Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Big Time Social Commentary From Potter
Yet another Potter film? Yeah, but I am not complaining, because its another entertaining and fun film with polished visual effects and a well written script. However, it is also obvious in this film that Rowling and screenwriter Michael Goldenberg are holding back a bit as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is something of a transitional film.
In Order of the Phoenix the Ministry of Magic basically attempts to illegally take over Hogwarts and replace Dumbledore with Umbridge, a sort of Mary Poppins from hell. The students of Hogwarts are no longer being taught how to defend themselves against magic attacks and Potter and friends begin to study in secret from the coming war. Issues of torture and censorship, institutional disinformation, abuse of authority and mindless repressive rules all are addressed-no kidding! Of course, this is the briefest of summaries of what is a complex and interesting story that keeps the audience well engaged and sets up the next film well.
The strong script is further aided in two departments in particular. First are the visual effects, which are STUNNING in high-def. Once you have made the switch to high-def, Order of the Phoenix is one of the very first films you should rent or buy on Blu-Ray.
Secondly, the cinematography by Slawomir Idziak is seriously good. Order of the Phoenix is one sharp looking film.
In terms of why this film is a blockbuster, well, do we even need to bother with that anymore? I mean people, its Harry Potter, at this point it’s a cash cow like no other. Don’t believe me? Box office was nearly a billion bucks people. A billion dollars
Story A
Acting A
Visuals A
Originality/Innovation B
Enjoyability Grade A
Home Theater/HD Factor A+
Overall Grade A
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