You Will Lose Everything

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is an interesting animal. It is the longest book clocking in at over 800 pages but has been adapted into the shortest movie in the series at around 2 hours and 20 minutes give or take. While this isn't a bad thing necessarily it does leave you wanting more.

Unfortunately, nearly everything related to Ron was removed from the movie. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I think Rupert Grint is fantastic as Ron Weasly and I don't think he is getting the screen time he deserves. I understand that these movies are about Harry Potter, but a major theme in the book is how important his friends are. It seems as the movies progress Ron and Hermione are getting pushed more to the back burner.

They also cut all of Hermione's activities regarding house elves and a scene with Ron's mom fighting a boggart that I think would have added some real emotion to her. There are so many characters in this universe and I know it is difficult to give them time on screen but I still think some effort should be made to make them worth the time we do see them.

The cast is great. If this isn't one of the most accurately cast film series ever, I don't know what is. The Hogwarts teachers are as good as they've ever been. There is no sense of tiring of their parts. They seem to enjoy working on these characters. The kids are great as well. It is nice to see them growing with the characters. I can't express enough how important it is not to recast any of these parts. Even the smaller parts like Seamus or Crabbe and Goyle.

The main trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione again turn in great performances. Emma Watson has gotten her eyebrows under control thankfully.

Ralph Finnes again is delightfully evil as Lord Voldemort. Helena Bonham Carter didn't have very much screen time but she was perfect. I can't wait to see her back.

Also new to the scene is Imelda Staunton as Delores Umbridge. She brought Umbridge to life perfectly. Her girlish voice and creepy giggles were spot on. She was delightfully sinister and another great casting choice.

The real story here should be Evanna Lynch, an Irish newcomer who plays Luna Lovegood. Let me rephrase, she IS Luna Lovegood. It's like they pulled the character out of the book and slapped her on screen. She stole every scene she was in. I do hope they use her more in the upcoming movies.

Overall, the movie was a success. I did want it to be longer and it did feel like stuff was missing but overall I was pleased. The final scenes were jaw dropping and the effects have again taken a step up. Oddly enough, this movie made me want the next movie more than any other of the films. I've always been excited for the movies but now, I can hardly wait for Half Blood Prince to get to the theatres.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
PG-13
Now Playing