Andrew's Rants.

HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX

I saw the movie with a sense of dread going in. I had read the book and to date it was the only one by JK Rowling that was boring. In fact, I am of the opinion that it was "ghost-written". The book was nothing like the ones that came before it stylistically and failed to hold my interest. The one that came after it called "The Half Blood Prince" is a much better work and back up to her usual writing standards. This along with the fact that the critics panned the movie made me even consider waiting for the DVD rather than shilling out the 9 bucks to sit in a crowded theatre at midnight to see a sneak preview of the movie.

As it is I only have two problems with the film, but first let me say this, it was a Good Movie. Not great, not bad, but good. It held my interest and really further developed the Potter story and characters rather than resolve any world shaking issues other than Voldemort is back, which we all already knew. I think the critiques are so trained for car-chases and explosions they wouldn’t understand suspense and drama if it bit them on the ass. They still expect the Harry Potter of the past and what they don’t realized is that Mrs. Rowling is ageing her characters and story composition to match the age of her original readers. Harry isn’t like the Hardy Boys and doesn’t live in a static world and never age. He is growing up on film right before our very eyes. Just like the readers who are now in their late teens and early 20s. The last movie saw some serious moments with Cedrick's death but still had the frivolity of the Quiddich matches and the Tri-Wizard tournament. This time around there is no mention of Quiddich and its some serious stuff going on with a lot of political shuffling and under-handed dealings along with downright murder and sorcery battles and a major character's death. This along with a load of character development bring us closer to the figures in this movie than ever before. It is not a stand-alone movie and sets the stage for further story line development in the next film which should end with a Bang! - Dumbledore’s Death at the Hands of Snape as Harry watches. So my impression is not bad, not great but a good movie that leaves you wanting more.

Now the two problems I had with the movie. One was the Giant that looked like a Harryhausen creation not the CGI creature it was supposed to be. It was as lifeless and plastic looking as Claymation. And second and more importantly were the 12 commercials lasting a half an hour I was forced to sit through before we even got to the movie previews. What the hell am I paying 9 dollars for when they are selling a half an hour of add space before the movie. I can’t change the channel or get up because someone will steal my seat. I am a captive audience forced to watch one stupid product endorsement after another. I don’t mind the previews at all but the forced 'crappy' Coke ads and the 'Newest Car' they are trying to convince me is 'Cool' are not something I give a Damn about. I would love to play Roshambo with the Marketing Director that was responsible for the add-placement & quantity and kick him "right Squaaah inna nut sack".