gildavis Review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007 Video Game)

Harry Potter 5...It Could Have Been Better.

[5/10 · 12 July 2007]

The problem of taking JK Rowling's longest, and perhaps best novel had to weigh heavily on David Yates as he began filming the project last year. In short, just how do you reduce a 900 + page novel to just two hours and eighteen minutes and end up with a successful film that does more then coast on hype? There were good and bad things about the choices that were made. Let's begin with the script. There were allot of places where it would have worked better if they had not strayed from the original dialog in the book. From the opening scene in the playground through the dementor attack and later at the Dursley's home, for example, it would have flowed better and not taken anymore time to do it that way. The talent of Richard Griffen and Fiona Shaw would have been showcased better had they had the chance to act out their lines from the novel complete with multiple owls dropping in and Dumbledore's messege to Aunt Petunia. The problem continued as the film went on primarily with not letting the right characters do their parts. Another example was not casting an actress to play Cho's friend Marietta Edgecombe. In the book, she was the person who turned snich and led to Dumbledore's Army being found out. These little touches would have made a better film. Another let down had to do with minimizing the roles of some of the other cast members, chief among them Maggie Smith. McGonagal's bad relationship with Umbridge was one of the best parts of the book, especially the scene (not filmed) in her office when Harry decides that he wants to become an Auror. Later the scene when she was hit by stunning spells by ministry officials as Unbridge attempts to have Hagrid removed.(Again, Not-filmed.) But the most glaring mistake, in my opinion, was the end of the film. Harry should have had the chance to confront Dumbledore after the fight at the ministry. It should have been played like the book. Of course there were good moments too. The effects were wonderful and the principle cast turned in their usual excellent performance. But this film is better appreciated by those who have not read the novel.