Yates, D. (Director) (Released December 11, 2007). Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. [Motion picture]. Great Britain: Warner Brothers Studios.
· Plot Summary
Whereas Hogwart's used to be Harry's refuge, in this installment of the world-famous series, the Quidditch-playing protagonist is forced to come face-to-face with his greatest adversary, Lord Voldemort. Still suffering from the death of his friend Cedric, Harry finds Hogwart's a much different place. Dumbledore is forced out of his position as Head Master, replaced by the wicked Dolores Umbridge, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magic. Due to the reemergence of Voldemort, the secret organization to whom Harry's parents once belonged is revived, and gives the film its name. Characters met in the fourth installment are brought back, new ones introduced, and Harry's godfather, Sirius, finally murdered by Bellatrix Lestrange. In the end, it is up to Harry and his fellow students to save their beloved school.
· Critical Evaluation
In this adaptation of the novel, we see many of the special effects that have carried the films thus far, somewhat at the risk of the original story. Several of the implements used by the Ministry of Magic, devices that made the novel a lively read, are absent from this adaptation. The movie was the shortest of its kind, although the book was the longest in the series. The battle of wands between Voldemort and Dumbledore is meant to be the exciting climax of the film, but comes across as something better left to B-movies than this series.
· Reader’s Annotation
More or less truthful adaptation of the book, though lacking in some of the finer elements. Suitable for someone that has already read the books and just wants to enjoy an amusing film or fantasy enthusiasts.
· Genre
Fantasy
· Booktalking Ideas
Importance of friendship.
Wizards and magic in legend.
Mythical creatures and cryptozoology.
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 4-9/Ages 8-14
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
This was my favorite book of the series, and I had hoped the movie would be truer to the novel. I had not seen this film in theaters, because my daughter was not in town when it came out.
