Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Directed by David Yates and written by J.K. Rowling that is based on her fictional guide book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is the sequel to the 2016 film that follows various wizards trying to find the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald who is rumored to be forging an alliance to destroy Muggles prompting a young wizard to seek the help of Albus Dumbledore. The film is set a year after the events of the previous film as it explore loyalties and the emergence of a much darker conflict that would possibly shape the wizarding world with Johnny Depp playing the role of Grindelwald and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore. Also starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Zoe Kravitz, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, Kevin Guthrie, William Nadylam, and Brontis Jodorowsky as Nicholas Flamel. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a bloated and nonsensical film from David Yates and writer J.K. Rowling.

Set a year after events in New York City, the film revolves the escape of Gellert Grindelwald following a prison transfer as he has returned to Europe to wreak havoc prompting a young wizard to find and stop Grindelwald. It’s a premise that could be told in a simple fashion where it play into characters dealing with this antagonist as loyalties come into question yet its execution in the story ends up being more about spectacle rather than focusing on the story. J.K. Rowling’s screenplay is the biggest crime of the film as it’s a script that starts off with this exhilarating escape only to fall down hard into an overblown and over-explained first act that reintroduce characters from the previous film and don’t do much to introduce new characters. At the same time, the story goes all over the place where part of the narrative takes place in Britain while much of it is in Paris and there is so much that is happening that it’s hard to keep up.

There are also these twists and turns that starts to occur late in the film as it involves the identity of Creedence (Ezra Miller) as it ends up being filled with a lot of confusion while there are also these subplots involving individual characters with Queenie (Alison Sudol) going to Grindelwald thinking he can help change the law about wizards/witches marrying muggles/no-majs. The lack of a structure is also what hinders the script as much of it is all about exposition and an overdrawn first act that rely on exposition leading to a third act and skipping over a second act to unveil this climax that is underwhelming and incoherent in its execution.

David Yates’ direction is definitely undercooked largely due to the many shortcomings of the film’s screenplay. Shot mainly at a studio lot in Leavesden in Britain with additional shots in London, Paris, and parts of Switzerland, Yates establishes a world that is vast with much of the emphasis set on Europe as well as being in transition. It mainly serves as set dressing where it tries to distract the viewers with these vast spectacle of a magical world that has a lot to offer. Yet, Yates never really does more to establish the world nor make it feel special while the brief scenes set at Hogwarts has that yet it is only brief that also include a strange flashback scene involving a young Newt Scamander (Joshua Shea) and Leta Lestrange (Thea Lamb). Scenes involving Newt (Eddie Redmayne) and the no-maj Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) has Yates creating compositions that are quite typical but it often tries to play it for laughs or suspense yet it doesn’t deliver in neither department. Even moments where Newt meets Queenie’s sister Tina (Katherine Waterston) feels tacked on as they never get a chance to really re-establish their own relationship.

Yates’ direction does establish the locations and where the characters are but its approach to suspense is underwhelming as it tries to put in awkward moments of humor while whatever dramatic rhythms it tried to put on feels flat. Even in the lead-up to its climax feels clunky and tacked on at times where it comes to these revelations about Creedence’s identity as it creates confusion that is followed by Grindelwald’s plans for an upcoming war as he asks wizards and witches to join him. Instead, it feels like an overblown set piece with lots of visual effects and ends up being anticlimactic that is then followed by another big revelation that isn’t just ridiculous but it raises questions into what Rowling is trying to say and set up for the next story nearly to the point of frustration. Overall, Yates and Rowling create a film that tries to do a lot only to end up being a hollow and lifeless spectacle about a wizard trying to stop an evil wizard from wreaking havoc on the world.

Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot does fine work in creating unique look for the visuals though it never does anything to standout due in part to what Yates try to do on a visual scale. Editor Mark Day does terrible work with the editing mainly due to the many subplots and expository scenes as it aims for too many quick cuts where at times it becomes nonsensical in what is going on. Production designer Stuart Craig, with set decorator Anna Pinnock and supervising art director Martin Foley, does nice work with the look of Hogwarts and the British and French Ministry of Magic buildings though other sets don’t have this air of intrigue that the characters go into. Costume designer Colleen Atwood does OK work with the costumes as it play into the style of the late 1920s to play into the refined look of Leta Lestrange and the more ragged look of Newt Scamander.

Hair/makeup designer Fae Hammond does good work with the hairstyles that the women wore at those time though the look of Grindelwald is just dumb. Special effects supervisor David Watkins, along with visual effects supervisors Tim Burke, Andy Kind, and Christian Manz, do some decent work with the visual effects to play into the world of magic yet it tries too hard to be big for the film’s climax as it just falls very short. Sound designers Niv Adiri, Ben Barker, and Glenn Freemantle do some terrific work with the sound to establish the locations and the kinds of power that the wizards/witches uses in the spells they create. The film’s music by James Newton Howard has its moments in soaring orchestral score yet nothing really stands out as tries too hard to help set a tone for the drama and humor as it ends up not being memorable at all.

The casting by Fiona Weir also has its moments though many of the actors involved are practically wasted due to the poor material they’re given. Performances from Joshua Shea as the young Newt, Thea Lamb and Ruby Woolfenden as the young versions of Leta Lestrange, Fiona Glascott as a young version of Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Corby-Teuch as Grindelwald’s right-hand woman Vinda Rosier, Victoria Yeates as Newt’s assistant Bunty, Kevin Guthrie as Tina’s former supervisor Abernathy who is a follower of Grindelwald, and Brontis Jodorowsky in a very under-used appearance as the famed alchemist Nicolas Flamel who helps out in the film’s climax. William Nadylman and Claudia Kim are wasted in their respective roles as French-Senegalese wizard Yusuf Kama and the circus performer Nagini as they’re not given much to do with the narrative as the former spends his time trying to catch Creedence as it relates to his own family while the latter is someone who befriends Creedence while dealing with a blood curse that eventually would make her a snake permanently. Callum Turner’s performance as Newt’s older brother Theseus is also underused as he’s not given much to do other than give Newt advice as well as be Leta’s fiancé.

Zoe Kravitz’s performance as Leta Lestrange as a childhood friend of Newt and later Theseus’ fiancée is a mixed bag mainly due to the material where it is a character that is definitely tormented and troubled but is unable to really be fleshed out as she ends up being a form of exposition about a story that relates to Kama. Alison Sudol’s performance as Queenie Goldstein as this witch gifted in Legilimens has become this desperate and almost psychotic character who wants to marry a no-maj as this character who was sweet and kind has now become insane as Sudol’s performance is just bad. Katherine Waterston is OK as Queenie’s older sister Tina as the American auror who is trying to find Creedence as she is badly written as someone who isn’t given much to do other than be upset at Newt over something she misinterpreted as well as be involved in awkward moments. Dan Fogler is bland as Jacob Kowalski as Queenie’s no-maj lover who is first seen under an enchantment spell as he is often confused while is also badly written as someone with no real sense of direction or motivation.

Ezra Miller is terrible as Creedence as there isn’t given any logical explanation into how he’s alive as he’s first seen in a circus while is also someone with a lack of direction about who he is as Miller is unable to flesh out his character. Eddie Redmayne is horrendous as Newt Scamander as whatever charm he had in the previous film that he carried is washed away in favor of him being quirky and awkward to the point where Redmayne just overdoes it as he tries to be funny and serious only to accomplish in neither. Johnny Depp’s performance as Gellert Grindelwald is horrible mainly because Depp never really fleshes out Grindelwald other than be someone with dark intentions and give this big speech as it’s just Depp being weird and menacing yet with no substance as it’s just a lazy performance. Finally, there’s Jude Law who gives an excellent performance as a younger version of Albus Dumbledore where Law manages to bring in some nuances and charm into the character despite the shortcomings of the script as his brief appearances in the film do have some gravitas as he’s the only thing in the film that is worthwhile.

Despite Jude Law’s appearance as Albus Dumbledore, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a horrendous film from David Yates and writer J.K. Rowling. Largely due to its uninspired direction, overblown spectacle, badly-written characters, lame twists, and a messy and incoherent screenplay that is expository rather than take its time to build up its suspense. It is a film that wants to be a lot of things as well as set things up for the next film and instead end up becoming demanding and overblown to the point of indifference and frustration. In the end, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is an atrocious film from David Yates and J.K. Rowling.

Harry Potter Universe Films: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 - Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them - (Fantastic Beasts Pt. 3) – (Pt. 4) – (Pt. 5)

© thevoid99 2020

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Directed by David Yates and written by J.K. Rowling that is based on her fictional guidebook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the story about a British wizard who arrives in New York City where he tries to find three magical creatures who had escaped from his suitcase as he is aided by a demoted Auror, her Legilimens sister, and non-magical baker in retrieving them as he’s been accused of unleashing a mysterious creature wreaking havoc on the city. The film is a prequel of sorts to the Harry Potter universe as it takes place in 1926 New York City as it follows around a young Newt Scamander who would write the guidebook on magical creatures. Starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Carmen Ejogo, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, Ron Perlman, and Colin Farrell. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an extraordinary film from David Yates.

Set in 1926 New York City as the magical community is dealing with anti-wizard sentiment from individuals as well as the threat of Gellert Grindelwald wreaking terror around the world. The film revolves around a young British wizard in Newt Scamander who arrives to the city originally going to Arizona to bring a creature home where he would embark on a series of misadventures in the cities as he would be accused of unleashing a creature that is causing all of the trouble in the city. Among them would involve a non-magical man who would accidentally take Scamander’s luggage causing trouble when three magical creatures are loose forcing Scamander to retrieve them with the non-magical man and two other wizards. J.K. Rowling’s screenplay explore not just the wizarding world in New York City which is very different from Britain but also how they’re having a hard time trying to conceal it to the non-magical community as they’re called No-Majs.

There are multiple characters involved in the story that would play into Scamander’s search as well as him being a major suspect of the terror that is looming around the city. One of the antagonists is an anti-wizard activist in Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton) who wants to expose the wizarding world as she turns to a newspaper publisher in Henry Shaw Sr. (Jon Voight) for help as he’s busy making a senate campaign for his son Henry Jr. (Josh Cowdery). Scamander would come across Barebone early in the film though she is unaware of what he really is as the meeting would set off a chain of events when one of his creatures in a niffler would go inside a bank as he would meet the No-Maj Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) who is trying to get a loan to start a bakery. Accidental events happen where Scamander is taken by the demoted Auror Porpentina “Tina” Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) for his actions where they go on a chase to find the three missing creatures with Kowalski and Tina’s younger sister Queenie (Alison Sudol) who is a Legilimens that is very interested in Kowalski.

Also involved in the search for the mysterious creature that is wreaking havoc in the city is a magical securities director in Percival Graves (Colin Farrell) who believes that Barebone’s adopted son Credence (Ezra Miller) might know what it is and where to find it in exchange to free him from the abuse of Barebone. Yet, so much is happening as it play into the search for the mysterious creature wreaking havoc in the city while the three creatures that Newt is trying to find prove to be more fascinating as he has a collection of them inside his luggage which he is studying for the book that he would later create. At the same time, he is trying to learn more about his new surrounding as he is also coping with his own issues which Queenie would learn accidentally as it play into his eccentric and awkward persona when he’s around people as he’s more comfortable with magical creatures and animals.

David Yates’ direction is definitely dazzling in terms of the world that he creates though the film begins with a montage of the chase for Grindelwald as he’s only seen briefly from the back as it sets the tone for much of the film with the wizarding community in New York City struggling to hide this terror from the non-magical community despite the verbal attacks from Barebone. Shot mainly at the Warner Brothers studio lot in Hertfordshire, England with some of it shot in London and St. George’s Hall in Liverpool as 1926 New York City. The film does play into a world that is filled with intrigue but it’s also quite rich in the way the wizarding community presents itself as house-elves are doing jobs and bartend speakeasies, goblins are the leaders of the financial world, trolls are also citizens, and there’s even a government based in New York City known as the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) led by President Seraphina Picquery (Carmen Ejogo).

There are also laws that is established such as that magical and non-magical people can’t socialize while magical creatures are banned which makes Scamander’s mission not just difficult but also the need to prove that he’s not the one causing trouble. There are some wide shots in the film to establish the locations yet Yates would use medium shots and close-ups to focus on the characters as they deal with trying to find the lost creatures as well as go after the mysterious creature wreaking havoc on the city. Yates would mix in elements of suspense and humor throughout the film as it would culminate with this grand third act as it play into the reveal of this mysterious creature as well as Scamander’s suspicions towards Graves who has his motives in wanting to find this creature. Especially in his interest towards the troubled Credence which makes Tina uneasy as Credence played a part in her demotion prompting her and Scamander the need to confront Graves. Overall, Yates creates an enchanting and exhilarating film about a British wizard trying to save New York City from a mysterious creature and retrieve three others from harm with the help of two American wizards and a No-Maj baker.

Cinematographer Philippe Rousselot does amazing work with the film’s beautiful cinematography as it has a sepia-like tone to the way some of the daytime exterior looks in terms of grey skies and sunny look as well as the usage of lights for some of the scenes at night including the interiors inside Scamander’s home-made zoo inside his luggage. Editor Mark Day does excellent work with the editing for its usage of montages for the opening sequence as well as some jump-cuts for some of the action and other stylish cuts to play into the drama and suspense. Production designer Stuart Craig, with art directors David Allday and Leslie Tomkins plus set decorator Anna Pinnock and associate set designer James Hambidge, does amazing work with the look of 1926 New York City from the home of MACUSA, the apartment that the Goldstein sisters live in, Newt’s zoo inside his luggage, and the dreary home of Barebone. Costume designer Colleen Atwood does fantastic work with the costumes as it play into the period of the mid-1920s with some dresses for the women as well as the clothes that President Picquery wears.

Hair/makeup designers Fae Hammond and Marilyn MacDonald do nice work with the look of the hairstyles of the women as well as the haircuts that men had and the makeup for a few of the characters in the film. Visual effect supervisors Tim Burke, Pablo Grillo, Christian Manz, and David Watkins do incredible work with the visual effects from the design of the different creatures that Scamander has collected including his pet plant-like creature in a bowtruckle as well as the look of the city and other magical things. Sound designers Glenn Freemantle and Eilam Hoffman do superb work with the sound from the way some of the creatures sound to the sounds of terror and suspense in some of the darker moments in the film. The film’s music by James Newton Howard is wonderful for its bombastic orchestral score that play into the action and suspense as well as some low-key music for the light-hearted moments while music supervisors Alejandro de la Llosa and Karen Elliott provide a jazz-like soundtrack to some of the original songs played in the film.

The casting by Fiona Weir is marvelous as it feature some notable small roles from Dan Hedaya as the voice of house-elf elevator operator, Kevin Guthrie as Tina’s supervisor, Ronan Rafferty as Henry Shaw Sr.’s youngest son Langdon who wants to help Barebone expose the wizarding world, Josh Cowdery as the cruel and arrogant Henry Shaw Jr., Jenn Murray as Barebone’s adopted eldest daughter, Faith-Wood Blagrove as Barebone’s youngest adopted daughter in Modesty whom Credence suspects to have magical powers, and Zoe Kravitz in a small role as the picture of Scamander’s former lover Leta Lestrange. Ron Perlman is terrific as the speakeasy owner Gnarlack as a goblin who was an informant of Tina as it is a charming role in this mixture of visual effects and performance-capture. Jon Voight is superb as Henry Shaw Sr. as a newspaper owner who would come across a major incident as he wants to go after the mysterious creature. Carmen Ejogo is fantastic as President Seraphina Picquery as the leader of MACUSA who is trying to ensure the law and make sure the magical world isn’t exposed as well. Samantha Morton is brilliant as Mary Lou Barebone as an anti-wizard activist who wants to expose the wizarding world as well as destroy wizard and witches while being very abusive towards Credence.

Ezra Miller is excellent as Credence as Barebone’s adopted son who is troubled by the beatings he receives from Barebone as he befriends Graves who promises him a chance for freedom in exchange for knowledge of the mysterious creature wreaking havoc. Colin Farrell is amazing as Percival Graves as a magical securities director for MACUSA who is in charge of protecting wizards as he is very powerful while having his own reasons for helping Credence. Alison Sudol is incredible as Queenie Goldstein as Tina’s younger sister who is kind-hearted as well as being an accomplished Legilimens, the ability to read minds, where she knows what to do to help out her sister, Newt, and Jacob whenever they get into trouble.

Dan Fogler is marvelous as Jacob Kowalski as a No-Maj cannery worker who aspires to become a baker that finds himself being exposed to the world of magic via accident as he proves to be a helpful ally for Newt and prove his worth to the world of magic. Katherine Waterston is phenomenal as Porpentina “Tina” Goldstein as a demoted Auror who works in a lowly position at MACUSA as a witch trying to do what is right as it was the reason she got demoted while helping Newt retrieve his creatures to realize that he’s not the one that is at fault for the chaos in the city. Finally, there’s Eddie Redmayne in a remarkable performance as Newt Scamander where Redmayne provides this very odd and eccentric collector of magical creatures who arrives to New York City where he unknowingly causes mayhem as Redmayne has this air of charm into his role but also that awkwardness that allows him to be vulnerable when it comes to people as he prefers the company of magical creatures.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a sensational film from David Yates and writer J.K. Rowling. Featuring a great ensemble cast, top-notch visual effects, amazing art direction, lovely visuals, and a compelling story about a wizard’s arrival into America. It’s a film that explores the world of magic in a different setting that allow audiences to be enchanted into what the magical world in America is like from the mind who brought Harry Potter into the world. In the end, Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them is a spectacular film from David Yates.

Harry Potter Universe Films: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – (Pt. 3) – (Pt. 4) – (Pt. 5)

© thevoid99 2017

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2

In the second part of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, Harry Potter must complete his task to find the remaining Horcruxes in order to defeat Lord Voldemort. With longtime friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger helping out, the trio learn more about the life of Albus Dumbledore as well as the remaining Horcruxes leading to a climatic battle at the Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft. Directed by David Yates and screenplay by Steve Kloves based on J.K. Rowling’s novel, the film marks as the conclusion of the entire Harry Potter series. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, John Hurt, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Jason Issacs, Julie Walters, James & Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Matthew Lewis, Ciaran Hinds, and Ralph Fiennes. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 is a magnificent conclusion for the film franchise.

With Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) finally obtaining the Elder Wand, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) hide out at Shell Cottage, the home of Ron’s eldest brother Bill (Domhnall Gleeson) and his wife Fleur (Clemence Poesy). When Harry learns that the next Horcrux is at the vault of Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bohnam Carter) as they ask the goblin Griphook (Warwick Davis) to help break in the vault. Griphook does so but asks for the sword of Gryffindor in return as Harry reluctantly makes a deal while learning from the wandmaker Ollivander (John Hurt) about the Elder Wand.

With Hermione disguised as Bellatrix through the Polyjuice Potion, they break in as they find the cup of Hufflepuff in Bellatrix’s vault only to get into trouble and escape with the help of a dragon. Harry then realizes that Voldemort knows what is going on where Harry finds the next location of the fifth Horcrux at Hogwarts. Arriving into the Hogsmeade village and evading Death Eaters, they are saved by Aberforth Dumbledore (Ciaran Hinds) who reveals what’s been happening. When a secret passage opens in Aberforth’s home, Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) appears as he takes the trio to Hogwarts where Harry confronts Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) over the death of Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon).

With Snape escaping and Hogwarts in danger, Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith) along with fellow Hogwarts teachers and members of the Order of the Phoenix get ready for battle. With help from Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), Harry meets the Grey Lady (Kelly Macdonald) who tells him the whereabouts of the Ravenclaw diadem. With Ron and Hermione destroying the Hufflepuff cup and the diadem also getting destroyed, Harry learns that Voldemort is getting weaker as the battle continues. There, he learns about the remaining Horcruxes including some information from Snape about the seventh prompting Harry to get into a confrontation with Voldemort.

The second part of The Deathly Hallows has Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their trek to search for the remaining Horcruxes leading to a climatic battle at Hogwarts. During this battle, Harry learns more about his connection to Voldemort leading to revelations about why he had survived the Killing Curse a long time ago. It is there that loyalties are revealed along with whose side Severus Snape was on and why did Dumbledore had been so secretive. Yet, it all comes down to the eventual showdown between Harry and Voldemort where Harry knew what he had to do in order to beat him.

Steve Kloves’ script is excellent for the way he creates a sense of dread of everything that is happening along with the stakes into defeating Voldemort. Characters such as McGonagall and Neville definitely get a chance to take charge in the battle where Neville gets an amazing monologue in final moments leading to one final confrontation between the Death Eaters and the Order/Dumbledore’s Army. While Kloves cut out some material to keep things going which isn’t surprising with a lot of adaptations. He keeps things faithful throughout while one of the subplots about Dumbledore’s family life gets cut which was a bit prevalent in the first part of The Deathly Hallows.

David Yates’ direction is truly phenomenal from some of the intimate and quieter moments of the film to the big spectacular sequences that is created. Among them is the climatic Battle of Hogwarts where there’s a mix of humor and drama while it’s all about the intensity and chaos of war. From the wide shots to let audience see Hogwarts in full scale to some close-ups and hand-held shots for the battle scenes. Yates becomes very engaging while mixing in some moments during battle such as Snape and Voldemort’s meeting that becomes one of the most crucial moments in the film. During Harry’s battle with Voldemort, Yates manages to make things grittier than what some expect with the close-ups on the two men as it is one of the most exciting moments of the film.

While the film has a running length of 130 minutes, there’s a feeling that it could’ve been longer though Yates and Kloves manages to simplify things a bit. Then there’s the film’s epilogue which is among one of the things that divides Harry Potter fans. The epilogue turns out to be not the great disaster some predict with the makeup for the characters in the film not as bad as it seems. Yet, it does provide what is certainly a fitting close not to the film but the entire Harry Potter story as well. In the end, Yates creates an amazing film that gives the Harry Potter franchise a proper farewell.

Cinematographer Eduard Serra does a wonderful job with the cinematography from the dark-colored saturated look to the battle scenes and interiors such as the Gringotts caves. Serra also brings a more naturalistic look of the English landscape scenes including a small scene in Snape‘s memory sequence. Editor Mark Day does a really good job with the editing as he maintains a tight, leisured pace throughout the film while playing to jump-cuts and other rhythmic flourishes for the battle sequences in the film.

Production designer Stuart Craig, along with set decorator Stephanie McMillian and a large team of art directors, does a brilliant job with the look for the Shell Cottage along with Gringotts and Hogwarts as it goes into ruins for the climatic battle scene. Costume designer Jany Temime does a good job with the costumes from the Hogwarts uniforms to the decayed, ragged clothing that the trio and many other characters wear during the battle. Visual effects supervisors Matt Jacobs, John Moffatt, and Chris Shaw do some fantastic work with the visual effects such as the dementors, spells, giants, creatures, and other things to enhance the magical world including to the shield in the battle scene.

Sound designer Dominic Gibbs and sound editor James Mather do a superb job with the sound work from the way spells are cast to the sounds of destruction that goes on throughout the film. The film’s score by Alexandre Desplat is great for its sweeping orchestral pieces for many of the film’s big moments such as the Gringotts break-in and the Battle of Hogwarts plus some more melancholic, dramatic pieces for scenes involving death.

The casting by Fiona Weir is truly phenomenal for the array of actors and appearances from actors who appeared in previous films to smaller characters who get their moments to shine. Making small appearances from previous films include Jim Broadbent as Horace Slughorn, Miriam Margolyes as Professor Sprout, Emma Thompson as Professor Trelawney, David Bradley as Argus Filch, Gemma Jones as Madam Pomfrey, Katie Leung as Cho Chang, Josh Herdman as Goyle, Devon Murray as Seamus Finnigan, Alfie Enoch as Dean Thomas, Jessie Cave as Lavender Brown, and Gary Oldman in a wonderful appearance as Sirius Black. Adrian Rawlins and Geraldine Sommerville are good as Harry’s late parents along with David Thewlis as Remus Lupin, Natalia Tena as Tonks, Clemence Poesy as Fleur Delacour-Weasley, Domhnall Gleeson as Bill Weasley, James & Oliver Phelps as Fred & George Weasley, and Mark Williams as Arthur Weasley.

Notable standout performances include Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, Warwick Davis in dual roles as Griphook and Professor Flitwick, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, Kelly Macdonald in a wonderful small role as the Grey Lady, Jason Issacs and Helen McCrory as Lucius and Naricssa Malfoy, John Hurt as Ollivander, and Julie Walters in an outstanding performance as Molly Weasley who gets to say her big line. Helena Bohnam Carter is excellent as the devious Bellatrix Lestrange as she even gets to be funny when Hermione inhabits her character while Ciaran Hinds is very good as the secretive Aberforth Dumbledore. Evanna Lynch and Bonnie Wright are superb in their respective roles as Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley as both young ladies prove to be quite powerful.

Matthew Lewis is amazing as Neville Longbottom as he finally fulfills his character’s long development as the kid who couldn’t hang to a full-fledge badass who delivers a great monologue towards the end of the film. Tom Felton is really good as Draco Malfoy who tries to play his part in battle only to realize the magnitude of Voldemort’s madness. Michael Gambon is great as Albus Dumbledore in the few scenes he has where he explains about Harry’s situation in Snape’s memory scenes. Alan Rickman is wonderful as he is the real standout performance as Severus Snape, a man whose true allegiance is revealed as Rickman brings a heartbreaking performance in the memory scenes. Ralph Fiennes is magnificent as Lord Voldemort as a bit of his vulnerability is revealed through his rage as Fiennes adds a sense of madness into Voldemort as he’s becoming unhinged.

Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are spectacular in their respective roles as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they help Harry in their mission while the two finally gets to share a kiss in one of the film’s grand moments. Finally, there’s Daniel Radcliffe in a towering performance as Harry Potter by making his character the heroic figure that he is. Even as Radcliffe sells the anguish and vulnerability of his character in his connection to Voldemort while proving that he’s not going to back down.

The second part of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows is a magical yet awesome film from David Yates and company. With an amazing cast and spectacular sequences that gives the fans what they want and more. Yates creates a film where the Harry Potter franchise goes out with a bang and in grand style. If both parts of The Deathly Hallows were to become one entire film, it would’ve been the best of all the films of the Harry Potter series. In the end, Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 is a superb film that allows the Harry Potter universe to say a fond yet grand farewell.

Harry Potter Reviews: Novels: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows

The Films: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1

Related: Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

© thevoid99 2011

Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 (film)

When Harry Potter emerged into the world of literature in 1997, no one thought that a story about a boy who becomes a powerful wizard would become a pop culture phenomenon. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is among one of the most popular series of novels as it would also spawn everything relating to Harry Potter including films. In the fall of 2001, the first film adaptation for Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone arrived to theaters as its sequel for Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets followed a year later. Two years later, renowned Mexican art-house director Alfonso Cuaron took over for Chris Columbus to direct the third film Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban which was deemed by some as the best film of the series.

A year later, Mike Newell directed Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire that featured Ralph Fiennes in the venomous role of Lord Voldemort. David Yates, eventually took over the franchise for the next two films for 2007’s Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix and 2009’s Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince as the franchise continued to remain successful at the box office. When the time came for the adaptation of the seventh and final book Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows. Producers of the film wondered what were they going to do in giving the franchise a big send-off. While Prisoner of Azkaban director Alfonso Cuaron and fellow Mexican director Guillermo del Toro of Pan’s Labyrinth both expressed interesting in directing the final part. The job once again went to David Yates.

With screenwriter Steve Kloves taking on the job to adapt the screenplay for Deathly Hallows, producers made an announcement that has divided Harry Potter fans. It was decided that Deathly Hallows would be split into two films with the first part released in November of 2010 and the second part to be released in July of 2011. Some fans accused Warner Brothers studio of using the split to make more money. Yet, with the split decided, fans counted the days as they await the first of Harry Potter’s big finale with the first part of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows.

Directed by David Yates and an adapted screenplay written by Steve Kloves. The first part of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows tell the story of Harry Potter going on a journey with longtime friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger to find the remaining Horcruxes in order to defeat Lord Voldemort. During the journey, Voldemort has taken over the Ministry of Magic with everyone in the magical community under watch while Hogwarts is being run by Professor Severus Snape. While Harry, Ron, and Hermione are on the run and searching for Horcruxes, discoveries are made about the late Albus Dumbledore’s family background including links to another mysterious objects known as the Deathly Hallows.

With an all-star cast leading the series. Returning to the franchise are Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Mark Williams, Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright, Helena Bohnam Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Brendan Gleeson, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Clemence Poesy, Natalia Tena, George Harris, David Thewlis, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Miranda Richardson, Warwick Davis, Imelda Staunton, Jason Issacs, Helen McCrory Frances de la Tour, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, Maggie Smith, and Ralph Fiennes. Added to the series for the final film are Bill Nighy, Peter Mullan, and Rhys Ifans. The first part of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows is an exhilarating and hypnotic film from David Yates.

With the Ministry being threatened by Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and his Death Eaters, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) prepares to go on a mission to find the remaining Horcruxes to destroy Voldemort. With Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) joining the quest, they go through some dangerous missions to transport Harry to the Burrow with help from the Order. After the wedding ceremony of Ron’s eldest brother Bill (Domhnall Gleeson) and Fleur Delacour (Clemence Poesy), the trio go into hiding following an attack from the Death Eaters. At Grimmauld Place, the house elf Kreacher (the voice of Simon McBurney) revealed that the locket that trio were looking for was stolen by Mundungus Fletcher (Andy Linden). After being captured by Kreacher and Dobby (the voice of Toby Jones), Fletcher revealed he gave the locket to Dolores Umbridge.

An attempt to steal the locket from Umbridge at the Ministry was successful but the trio were unable to return to Grimmauld Place. Ron gets injured as the trio go on the run and walk through the woods avoiding Snatchers. Realizing that the sword of Godric Gryffindor could destroy Horcruxes, it’s not enough to boost morale as Ron departs leaving Hermione devastated. A trip to Godric’s Hollow where Hermione keeps seeing symbols from the book she inherited from Dumbledore. The trip to Godric’s Hollow was a disaster where Harry had an encounter with Voldemort’s snake Nagini while Hermione accidentally destroyed his wand. Then on one night, Harry sees a doe patronus leading him to the lake where the sword of Gryffindor appears in the icy lake. Ron returns to help Harry as he destroys the locket that was tormenting him.

Ron’s return get things going as they go to Xenophilius Lovegood (Rhys Ifans) who reveals the mysterious sign that Hermione sees is the symbol of the Deathly Hallows. The story of the Deathly Hallows is told though Lovegood revealed that his daughter Luna (Evanna Lynch) has been captured by Death Eaters. Following a struggle with Snatchers, the trio is sent to the home of the Malfoys were Draco (Tom Felton) reluctantly takes part in revealing Harry’s identity. With Hermione tortured by Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bohnam Carter), Harry and Ron are locked inside a basement with Luna, the goblin Griphook (Warwick Davis) and the wandmaker Ollivander (John Hurt) until they’re saved as the confrontation leaves a tragic death. Even as Harry learns what Voldemort had been searching for.

The first part of The Deathly Hallows is definitely the most complex of the series as it goes into epic storytelling. Yet, it’s also the film that is close to being an art house film in terms of pacing and maintaining the tone of the story. In some parts of the film, there’s moments where nothing happens. For an audience that is used to seeing mainstream blockbuster films, they will have a problem with those scenes. Yet, those scenes were part of the complaints readers when they read the book. It’s all about setting an atmosphere while revealing the uncertainty of what Harry, Ron, and Hermione will do.

Screenwriter Steve Kloves does an amazing job in keeping what is needed for the story and also take his time in exploring the characters. While the script does have flaws, notably the story of the mirror Harry is holding throughout. There was never any explanation about the broken mirror piece and who he got it from (for those who have only seen the films). While the mystery of what Harry sees in that mirror will get revealed in the second half. Kloves does however, take away a few subplots to get the main story going. Notably the one about Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) and his own struggle with the fact that he’s going to have a child with Tonks (Natalia Tena). Even the story about Dumbledore’s past isn’t given much coverage though it’s likely that story will be revealed more in the second part.

Instead, Kloves succeeds in focusing on the trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione as the all struggle with not just the realism of war but also themselves. For Harry, having been through enough deaths around him along with two major deaths during his journey to the Burrow with Hagrid. He has a hard time not wanting to get anyone killed while dealing with the fact that he’s on a journey not sure what to do with the little information he’s been given. Even as had to deal with the images of his head connected to Voldemort where he would see Voldemort go to various people including the wandmaker Gregorovitch (Rade Serbedzija) and the elder Grindelwald (Michael Byrne).

The uncertainty and realism also takes a toll on his longtime friends in Ron and Hermione as the trio starts to splinter in periods of time. For Ron, having to live under Harry’s shadow and being injured in the journey also plays to his emotions. Even as he wore the locket for some of the time as it worsens his mood. Hermione’s own struggle with the journey leaves her emotionally devastated as she makes the hard decision to remove her parents’ memory of her. Ron’s brief departure also leaves her depressed and not willing to do anything as she loses hope.

It’s not just the emotions and transition into adulthood that Harry, Ron, and Hermione had to face. They also had to go on the run and not have the comfort and safety of their homes as well as Hogwarts. It’s the first time that audiences get to see the trio not be in school and face a very different world. One that is riddled in chaos where Muggle-born wizard and witches are being taken into a modern-day Holocaust. Hogwarts is also taken over with Severus Snape being the new headmaster. The only scene that relates to Hogwarts that is shown in the film is where Death Eaters stop the train to find Harry Potter where his classmate Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) replies with his only line in the film, “he’s not here you losers”.

Kloves’ approach to the adaptation in terms of dialogue and structure is quite faithful while taking one of the series minor characters in Dobby and giving him more exposure as he plays a big part of the story. The script is faithful yet Kloves does more to make it stand out against the rest of the films.

David Yates’ direction is definitely his best work to date for the film series. While the look of the film is similar to his previous work with the series. There’s a different feel to it as he clearly goes for an art house tone for the film. Notably in the second act when Harry, Ron, and Hermione are on the run and hiding through the woods. Even as he starts the film off with Rufus Scrimgeour (Bill Nighy) giving a speech where he makes a stand against Voldemort that is intercut with Ron at the Burrow, Hermione at her home removing her parents’ memory, and Harry at the Dursleys where they leave the house.

Yates’ use that to maintain the bleak tone of the film while he also starts to recall the works of other directors for inspiration on various scenes. For the scenes in the Ministry, the scene is reminiscent to Terry Gilliam’s Brazil with flyers and posters on ridding Muggles along with posters of Harry as a wanted fugitive. The sequence also has a strange sense of humor that is reminiscent of Gilliam while its Yates creating a world that is different while the dystopia seems very real. Even as the posters of anti-Muggle propaganda looks like something from World War II. For many of the film’s second act where not much is happening and the trio are walking from city to city. Some of the bleakness is reminiscent of Children of Men by Prisoner of Azkaban director Alfonso Cuaron while that sense of nothing happening recalls the work of Gus Van Sant’s Gerry but without any long shots.

One sequence that Yates create, which is the absolute highlight of the first part of the film is story of The Tale of the Three Brothers from the book The Tales of Beedle the Bard that Hermione has inherited. The story is presented in an animation sequence is truly enchanting as the dark tone of it is balanced with elegance that is unexpected. It was something that was needed for an overly dark film that really pushes the limits of what can be done. Even for a genre that is targeted towards family where the film has some strong elements of violence, language, and a bit of sexual content that borders the line between PG-13 and the R rating. Notably Hermione’s torture sequence in the hands of Bellatrix that is very gruesome.

Yates direction is definitely superb for the way he handles action sequences as well as long scenes of dramatic nothingness. He ends the film on a dark note where tragedy is followed by triumph. Yet, the triumph really shows what Voldemort is after and it ends the film quite appropriately. The only problem with that ending is that it leaves the audience wanting for more. Yet, they would have to wait till July of 2011 for that second half. Yates isn’t at fault for this but rather the studio for splitting what could possibly be one of the greatest cinematic events to happen. A five-six hour Harry Potter film with an intermission in between. There could’ve been a roadshow presentation for it but given the climate of today’s moviegoers. That is not likely to happen and it’s a shame that a generation of filmgoers won’t experience something like a roadshow version of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows.

The cinematography of Eduardo Serra is superb for its array of colors and texture he provides for many of the film‘s exterior settings whether its day or night. Even as the scenes in the woods is presented with a grayish look to convey the realism that the characters are facing. The interiors for the scenes at Malfoy Manor are also given a dark look with a mixture of gray and black to convey the sense of doom that is happening. Serra’s photography is really a highlight of the film. Editor Mark Day does excellent work with the film’s editing in creating fast, stylized cuts for many of the film’s action sequences while taking a slower yet methodical rhythm for the dramatic scenes.

Production designer Stuart Craig, with set decorator Stephanie McMillan, does an amazing job in the set pieces for the Ministry with new rooms that are far more grim. Even in the look of Malfoy Manor that looks like a regal yet dark home where Voldemort is taking refuge. Costume designer Jany Temime does some very good work with the costumes, notably the dark robes of the Death Eaters including Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy along with the dresses at the wedding scene. Visual effects supervisors John Moffat & Chris Shaw create some amazing visual effects including the looks of the house-elves, the Dementors, and other dazzling effects. Notably the soul of Voldemort from the cursed locket that tries to torment Ron.

The film’s best technical achievement goes to animation director Ben Hibon. Hibon’s look for the animated story sequence for The Tale of the Three Brothers is truly stunning with its look of wooden puppets and objects that would play a bigger role for the second part of the film. Sound designer Dominic Gibbs and editor James Mather do an excellent job in capturing the tone of many of the film’s action sequences along with the use of near-silence for many of the film’s second act in the scenes at the woods.

Music composer Alexandre Desplat creates a wonderful score that plays up to the emotions of the film. His orchestral flourishes and arrangements range from high-octane pieces for the film’s action to more somber cuts in the dramatic scenes. More importantly, the music is played when it’s needed while some of the scenes featured no music at all to convey the uncertainty Harry, Ron, and Hermione faced. One piece of music that appears in the film comes from Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds of their song O Children from the band’s 2004 double album Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus. It’s an odd choice but the track works to liven up the mood Harry and Hermione were dealing with following Ron’s brief departure.

The casting of Fiona Weir is amazing for its selection of actors in the roles they play while allowing some from the previous films to return. Yet, for some of those returning players. Their brief scenes were too little. Notably Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, and Harry Melling as the Dursleys as they barely appear in the film for what could’ve been an excellent scene of Harry saying goodbye to his relatives. Other notable small yet memorable roles from previous franchise players include Natalia Tena as Tonks, Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom, John Hurt as Ollivander, David Thewlis as Remus Lupin, George Harris as Kingsley Shacklebot, James & Oliver Phelps as Fred & George Weasley, Clemence Poesy as Fleur Delacour, Julie Walters as Molly Weasley, Mark Williams as Arthur Weasley, Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter, Brendan Gleeson as Mad-Eye Moody, Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley, and Frances de la Tour as Madame Maxime.

Newcomers to the series include some excellent small performances from Domhnall Gleeson as Bill Weasley, Andy Linden as Mundungus Fletcher, Rade Serbedzija as the wandmaker Gregorovitch, Matyelok Gibbs as Aunt Muriel, and David Ryall. For the dual roles of Gellert Grindelwald, Twilight series star Jamie Campbell Bower plays the younger version while Michael Byrne plays the older, demented version. Bill Nighy is excellent in his small role as Rufus Scrimgeour who warns Harry about the dangers that is lurking ahead. Nick Moran is wonderfully creepy as the head Snatcher Scabior while Guy Henry is good as Scrimgeour’s replacement Pius Thicknesse. Rhys Ifans is funny as the eccentric Xenophilius Lovegood who reveals Harry the story of The Deathly Hallows. Also making an outstanding performance is Peter Mullan as the Death Eater Yaxley.

Other notable standouts, who previously appeared in films include Imelda Staunton in the slimy role of Dolores Umbridge along with Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, Timothy Spall as Wormtail, Jason Issacs (hello Jason) and Helen McCrory as Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, and Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood. Tom Felton does a very good job in his small role as Draco Malfoy where he shows his newfound reluctance in being a Death Eater. Helena Bohnam Carter is brilliant as the psychotic Bellatrix Lestrange who truly shows he very crazy side to her character. Toby Jones is excellent in the voice of Dobby along with Simon McBurney as the voice of Kreacher. Ralph Fiennes is great as Lord Voldemort who shows more of a disturbed, obsessed persona as the dark wizard. Alan Rickman is also great as Severus Snape as he plays the role with such prestige and ambiguity as he takes on the role as Headmaster of Hogwarts.

Finally, there’s the three principle actors in Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson. While it’s a cliché to say that it’s their best performance of the series so far. It’s also an indication of how far they’ve come since the first film. Rupert Grint adds a weariness and angst to the role of Ron Weasley. Though Grint does display some humor, he goes for more drama as a character who is having a hard time dealing with the lack of planning as well as being the sidekick to Harry Potter, which he is really not. Emma Watson also adds more emotional range to her role as Hermione. Instead of being the bookish, informative Hermione that audiences knew. Watson keeps that character in bay as she makes Hermione into a strong-willed young woman forced to deal with sacrifices and newfound harsh realities that briefly lead her into depression. It’s a far more complex performance from Watson as it’s going to lead her into the more determined persona of her character.

Daniel Radcliffe also steps his game as Harry Potter. Not only does he add realism to the character but also one reluctant to let people in on the mission. Even as Harry is coming into conflict about what he’s doing while realizing that it’s bigger than him. Even as he has trouble with the fact that he has to carry a lot of the emotional weight for everyone while dealing with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. It’s a remarkable performance from Radcliffe as he definitely reveals a more grounded, grittier Harry Potter.

The first part of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows is an amazing film from David Yates. While it’s not clear if it’s the best film of the series considering there’s another part of the film coming in July of 2011. It is still an entertaining and engrossing film that actually take some risks and bring something new to the tale. Fans of the books will no doubt be relieved at the adaptation though will have legitimate complaints over what got cut and such. Fans of the films however, might be challenged into some of the long scenes of nothingness in the second act along with a few plot holes. Despite a few flaws, Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 is a spectacular film from David Yates.

Harry Potter Reviews: The Novels: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows

The Films: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2

Related: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

© thevoid99 2010

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince (film)

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 7/19/09 w/ Additional Edits.

The summer of 2007 marked the release of the final Harry Potter novel Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows in which Harry Potter battled Lord Voldemort to the death. While the novels marked an end of an era with J.K. Rowling moving on to different projects. The successful film franchise that had already spawned five successful films are ready to complete the last two books into films. With the last film set to be a two-part film released in separate years much to mixed reactions from fans of the novel. The long-awaited sixth film for Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince after a year of delay is finally released.

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince tells the story of Harry Potter exploring the background of Lord Voldemort with help from Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Asking an old teacher to return to Hogwarts in order to retrieve a memory, Potter and Dumbledore discover the secret into destroying Voldemort. Meanwhile, Harry becomes attracted to Ginny Weasley, the sister of his best friend Ron while Ron falls for Lavender Brown which upsets Hermione Granger. Harry also discovers a book that belongs to someone known as the Half-Blood Prince while learning that Draco Malfoy has become a Death Eater.

Directed by David Yates, who previously directed the last film, and an adapted screenplay by Steve Kloves. The film explores Harry Potter discovering what it takes to destroy Voldemort while being aware of the chaos that is going on as Voldemort is wreaking havoc onto the wizarding world and at Muggles. Featuring such regular players like Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, James & Oliver Phelps, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Tom Felton, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Natalia Tena, David Thewlis, Mark Williams, Julie Walters, and Timothy Spall plus new franchise players in Jessie Cave, Jim Broadbent, Helen McCrory, and in the dual roles of the young Tom Riddle, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Frank Dillane. Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince is an excellent, funny, and haunting film from David Yates.

Chaos is brewing over London in both the wizarding world and with Muggles. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) meanwhile is joined by Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) to convince an old colleague named Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent) to return to Hogwarts. After Harry convinces Slughorn to return, Harry is taken to the Burrow to stay with the Weasleys for the remainder of the summer. Joined Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint), the trio are in Diagon Alley to check out Fred & George Weasley's (James & Oliver Phelps) new joke-shop where they find Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton)  going into the dark magic street of Knockturn Alley. The trio catches Malfoy with Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bohnam Carter) and notorious werewolf Fenrir Greyback (Dave Legeno) at Borgin & Burkes.

Harry immediately suspects that Draco is now a Death Eater though Ron and Hermione don't believe it. After an attempt to see what Malfoy is up to backfires leaving Harry immobilized until he is saved by Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch). With the news that Slughorn is the new potions master and Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, much to Harry's dismay. Harry, believing that his OWL grade for potions wasn't good enough takes the course since Slughorn is the new teacher as he received an old copy of a potions book that belonged to the Half-Blood Prince. Now a potions virtuoso, Harry keeps the old copy though Hermione and Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) are suspicious. A class session with Dumbledore about Voldemort's background which includes Dumbledore's first meeting with a young Tom Riddle (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin) through Dumbledore's memories. Dumbledore reveals why he wants Slughorn back at Hogwarts to retrieve a memory about meeting with Slughorn and Riddle.

Things become troubling when a student falls ill to a curse making Harry more suspicious of Malfoy. At the same time, he finds himself becoming attracted to Ginny though she is dating one of his classmates in Dean Thomas (Alfred Enoch). With Harry attending Slughorn's parties with Hermione, Ginny, and Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), Harry hopes to get some information from Slughorn about Voldemort. Yet, he's troubled by some love problems involving Ron and Lavender Brown (Jessie Cave) that's making Hermione jealous. At another party at Slughorn's, Hermione went with Cormac McLaggen (Freddie Storma) to her own regret while Harry accompanied Luna where he learned that Snape made an unbreakable vow with Draco's mother (Helen McCrory) to protect him in his mission.

After telling Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), Nymphadora Tonks (Natalia Tena), and Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams) during the holidays about what he heard. Lupin isn't so sure though Arthur reveals things about a vanishing cabinet at Borgin & Burkes. An attack at the Burrow and on the Weasley family led by Bellatrix and Greyback had the Weasley home destroyed though everyone survived. Back at Hogwarts, Harry's attempts to get information from Slughorn fails until Ron gets hit with a love potion where he turned to Slughorn for help. It worked but Ron got poisoned by a bottle that was supposed to be given to Dumbledore. Harry's suspicions on Draco increase leaving Draco overwhelmed in his mission while Harry finally uncovered the memory that he and Dumbledore needed from Slughorn. What was revealed was how Voldemort survived the killing curse and what he's done to achieve immortality.

The plot of Half-Blood Prince is about Harry Potter discovering about Lord Voldemort's background and how achieved immortality. While that was the main story, it's balanced by two other subplots. One involving the messy love affairs and attraction for the main characters along with Harry falling for Ginny Weasley. The second is Draco Malfoy's struggle to carry on his mission to kill Dumbledore under the orders of Lord Voldemort. While those two subplots are handled quite well. The story about Voldemort and his background doesn't cover as much information as it would be revealed. Especially in the discovery of the object known as a Horcrux. In the book, five of them were revealed where two of them being Tom Riddle's diary and a ring were already destroyed. The third object was a locket but not much information was revealing about the locket along with the Horcruxes that Harry and Dumbledore needed to find.

While Steve Kloves' screenplay is well written and well-condensed in what is needed to be told. There's even little details that do get some attention, notably the big scene near the end involving Dumbledore that serves as an important purpose to the plot of the entire Harry Potter story. Yet, with a lot of adaptations, not everything is perfect but that's understandable. What was missing is some of the things involving Voldemort's family background which was crucial to the objects that he created as Horcruxes. The dark tone of the story does get balanced by some light-hearted moments and scenes that recall a return of sorts to the early films that were directed by Chris Columbus and Prisoner of Azkaban by Alfonso Cuaron.

Even in the scenes involving the romantic troubles with Ron-Hermione-Lavender where clearly, it was used as comic relief in some parts but reveals the long-standing feelings between Ron and Hermione. For Harry, with him being the so-called Chosen One much to his annoyance does get attention from girls but is more focused on other things. One of those things turn out to be Ginny, whom he had known for so long and she had a crush on him since the first day she met him. Now that she has a boyfriend, Harry becomes more attracted to her though he doesn't want to upset Ron. Then there's story involving Draco Malfoy where the character, who had started out as a bully now becomes a full-fledge character. There, Malfoy struggles to carry his mission but behind it shows someone scared and having trouble dealing with the fact that his family name is shamed while he has to carry out a mission or else Voldemort kills him.

Malfoy's struggles would include the involvement of Severus Snape where the film early on includes a scene where he meets Bellatrix and Narcissa Malfoy to make the Unbreakable Vow. Snape becomes more complex than ever as to who is he really working for as his attempts to help Draco cause some resentments from Draco's part while becoming more and more frustrated with Dumbledore. What would be revealed near the end wouldn't just shape the story but add an aura of mystery. After this huge moment, the film ends in an anti-climatic way revolving the aftermath of what just happened. Yet, it reveals what had just happened and what to do next.

Kloves' screenplay does work in helping to advance the plot of the film that would lead to the final story in The Deathly Hallows. Yates' direction is solid throughout, notably the opening scene involving the chaos in London as it opens the film with a bang. Even as the scene reveals the Death Eaters capturing a major character of the Harry Potter story. The direction for the most part is a mixture of broad, light-hearted humor that is balanced dark, dramatic sequences, and high-octane special effects scenes. Even as the film feature some hand-held camera moments for the chase scenes at the Burrow, the duels and such. Yet, there's one scene which involves violence that definitely is a little gruesome for the PG rating along with some of the dark tone of the film. Clearly, it's a PG-13 film as the MPAA has no idea how to rate a film.

While Yates makes a lot of good decision in the scenes involving humor and action, a few decisions in the directing don't work. Notably the big scene involving Dumbledore where originally, it had Harry unable to do anything because he's immobilized. In the film, he could've done something but he's forced to watch instead. That was something that doesn't really work. Still, Yates does manage to create something that is engaging without delving into huge moments of effects and such. With its balance of humor, action, drama, suspense, and character study, Yates creates a film that isn't just faithful to the novel but also a film that takes its time without rushing into things.

Cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel does some great work with the film's look as it is awash with sepia-style colors for some of the film's daytime, sunny scenes in both interior and exterior scenes. Even in darker scenes like the Burrow ambush, the attack of Hogwarts, and the London attack are done with great colors mixed in with a dark look to play up to the film's tone. The flashback scenes with memory are a mixture of light green and gray for its eerie tone. Delbonnel's work is phenomenal in conveying the look of the film in its wide range of tones. Editor Mark Day does excellent work in making the 150-minute film move a bit fast but not too fast. With some nice cuts that plays to a rhythm as well as capturing the intensity of the Quidditch sequence and action scenes.

Production designer Stuart Craig with set decorator Stephanie McMillan does excellent work in creating the looks of Diagon Alley as its decayed along with Weasley Wizard Wheezes shop that includes a little toy involving one of the antagonists in the last film. The design of the Burrow and the mysterious Room of Requirement has great set pieces in its decoration and design. The costume design by Jany Temime is excellent in its mixture of the uniforms and contemporary clothing the young actors wear while the look of Narcissa Malfoy is great for its regal look while the clothes of Slughorn is excellent to display his personality as a man wanting to be linked with greatness. The visual effects are top-notch in the action sequences along with the look of plants and things revolving around the wizarding world and Hogwarts. The opening sequence of the destruction of the Millennium Bridge in London is an effects scene that is phenomenal.

The sound work by editor James Mather is very good for the action scenes, little effects pieces, and the Quidditch sequence. The music score by Nicholas Hooper which revolves around some of the themes by John Williams in previous films plays well to the film's mix of emotions with soaring arrangements for the more heightened, intense action scenes and playful melodies for the light-hearted humorous sequences.

The casting by Fiona Weir is wonderfully assembled with appearances from previous regulars like Alfred Enoch as Dean Thomas, Devon Murray as Seamus Finnigan, David Bradley as Argus Filch, Warwick Davis as Professor Flitwick, Gemma Jones as Madam Pomfrey, Jamie Waylett as Vincent Crabbe, Josh Herdman as Gregory Goyle, William Melling as Nigel, Afshan Azad as Padma Patil, Shefali Chowdhury as Pavarti Patil, Timothy Spall in a brief scene as Wormtail, and Katie Leung as Harry's ex-girlfriend Cho Chang seen in a few background scenes. Other small roles that were played by previous actors that are now portrayed by new actors are Georgina Leonidas as Katie Bell and Scarlett Byrne as Pansy Parkinson. New to the story with some memorable appearances include Anna Shaffer as Romilda Vane, Dave Legeno as Fenrir Greyback, Robert Knox as Marcus Belby, Louis Cordice as Blaise Zabini, Amber & Ruby Evans as twins at Slughorn's parties, and as a waitress Harry meets in early scene, Elarica Gallagher.

Notable big characters who don't get much to do are Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom where Lewis only gets to have a few lines as he's really wasted while David Thewlis and Natalia Tena are good though only appear in one big scene as Lupin and Tonks. Mark Williams gets a bit more to do as Arthur Weasley while Julie Walters is still wonderful as Molly Weasley. James & Oliver Phelps are good as Fred & George Weasley while Evanna Lynch continues to be a great scene-stealer in several moments as Luna Lovegood. Maggie Smith is very good as Professor McGonagall with some funny lines while Robbie Coltrane gets to have some good moments as Rubeus Hagrid that involves a great scene with Jim Broadbent. In the roles of the young Tom Riddle, Ralph Fiennes' real-life nephew Hero Fiennes-Tiffin is wonderfully creepy as the 11-year old Tom Riddle while Frank Dillane is charming yet slithery as the 16-year old Riddle.

Freddie Storma makes a fine impression as Cormac McLaggen, a smug Quidditch goal keeper who has his eyes on Hermione only to fall for one of Harry's pranks. Jessie Cave is hilarious as Lavender Brown with her love declarations for Ron that is almost scary but not as funny as the name she gave Ron, Won-Won. Bonnie Wright is very good as Ginny Weasley, the girl who would become Harry's new object of desire as she becomes someone who can ground him while trying to deal with her feelings for him as well. Helen McCrory is pretty good in her brief scene as Narcissa Malfoy who comes to Snape for help though isn't sure that Draco is up to the task for the mission he's chosen. Helena Bohnam Carter is great as Bellatrix Lestrange, the crazed witch who is willing to go onto the attack for Voldemort as she is a loose cannon who is just fun to watch.

New to the franchise is Jim Broadbent who is amazing as Horace Slughorn, a charming professor who likes to collect students who he believes have great talent and stories they can share. Most of all, Harry whom he befriends while carrying a dark secret that he is trying to hide. Alan Rickman is phenomenal as Severus Snape where he brings a low-key, dark quality to the character whose loyalties are questionable while dealing with Draco Malfoy's problems with the mission. Tom Felton delivers what is truly the best performance of the film as Draco Malfoy. Felton truly sells the despair, anxiety, and angst of the young bully who is overwhelmed with what he's trying to do as he is forced to face the fact that if he doesn't do it, he and his family will die. Felton's performance really shows how the actor took the character and made it into something more real and complex.

Michael Gambon is excellent as Albus Dumbledore in providing a nice mix of humor with a bit of camp while playing the wise wizard who is providing Harry information of how to destroy Voldemort. Rupert Grint is really good as Ron Weasley in providing some funny moments when he's lovesick while showing his insecurities as a Quidditch player and his stupidity when it comes to girls. Emma Watson is also good as Hermione Granger as the intelligent bookworm comes to terms with her feelings for Ron while trying to help Harry in divulging the mystery of what is happening. Daniel Radcliffe is solid as Harry Potter in providing the complex struggles of a young man coming to terms with his role and losses while realizing what is up ahead. Radcliffe really sells Potter's complexity while dealing with his own feelings towards Ginny as he and Hermione become closer as if they were siblings. Radcliffe's scenes with Gambon and Broadbent shows that he is still growing as an actor and proving he can act with them.

Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince is an excellent, well-made, smart and witty film from David Yates and company featuring some standout performances from Jim Broadbent and most of all, Tom Felton. Fans of the franchise will be amazed at how well-told the story is while fans of the books will be relieved in its faithfulness and approach despite some flaws. While the next film will be two films instead of one, which isn't a popular idea with some. It's clear that the Harry Potter franchise hasn't lost its touch while continuing to provide audiences with lots of entertaining moments before it would go to the ultra-dark, sprawling tone of the final book. In the end, Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince is a solid yet well-made film for the franchise.

Harry Potter Reviews: The Novels: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows

The Films: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2

Related: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

© thevoid99 2010

Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix (film)

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 7/13/07 w/ Additional Edits.

Directed by David Yates of the TV film The Girl in the Cafe` and screenplay by Michael Goldenberg based on J.K. Rowling's book.  Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix tells the story of Harry Potter battling the recently resurrected Lord Voldemort as Harry and Dumbledore find themselves ostracized by the Ministry of Magic.  With Dumbledore isolating himself from Harry, the boy also finds himself out of favor with most of the wizarding world as the Ministry of Magic hires Dolores Jane Umbridge to make some changes at Hogwarts.  The new changes marks an era of rebellion as Harry, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and other students decide to teach themselves on defensive magic while Harry finds romance with Cho Chang and an unlikely father figure in his godfather Sirius Black. Through it all, Harry has to face more tragedy and his own role into why Voldemort tried to kill as a baby.

Starring young franchise players Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter along with Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Bonnie Wright, Matthew Lewis, James & Oliver Phelps, Tom Felton, Jamie Waylett, Joshua Herdman, Harry Melling, Chris Rankin, Katie Leung, and in her film debut as Luna Lovegood, Evanna Lynch. The film also includes returning adult cast members Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, David Bradley, Robbie Coltrane, Brendan Gleeson, Fiona Shaw, Richard Griffiths, Emma Thompson, Warwick Davis, Jason Issacs, Robert Hardy, and Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort. Joining the franchise for this dark installment are Helena Bohnam Carter, Natalia Tena, George Harris, Sian Thomas, Jim McManus, and Imelda Staunton as Dolores Jane Umbridge.

After getting into trouble in saving his cousin's life from dementors, Harry Potter is forced to go to court to discuss his possible expulsion from Hogwarts. After being accompanied by the Order of the Phoenix to Grimmauld Place, he meets his friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) about what's happening. After meeting his godfather Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) and family friend Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), they discuss about Voldemort's plans to build up an army. Following his trial, in which he's acquitted thanks to Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) and the testimony of Harry's neighbor Arabella Figg (Kathryn Hunter). Harry returns to Hogwarts but is immediately alienated by everyone who thinks he’s a liar while Dolores Umbridge has been sent by the Ministry of Magic as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and High Inquisitor.

Umbridge's new plans for Hogwarts only causes problems as Harry's claim of Voldemort's return forces him to serve detention in the most punishing ways. Hermione however, is upset over not learning defense lessons as she along with fellow students to organize Dumbledore's Army. Harry reluctantly becomes the teacher as they learn defense spells secretly from Dolores Umbridge. Things go well at first until the visions in Harry's head only troubles him as he wonders why Dumbledore is alienating him. Returning to Grimmauld place, Harry finds comfort in Sirius Black as Harry dreads of returning to Hogwarts. Under Dumbledore's request, Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) teaches Harry Occlumency in order to get Voldemort out of his mind that doesn't go well for either.

Following the bad visions in his head and the return of Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) following a failed mission to send envoy to the giants. Dumbledore's Army is suddenly ratted out by one of its participants as plans to expel Harry is thwarted again by Dumbledore. With O.W.L.s exams coming, Harry's mad visions occur as he is forced into another confrontation with Umbridge while getting unlikely help from Hagrid's half-brother giant Grawp (Tony Maudsley) and centaurs. For his mission against the Death Eaters including those from the recent Azkaban breakout, Harry goes on a mission with Ron, Hermione, Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright), Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), and Luna Lovegood. It is there Harry would realize his connection to Voldemort and face tragedy.

While the book of Order of the Phoenix remains the longest of the series. It's pretty clear that to fans that it's got to be the one book in terms of its adaptation that has to be the most difficult to translate into film. Yet, David Yates and screenwriter Michael Goldenberg do succeed in some cases. However, several subplots didn't make it to the final cut. One involves Ron's Quidditch skills that explores his character development. Another is more to do with the character of Kreacher (voiced by Timothy Bateson) who is seen in the film only twice in brief appearances. Yet, his character is a lot bigger due to the fact that he ends up playing a role involving Harry's mission to the Ministry. Despite those missing subplots, the film is very faithful to the book by going to the core story of Harry’s newfound alienation and his quest to try to fight evil when few are with him.

Much of the credit really goes to screenwriter Michael Goldenberg, who replaces screenwriter Steve Kloves who takes a break from the series. Goldenberg's focus on the film's politics and Harry's alienation is by far the best script of the series. Even as he replaces the character of Dobby with Neville into finding the Room of Requirement. There, it makes sense as well as the way it introduces creatures like the threstals as well as places like the Ministry and Grimmauld Place.

The script, like all the other adapted scripts before, is also flawed. There are plot holes involved with the script on who sent the dementors to Privet Drive. How did Fred and George get the money to do their Weasley Wizard Wheezes tricks?  Yet, there's also some decisions into why aren’t there bigger parts for people like Professor Trelawney, Draco Malfoy, or even Ginny (who is featured in the film a lot but doesn't get many lines)? Why does Harry have to stay in Privet Drive? That along with several sequences that audiences will feel might be rushed. Still, the story is there as well as the characters people love.

It's always the problems of the script though the direction of David Yates is superb. Notably the way he presents the film's political contents like the huge poster of Fudge, the use of the Daily Prophet, and the school feels very totalitarian. It's in the images where the film has an adult feel of sorts but only furthers to drive Harry into alienation. That's a theme that was prominent in not just the book but also the film, Harry's own isolation. Whether it's people not believing him or him just trying to cut himself off from his friends. The heart of the film in terms of its relationship is the relationship Harry has with Sirius. Despite Sirius' flaws as a person who is trapped in his own home, that he hated. Sirius is the one person that Harry often confides to.

It's Yates experience in TV drama that helps with the film's dramatic tone while the action sequences, notably the battle at the Department of Mystery definitely lives up to the imagination of the book. Even the duel between Dumbledore and Voldemort is brilliant. It's clear that David Yates has done a fantastic job in what he had to use. Yet, there is rumor that he has a longer version of the film. Let's make sure that those scenes will be on the DVD.

Cinematographer Slawomir Idziak, famous for his work with the late Krzysztof Kieslowski, does some amazing work to the film's imagery. Bringing a sharper look to what Michael Seresin brought in the Prisoner of Azkaban. The film has a wonderful natural look in some of the exterior daylight scenes while using some stylish colors of blue, blue-green lights in some scenes as well the darker colors that goes on for the big battle scene. Production designer Stuart Craig and his team of art directors really do a fantastic job with the look of the Ministry of Magic. From the design of the statues in the fountain to the decayed look at Grimmauld Place including the Black family tree (that might feature a clue to who might be R.A.B. in the final book). Even Hogwarts manages to look amazing that includes the Room of Requirement and Umbridge's office. Costume designer Jany Temime definitely works her magic in not just the Goth-like clothing of Bellatrix Lestrange but also the pink clothes of Dolores Umbridge which will now, make probably everyone hate that color.

Visual effects supervisor Tim Burke and his team do great work with the film's creature designs that included a new make over for the dementors that look way more menacing as is the centaurs. The character of Kreacher looks very different in the way Dobby looked in The Chamber of Secrets. The threstals look amazing as is the character of Grawp who definitely looks like a baby giant and more innocent that he seems in the original book. Editor Mark Day definitely creates some magic with the editing in the sequence-to-sequence cut as well as the use of scenes from older film to convey Harry's madness. Sound editor James Mather along with sound designers James Boyle and Arthur Kennedy definitely create a tense atmosphere with the way the Death Eaters arrive and fly to the spells being thrown back and forth.

Composer Nicholas Hooper who continues to use the themes of John Williams, brings a very bombastic score that conveys the film's political tone as well as some of its dramatic elements. The sprawling arrangements and melodic tone really adds to the magic. The film also includes some stuff that is played on the radio that could be possibly stuff from some wizard-rock bands.

Finally, we have the film's sprawling cast. Younger actors with people like Devon Murray as Seamus Finnigan, Alfred Enoch as Dean Thomas, Shefali Chowdhury as Parvati Patil, Afshan Azad as Padma Patil, Harry Melling as Dudley Dursley, William Melling (who is playing a variation of the Creevey brothers) as Nigel, Joshua Herdman as Crabbe, and Jamie Waylett as Goyle are good. In the flashback scenes, we see some fine but very brief performances from Alec Hopkins as the young Snape, Robbie Jarvis as the young James Potter, and James Walter as the young Sirius Black. Sian Thomas as Amelia Bones, Tony Maudsley, and Kathryn Hunter have nice, brief appearances in their roles including Jim McManus in a cameo as the barman at the Hog's Head who is Dumbledore's brother Aberforth.

Other performances like Chris Rankin as Percy Weasley isn't really worth mentioning since he doesn’t have a line nor does Richard Leaf as Dawlish (who is a favorite of Pottercast's John Noe). Even the adult Dursleys in Richard Griffiths as Uncle Vernon and Fiona Shaw as Aunt Petunia don't have much to due, which is a shame in a way since Shaw's character is a bit bigger in the book.

Noted actors like Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson as Mad-Eye Moody, Emma Thompson as Professor Trelawney, and Warwick Davis as Professor Flitwick don't really have a lot of scenes which is kind of sad. Notably Thompson, whose character is very important to the book in relation to its ending. Robbie Coltrane only appears in two scenes in the film's second half, which might upset Hagrid fans but it's only because of what he's doing for the plot. David Bradley gets a lot of great screen time as Mr. Filch where he pretty much has a lot of hilarious scenes. Natalia Tena and George Harris are wonderful additions to the film's franchise as they play two loveable characters though aren't in the film as much. Especially Tena, who is very funny as Tonks while Harris as Kingsley Shacklebot has a great one-liner about Dumbledore's escape.

Jason Issacs is great in his role as Lucius Malfoy with his devilish presence while Helena Bohnam Carter rules as the psychotic Bellatrix Lestrange with all of her demented persona and catcalls. Julie Walters is wonderful as Mrs. Weasley as she tries to play the lost maternal figure for Harry while Mark Williams is excellent as Mr. Weasley. Robert Hardy is in excellent form as Minister Cornelius Fudge, who used to play this warm character to Harry in previous series, has now becomes this power-hungry leader in denial. Alan Rickman is great as usual as Severus Snape in his scenes with Harry during the Occlumency lessons where we see Snape in a darker way concerning Harry's father. Michael Gambon, who was criticized for his eccentric performance as Dumbledore in previous films, finally brings that wise, powerful persona to the fullest. Gambon definitely gives Dumbledore the sense of someone who cares about Harry while trying to deal with the tension against the Ministry over Voldemort's return.

Ralph Fiennes, who made his appearance as Lord Voldemort in the last film, is just as menacing and as evil as it could be. Fiennes is perfect as Lord Voldemort in how he tries to control Harry's mind.  Gary Oldman is phenomenal as Sirius Black, Harry's godfather who helps deal with Harry's troubled emotions while showing him some secrets about his family as well as stories about Harry's father.  It's Oldman finally getting the chance to play a fraternal figure as he would also be the source for the things that Harry would have to face later in his life.

The film's best performance without a doubt really goes to Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge. Never in a single performance where a character that people love to hate comes to life in a way that would make her a lot less likeable. Staunton brings that annoying, girlish glee that people know of Umbridge that will get on audiences nerve that is very comical while being this completely awful thing that rhymes with witch. Staunton is perfect in playing Umbridge as she deserves full praise, even making the color of pink revolting. Tom Felton, who is great as Draco Malfoy, only has a few lines which sucks since his character is a bit bigger, even with the upcoming story in The Half-Blood Prince.

Katie Leung is good as Harry's crush Cho Chang who falls for Harry but feeling guilty over the death of boyfriend Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattison via flashback). Bonnie Wright is great as Ginny Weasley. Though she doesn't get many lines, she does prove to be a powerful witch and ally to Harry while hardcore fans will get to notices the look she has about Harry when Cho is involved. Matthew Lewis is amazing as Neville Longbottom, who started out as a loveable klutz who couldn't perform spells, that now becomes this young powerful wizard who is driven by the tragedy over what happened to his parents in the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange. James and Oliver Phelps are always great as Fred and George Weasley in how they sell their products to being the comic relief in the film as they leave Hogwarts with a bang. In her film debut as Luna Lovegood, Evanna Lynch is just awesome as the spacey, loopy Luna with her light sense of humor and eccentric persona that just makes her loveable while being a kick-butt witch.

Rupert Grint, who was often the comic relief in the series, shows more serious chops as Ron Weasley by being one of the few who supports Harry. Grint does get a few funny lines but acts more serious in just being a supporting role. Emma Watson is also good as the more serious Hermione Granger while she does get the chance to be funny with some one-liners and acting rebellious. Daniel Radcliffe, who always gets better with each film, finally pushes the limits into what the Harry Potter can do. While not giving in to the raging screams of Harry in the book version of OOTP, he does reveal the angst and troubles that people go through at 15. It's Radcliffe that really shines as he shows more of his physical capabilities as well as his emotional scenes in relation to where his character is going and such. It's just jaw-dropping to see that he’s getting better.

While it's not the best Harry Potter film of the series (that honor goes to Alfonso Cuaron's adaptation of The Prisoner of Azkaban), Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix is still a magnificent film in the franchise. With great, standout performances from Daniel Radcliffe as the title character plus Evanna Lynch, Gary Oldman, Ralph Fiennes, and Imelda Staunton. The film has something to offer for Potter fans and those new to the series.  In the end, Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix is one of the series finest films.

Harry Potter Reviews: The Novels: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix - Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows

The Films: Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2

Related: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

© thevoid99 2010