreck havoc on Harry and co.
What can I say? The effects are terrific. It’s scary…especially the opening sequence with the bezerkers. And, I know Chris Columbus gets a lot grief for the first two movies (which I personally enjoyed) but he should get a lot of credit for assembling Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. These kids are the real deal and growing into their roles. As for the rest of the cast, it’s like watching Masterpiece Theater. This is the best collection of British actors you will ever see on film.
For the final kicker, see it in IMAX 3 –D. It’s magical. Ooh bad pun!
FIVE BALL POINT PENS