Light House Film Club

Cert 12    2 hrs 18mins

Dir. David Yates

Episode five in the Potter franchise is a mile away from how things started some six years ago. Back then I knew nothing of the Potter phenomenon and left the cinema reveling in JK Rowling’s vivid imagination. All the books were subsequently read but 120 pages into the Order of the Phoenix I had become bored and came to a grinding halt. This film thus reconnects me with something that has provided wonderful entertainment these past six years and in so doing it has spared me the need to read what is generally regarded as the weakest tale. That it achieved it in fine style was an additional bonus.

All the film critics keep telling us that each new Potter mystery is darker the one that preceded it and this is certainly the case here. Apart from the odd light moment involving the Weasley twins the film is shawn of the humour that was a previous characteristic. In its place we have a very serious, almost chilling, tale of Harry’s battle with not only the dreaded Lord Voldemort but along the way the Ministry of Magic, it’s newly imposed Hogwart’s Head, Dolores Umbridge, (brilliantly played by Imelda Staunton) and even his own school mates.

Whilst some of the humour may have gone, Rowling has not missed the opportunity to comment on modern day mores most tellingly through the new “standard curriculum” that is imposed at Hogwarts (no more dreaming and frivolity in lessons) and through the innumerable signs that Filch erects telling pupils what is and what is not permitted. Unfortunately our lead, Daniel Radcliffe, who was delightful in the first film lighting up the screen with his innocent smile, has not developed as an actor to the same degree as his close mates Ron (Rupert Grint)and Hermione (Emma Watson)  too often appearing wooden.

But that is to be overly churlish for the tale rocks along at a cracking pace leading to a wonderful finale with a battle between Voldemort and Dumbledore. It terrified my two, both of whom spent the final thirty minutes watching from behind the row of seats in front of them. But they’ve been talking about it ever since which in my book is a pretty good recommendation.

Rating: 3/5

CA