Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I have never read a Harry Potter book. I don't think I ever will do, either. However, I have seen all the films in the cinema, some by choice, some not. After initially trying to resist the pull of the new one, I finally succumbed and found myself in a darkened room with a couple of hundred other losers.

About two hours later, I staggered out into the sunlight, feeling slightly unsure of myself. What exactly had just happened? Had I slept through parts of the film, or am I just going senile in my old age? Such is the problem with the young wizard's latest adventure.

Whilst it is not unreasonable for a film franchise which has just numbered five to expect a certain degree of familiarity with its audience, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" takes extreme liberties with the casual viewer. In order to be completely understood and enjoyed, the film implies a thorough knowledge of the previous films and the characters. But worse, it also seems to imply a thorough knowledge of all the books as well. Scenes are set up but not elaborated on fully. Characters come and go, without really announcing themselves or adding much to the story. Stuff happens for seemingly no reason.

I had the pleasure of watching the film with someone who is a massive Potter fan, and after the film, she had to explain a number of things about the film in order for me to really appreciate what was going on. The previous films didn't suffer from this weakness, and whilst it's not as bad as the first one (which was just nauseating...), "Order of the Phoenix" is a fairly lack-lustre entry into the film series.

On saying that, there are a number of impressive scenes, and whenever the film successfully manages to establish the dark tone it is so desperately striving for, it is a genuinely engaging film. The subtext to the whole film is death, and whilst it obviously can’t dwell upon it too long so as not to upset the younger viewers, there are moments in the film which are genuinely thought provoking and absorbing. Harry's chat with his uncle provides an emotional high point in the film, with Gary Oldman portraying a man haunted and tormented by his past. The supporting cast are generally quite impressive, with the exception of Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge, who is too hammy and campy to add anything to the film, and lends an unfortunate 'Carry On' feel to the proceedings. Of the main cast, Harry looks pensive, Ron gets the laughs, and Hermione becomes more glacial and unliveable. Business as usual.

With the publication of the final book quite shortly, one can only imagine what the millions of fans are going to do with the rest of their lives. When they are experiencing those long dark nights of the soul, I have a feeling that their DVD copy of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" will not be the answer they're looking for.