I am a huge fan of Harry Potter. I don’t care how many foolish mistakes Rowling makes while platforming for her books and ideals, the story she’s created will be remembered as long as there are people who read.
So it follows that I’m a huge fan of anything Potter-related. I own both sets of books: the American and the British releases, and yes . . . there is a difference. I own all the movies. I even own a replica of Harry’s wand. But we’re not here to talk about wands, let’s get to the movie.
Since I am crazy about the story, that makes me a harsher critic. For example, I think Micahel Gambon’s portrayal of Dumbledore has been consistently dismal. If only poor Richard Harris was still with us; he truly understood the complexities of the magnificent character. I also think that certain of the directors (sorry Alfonso. And Mike, you’re almost on my list too) have tried to hard to realize their mundane visions and got in the way of Rowling’s spectacular dream.
But, with all of that said, I think Order of the Phoenixis one of my favorites. On the positive side, this is the best job Michael Gambon has done. He chiseled off that un-Dumbledore-like, roughshod facade and lightened up a bit. I actually enjoyed his performance.
As directing goes, David Yates did a phenomenal job himself. The scenes, acts, shots, and cinematography beautifully complimented the characters and plot-line of Harry Potter.
There were a number of story-changes though. In the past Steve Cloves and Rowling were very close as they crafted the screenplay. In Order, the newcomer Michael Goldenberg worked solo . . . and it shows. His adaptation showcased some important character developments, for example: Ginny’s continued admiration of Harry. Also, in the book Dobby helped Harry find the Room of Requirement. In the movie Neville discovers the room. That’s not a such a bad thing since Dobby’s character makes fewer and fewer appearances while Neville eventually comes into his own.
Still, there were important elements completely jettisoned. Dumbledore and Harry’s heart-to-heart at the end. The revelation that Voldemort is half-possessing Harry was so powerful in the book, but in the movie was thrown away by Severus. And why did Cho have to be the one to turn in Dumbledore’s Army? C’mon! Goldenberg wrote a completely sideline plot just to cater to this changes. Also, when the DA is discovered by Dolores Umbridge, she manages to break into it. Number 1: you can’t break into the Room of Requirement. Number 2: Harry tries to do it throughout the Half Blood Princeand is unsuccessful . . . because it can’t be done. Allowing Umbridge to explode her way in was a poor choice.
Like I said, I’m a detailed critic when it comes to Harry Potter, and there are a number of other things I could say on the subject, but I want to leave you with this.
The Order of the Phoenixis one of the best Potter films to date. I bought it the day it came out and I don’t regret it. The confrontation between Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Harry is outstanding on every level, and the Triad of Potter (Harry, Ron, & Hermione) improve in their acting with every take.
Olsen’s Rating?
“A” for overall genius, acting, story, cinematography. They would have received an A+ if Goldenberg hadn’t gotten frisky with the script.
Posted by Kevin Olsen 
