Harry Potter and The Order of the Pheonix
There was so much in this movie that I adored! But let’s start with what I didn’t and end on a high note.
First, no St. Mungo’s. That means no reappearance of Lockhart and no Alice Longbottom. Now, the movie starts (in excellent form) with a dementor attack on Harry and Dudley. At the trial, it is suggested by Dumbledore that it could’ve been Voldy behind the attack… but those of us who read the book, know Umbridge reveals herself at the end on the book! Well, we never learn via the movie who was responsible for the attack. Hum… Also, no Mundungas. I guess he’s not a key player but I loved his style anyway! And finally, my only other complaint… that statues didn’t move. Come on, people. Dumbledore is imaginative and powerful. He dies in the next film. Let’s give him some time to shine!
That being said, I thought the “possession” scene was brilliantly done. I couldn’t have imagined it better. (I do slighly wish the quotes adhered to the books but, I’m over it!)
“… The production design (by Stuart Craig) and the cinematography (by Slawomir Idziak) are frequently astonishing in their aptness and sophistication. The interiors of the Ministry of Magic offer a witty, nightmarish vision of wizardly bureaucracy, while Harry’s angst and loneliness register in Mr. Idziak’s cold, washed-out shades of blue.
All the flashbacks were seamlessly woven into the new story to give perspective and depth. LOVED the Occlumency scenes!! I also agree with A.O. Scott of the New York Times:
The scariest color in his palette, however, turns out to be pink. That is the color favored by Dolores Umbridge (Ms. Staunton), whose cheery English-auntie demeanor masks a ruthlessly autocratic temperament. “
I was also extremely happy with Luna Lovegood. Perfection. Here is a picture of the fabulous Evanna Lynch in a very Wizarding World style dress (love the Pheonix colors – so elegant).
