Movie and Television Reviews

for civilians

for Potter Maniacs

I first heard of Harry Potter in a children’s literature class I took sometime in 1998 that happened to coincide with Scholastic's release of J.K. Rowling's second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I remember discussing the first book, Philosopher’s Stone, in class and being somewhat surprised at my colleagues' level of enthusiasm. The phenomenon kept growing, of course, but I never involved myself too deeply in Harry Potter, despite the hectoring of my colleagues. For some of you, then, my Potter illiteracy may disqualify my review of the latest film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, from your serious consideration, but others may appreciate my novice eyes so here goes:

Order of the Phoenix makes me regret resisting Pottermania, for, judging from this latest movie, Rowling has created an interesting story with some inspired touches and fascinating characters.

In the latest film, Harry Potter and a few select wizards at Hogwarts are in the “know” as to the imminent return of Lord Voldemort. Not wanting to be disturbed by the news, the Ministry of Magic does its best to stifle the rumor. Their primary mode of asphyxiation is the dispatch of a Ms. Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), a terrifying combination of Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton who oversees Hogwart’s return to order. In a clever montage, we see Ms. Umbridge dispensing various forms of discipline throughout the school to those committing such transgressions as kissing in the hall and walking with shirt un-tucked.

As she’s unaware of Lord Voldemort, Ms. Umbridge isn’t central to the plot, serving as more of an impediment to Potter’s duty, than as either a villainess or a heroine. She’s interesting, however, especially to teachers like myself in whom she conjures (sorry) some unpleasant memories.

The character of Harry Potter progresses as he must develop, with the assistance of his friends, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) and Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon doing an uncanny Ian McKellen) the mental toughness suitable to the task at hand, resisting Voldemort psychic aggression. Voldemort's breeching of Potter’s mind allows the filmmakers to make the kind of visual allusions to previous films in the series that I'm sure Potter fanatics appreciate. Like most long-running series, including James Bond and most television shows, some formally important characters get little more than cameos. Such is the case with Hagrid and McGonagall. There also seems to be a love story involving Harry and one of his classmates of which I'm sure I'd know more were I in the Potter loop.

The plot makes for a solid in the middle-installment-manner and pacing is only a little slow. Most people should find it very entertaining. A caution, however. I do think much of the movie is altogether too dark, both literally and figuratively, for younger children.

Special Effects/Style:

The Order of Phoenix has a unique visual appearance and some creative special effects. The moving newspapers are a nice touch, and the non-human characters impressive. For a movie attempting to appeal to children, the effects aren’t as cute as one would expect.

So, despite not yet earning my Potter spurs, I thought it was a good film. It won’t knock the socks off of the uninitiated, but it shouldn’t be too bad.

Social/Political Message:

The movie has a very conservative “do your duty” theme.

As I mentioned, part of the plot deals with convincing skeptics of imminent doom. A liberal person might consider this a message to doubters of global warming, but because of the personal nature of the threat, Rowling may instead be alluding to the lack of seriousness some people take the threat of terrorism.

Another interesting issue is the appropriate severity of discipline in a children’s school. Clearly, Ms. Umbridge, is an over-the-top authoritarian and Phoenix includes some Pink Floydish Brick in the Wall school scenes, yet both Potter and Sirius Black urge student discipline in their respective turns as trainers. Moderation, then.

Phoenix doesn’t mention Christianity or any other religion. A higher Power would have made for a very different book and movie series and I understand its exclusion. For committed Christians or Muslims, Phoenix represents a good anti-magic teaching moment.

For movie-portrayal police, the producers place many people of color in the film, but it's only the colorless that have any personality. The colorful serve as wallpaper, essentially.