HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF PHOENIX

IN KISS OF ADOLESCENT WITH MIND INVASIONS!
By Vishal Verma

Rating:- * * *1/2

What is it?
Harry grows older, the boy enters adolescent and is no longer just fighting off monsters in impressive set battles. He is fighting fear of failure and inner demons that wreck his peace of mind. Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven, as Professor Dumbledore and Hagrid are driven away.

So, is it different? Yes it is. The previous ones where the adventures of our hero in solving new mysteries with new adversaries. Whereas the transformation of J.K. Rowling’s 750+ page text ‘The Order of the Phoenix’ into a 2 + hrs flick(probably the shortest) till yet, takes things further into teenage rebellion and weaves the beginning of the series leaving us in a state of anticipatory ecstasy of how it will all end.

Well, the much talked about kiss is lengthy and lacks chemistry. 

Anyway, Harry’s mind battle is intriguing enough for any age group. Cause this particular adventure is like a dark chocolate with some magical taste.

Whats it all about?
Harry Potter (played by Daniel Radcliffe with zeal ) finds himself alienated from the Hogwarts community. After an unprovoked attack, Harry is even facing expulsion charges for having defended himself and using magic under the age of 17. The Ministry of Magic refuses to acknowledge the Dark Lord’s return. Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) appears but without any rescue. His only comfort comes from his surrogate family, the Weasleys and godfather Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), both members of the Order of the Phoenix, an organization founded to fight against Voldemort’s initial rise to power which they sense is beginning its rebirth.

The paranoid Ministry, in its attempt to thwart these nasty rumors, places Dolores Umbridge (remarkably played by Imelda Staunton) into Hogwart’s revolving Defence of the Dark Arts position. Her duty escalates into High Inquisitor, creating new rules by the hour for students, limiting their rights as well as their studies. Dolores is more textbook than an example teacher is and with the Voldemort threat ever on the student’s minds, Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) convince Harry to form their own underground sessions to prepare for the worst.

What to look out for?
David Yates has marvelously directed this life and soul battle of Harry. The special effects are superb. The film is worth watching for one scene that is a sheer moment of joy, excitement and fun all together when the Weasley twins invade the exam hall and cause havoc much to the excitement to all. A pure magical moment. Alan Rickman delivers a striking performance as the dark and doleful Snape, Hermione (Emma Watson) is as impressive as ever.  Bonnie Wright as Ron's sister Ginny shines.

What Not?
During the climax, Harry’s rendezevous with the bad and good omens within himself does not reach to its required crescendo. Ron (Rupert Grint) is wasted. The Cho Chang character simply disappears after the lip lock session with Harry.

Conclusion: Make up your ‘mind’ to watch another successive film in the Harry Potter series where the plot moves into rewarding territory and adds more depth.

Worth a Dekho!!!