cinemabon
07-11-2007, 08:37 PM
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” Directed by David Yates
The only way to see a film is in a theater, and the only way to see “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is in the 70mm IMAX format with the special 3-D segment during the battle sequence at the end (about ten minutes). In this format, one can appreciate the detail and precision of the set designer and decorator as the camera lovingly moves through the famous sets this time a bit slower so we can soak up every frame. Unfortunately, in a few close-ups, we also see some of the excessive make-up being applied to Daniel Radcliff’s face, making him appear a year younger than his current eighteen years. This has the effect of being disconcerting, probably not a problem in 35mm.
The kids at Hogwarts have grown up, pimples and all. Harry’s first kiss is a bit embarrassing as director Yates takes the shot a few beats longer from three different angles, actually diminishing his first step into adulthood. Harry’s preoccupation with Cho carries over from the last book/film to where his infatuation comes to fruition. However, the film drops off where the book resolves what happens next. Daniel Radcliff still lacks giving us emotional payoff when it counts, being a little reserved when he needs to let go. Ron (Rupert Grint) is there for comic relief as usual. He towers over Harry, having grown considerable since the last film. Hermione (Emma Watson) is there as the sensible voice of reason. She simply has to look determined all the time, something she does very well.
Television director David Yates tends to focus his widescreen lens a little close at times, especially for 70mm, as we can count the pores on Harry’s face, fine for television, terrible when blown up to 100 feet. Also missing is John Williams brilliant score, with only tiny bits thrown in here and there. Instead, we have another TV transplant, Nicholas Hooper, whose forgettable orchestrations only manage to get in the way during the climax. Screenwriter Michael Goldberg (Contact, Peter Pan) has literally cut Rowling’s book to ribbons. In a series of newspaper headlines (Gee, where have I seen that technique before? This is a throw back to films from the 1930’s!), he skims through major portions of the novel, sometimes leaving out important information, such as how Voldemort came to be (his history explained in the novel). The flying creatures, whose vital importance is touched on at the beginning and then ignored. The main characters are simply “flying” them as we head into the 3-D scene with no explanation as to how the others, who could not see them previously, are suddenly riding (“Yahoo!). The big confrontation scene with Dumbledore is reduced to a few sentences at the end of the film, merely to sum up feelings.
Those objections aside, Yates has managed to get to the essence of the novel (albeit the Reader’s Digest version) and still tell the story with most of the elements in place. Delores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton, also of British TV) is played devilishly rotten to the core in her fiendish plot to take over Hogwarts, while the rest of the familiar Hogwarts cast returns to fill in with their obligatory appearances. Enough of the emotion and power that Rowling put into this fifth story is mixed in small doses to make the payoff at the end fairly satisfying. The duel in 3-D is a must for fans. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen as exciting duel in 3-D than this presentation, with arcs of magic flying about in thrilling “comin at chya” sensation in that format. However, it nearly arrived with too little too late.
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is a mixed bag; with some disappointment for those of us that bother to read, while probably very rewarding for those just fans of the film series. I would say, to get the real story, read the novel, which is a fun mixture of lighthearted growth and the dark side of wizardry. Yet, this is a film site, and we are moviegoers at heart. This film has entertainment value; it should do well with Potter fans. As to the readers, we must retreat to our porches and rocking chairs for the remainder of the summer, reading the final novel that is certain to bring heartbreak and finality.
The only way to see a film is in a theater, and the only way to see “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is in the 70mm IMAX format with the special 3-D segment during the battle sequence at the end (about ten minutes). In this format, one can appreciate the detail and precision of the set designer and decorator as the camera lovingly moves through the famous sets this time a bit slower so we can soak up every frame. Unfortunately, in a few close-ups, we also see some of the excessive make-up being applied to Daniel Radcliff’s face, making him appear a year younger than his current eighteen years. This has the effect of being disconcerting, probably not a problem in 35mm.
The kids at Hogwarts have grown up, pimples and all. Harry’s first kiss is a bit embarrassing as director Yates takes the shot a few beats longer from three different angles, actually diminishing his first step into adulthood. Harry’s preoccupation with Cho carries over from the last book/film to where his infatuation comes to fruition. However, the film drops off where the book resolves what happens next. Daniel Radcliff still lacks giving us emotional payoff when it counts, being a little reserved when he needs to let go. Ron (Rupert Grint) is there for comic relief as usual. He towers over Harry, having grown considerable since the last film. Hermione (Emma Watson) is there as the sensible voice of reason. She simply has to look determined all the time, something she does very well.
Television director David Yates tends to focus his widescreen lens a little close at times, especially for 70mm, as we can count the pores on Harry’s face, fine for television, terrible when blown up to 100 feet. Also missing is John Williams brilliant score, with only tiny bits thrown in here and there. Instead, we have another TV transplant, Nicholas Hooper, whose forgettable orchestrations only manage to get in the way during the climax. Screenwriter Michael Goldberg (Contact, Peter Pan) has literally cut Rowling’s book to ribbons. In a series of newspaper headlines (Gee, where have I seen that technique before? This is a throw back to films from the 1930’s!), he skims through major portions of the novel, sometimes leaving out important information, such as how Voldemort came to be (his history explained in the novel). The flying creatures, whose vital importance is touched on at the beginning and then ignored. The main characters are simply “flying” them as we head into the 3-D scene with no explanation as to how the others, who could not see them previously, are suddenly riding (“Yahoo!). The big confrontation scene with Dumbledore is reduced to a few sentences at the end of the film, merely to sum up feelings.
Those objections aside, Yates has managed to get to the essence of the novel (albeit the Reader’s Digest version) and still tell the story with most of the elements in place. Delores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton, also of British TV) is played devilishly rotten to the core in her fiendish plot to take over Hogwarts, while the rest of the familiar Hogwarts cast returns to fill in with their obligatory appearances. Enough of the emotion and power that Rowling put into this fifth story is mixed in small doses to make the payoff at the end fairly satisfying. The duel in 3-D is a must for fans. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen as exciting duel in 3-D than this presentation, with arcs of magic flying about in thrilling “comin at chya” sensation in that format. However, it nearly arrived with too little too late.
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is a mixed bag; with some disappointment for those of us that bother to read, while probably very rewarding for those just fans of the film series. I would say, to get the real story, read the novel, which is a fun mixture of lighthearted growth and the dark side of wizardry. Yet, this is a film site, and we are moviegoers at heart. This film has entertainment value; it should do well with Potter fans. As to the readers, we must retreat to our porches and rocking chairs for the remainder of the summer, reading the final novel that is certain to bring heartbreak and finality.