|
|
Cinema
Grown up Harry Potter
Spells Magic
Once Again
by Aparna
Film: "Harry Potter and the
Order of the Phoenix"; Director: David Yates; Cast: Daniel Radcliffe,
Emma Watson, Jason Boyd, Rupert Grint, Weasley, Richard Macklin, Kathryn
Hunter, Helena Bonham Carter; Ratings: ***
Pottermania is contagious. The books and the movies are a rage among
kids all over the world. And now almost everyone is queuing up to watch
the fifth of the movie series called "Harry Potter and the Order of the
Phoenix".
The film almost
coincides with the release of the seventh Potter book by J.K. Rowling on
July 21. The latest movie shows Harry Potter's fifth year at the Hogwarts
School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and has been well received by fans.
But the fifth movie edition isn't just for kids ... adults will also enjoy
it as Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, has now grown into a teenage boy
engaged in grown-up adventures.
Harry has not only grown into a good-looking guy, this time he is angry and
combating new fears within. He is also shown enjoying his first kiss with
his classmate Cho Chang (Katie Leung).
The film has its familiar premise, but the evil Voldemort's return to power
is not the only factor that worries Harry now. There is trouble in the form
of Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), who enters Hogwarts as a teacher with
vengeance and contempt for its students and faculty. And she leaves no
chance to show her detestation towards them.
She bans students from practising magic and insists on giving just
theoretical knowledge. So Harry challenges her by giving his fellow pupils
magic lessons secretly, though Dolores manages to penetrate into their
secret chamber. And amidst all this, the students also have to give their
final exam.
From the FX to performances and adventures to dark secrets, everything is in
place - the animation and special effects are best in the climax. The
fireworks triggered off by the Weasley twins during their final exam are
awesome.
Though described as the darkest movie in the series, it is the weakest
compared to the last four. But at the same time, the film's tone and texture
is definitely dark.
Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), Harry's closest friends, have
also grown up, but this time they don't have much to contribute. Potter fans
will surely enjoy Radcliife's performance as a brooding teenager - the boy
wonder not only looks good in the film but also plays his part with finesse.
The film may not appeal to first timers but will certainly be a hit with old
Harry Potter loyalists.
July 15,
2007
Top |
Cinema
|
|
