Review of 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'

The packed, mostly teen crowd eagerly applauded the slow parting of the red curtain, such was their excited anticipation. But once the lights fell dim and the stark cold reality of Harry’s world was there on the screen, there was barely a sound. And it stayed that way throughout, apart from a couple of laughs at made-for-laughing moments.

This is a sober and measured Harry Potter world. Gone are the pranks of childhood, (apart from the irrepressible Weasley twins) and the easily celebrated games of the schoolyard. The grand story – five parts through the seven books - has wormed its way into the quiet gloomy place of political adult struggle, smug inquisitors on one side, quiet believers on the other, pushing the main event (Harry’s struggle with Lord Voldemort) to the background and to the next two films.

There’s still the same crowd: Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), now back at a Hogwarts under the scrutiny of Delores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton). Sporting a pink twin-suit and a tight smile, she’s the wonderfully despotic face of The Ministry of Magic which, under the leadership of Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy) refuses to believe that you-know-who is back. As with many a repressive regime, the media – in this case the animated Daily Prophet - is to put to use to undermine Harry, Dumbledore, Sirius Black and others who would speak out. When all adult avenues for action seem cut off, Harry starts to train supporters from the ranks of Hogwarts. With these secret lessons he finds a new friend in Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch – watch out for her!) and finally finds time for a kiss with old flame Cho Chang (Katie Leung). All this training - and all the friendships made - help as the storm clouds gather for a show down of wands at twenty paces.

Director David Yates has rejected the playfulness and showiness that characterized the first four films and focuses on telling a more somber story in a more classic way. It builds slowly – with heavy-handed use of the score - and never takes an easy way out, playing for a laugh or a gimmick. This puts plenty of pressure on the three young stars who are constantly shown up by a stellar cast of Britain’s finest adult actors - Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Richard Griffiths, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, and the list goes on. At times the film cried out for more screen time from some of these names, many of whom have made their characters the real heart of the movie series. But don’t worry, it maybe dark and steady, but it’s powerful and it’s back.