Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

[Elbren]

Yahoo Movies (http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808475612/video/3261064/standardformat)

Went to Yahoo because I felt like watching the trailer again (can't wait for this movie). Not only did I find two trailers, but Yahoo has posted 13 different clips of the movie, ranging anywhere from 1 min. to 3 mins.

Nothing really spoiler-like, but I'm a bit biased considering I recently read the book and know everything that's going to happen.

[EddieO's21]

saw the movie last night at 12:01 :D

not my favorite movie for sure, it was kinda slow...just like the book. ,They really left a lot out (they had to really) although kreacher was not in the movie as much as he should have been.

the end scene in the minestry was really well blocked and constructed. (especially the fight between Dumbledore and Voldemort)

overall I'd give the movie a B, B-...certainly had the pop but really no legs to the story. The screenplay must have been a nightmare to write and I'm sure they had to tiptoe through the book to see what was safe to cut.

this story is only there to set up the 6th and 7th book which I'm sure will be amazing on the big screen

[The Wedge]

Yeah, I keep seeing reviews talking about how "the wonder is gone" and "it's getting all dark and that's stupid."

Even though "the wonder is gone" because the audience IS Harry in a sense, and if he's more used to the wizarding world, then so are we, and it's getting darker because that's how the books are written.

Wasn't the vicious murder of a minor in Goblet of Fire (Cedric Diggory) enough indication that from here on out, things are going to be more sinister? Apparentely not.

[TGO]

Yeah, I keep seeing reviews talking about how "the wonder is gone" and "it's getting all dark and that's stupid."

Even though "the wonder is gone" because the audience IS Harry in a sense, and if he's more used to the wizarding world, then so are we, and it's getting darker because that's how the books are written.

Wasn't the vicious murder of a minor in Goblet of Fire (Cedric Diggory) enough indication that from here on out, things are going to be more sinister? Apparentely not.

Roger Ebert's review in particular annoyed me. He clearly has not read the books. Which is fine, you don't have to read them to watch the movies. But at least do a little bit of research to find out the overall story arc. I mean, he actually wrote this: "My hope, as we plow onward through "Potters" Nos. 6-7, is that the series will not grow darker still." That's a joke, right? Who on earth doesn't know what happens at the end of book 6? It doesn't get much darker than that.

[The Wedge]

I'm sorry, but anybody with any sense of story telling knew it was gonna get really nasty at some point from the word go. The story opens with the BRUTAL MURDER of Harry's parents, by a wizard who is responsible for the BRUTAL MURDERING OR MAIMING of many other people. All the while, they hint, very strongly, that said dark wizard will be returning in the near future...

Did these people think that this time around, Voldemort was going to hold country dances and hand out free lemonade and hug everyone and pay it forward?? Jesus tapdancing Christ, people are thick.

But then again, Roger Ebert DID write Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. He's got cred when it comes to story telling. :rolleyes:

[square634]

I saw Order of the Phoenix last night, and I really, really didn't like it. I guess it was better than the third one, which isn't saying much. Certain things made me particularly annoyed.

I know that they can't include everything in such a long book. But why when they add stuff or change it do they pick something that is worse than the book's version without saving time? For example, the advance guard flying over the Thames? Don't you think they would be seen? Then, when they get to headquarters, instead of the Fidelius charm protecting it, Moody just knocks his staff on the ground. That isn't really a big deal, but it's not like it would have taken more than 10 extra seconds to have Harry read a note. If I were cutting stuff out of the book, I would have then gotten rid of the disciplinary hearing which just made the movie drag on even more in the beginning. Cutting out Kreacher's involvement and the communication mirror also destroys a major part of the book, Harry's feelings of guilt and responsibility. Instead, too much time was spent on the DA (and BTW what's the point of a Room of Requirement if Umbridge can just blast the door open?) The omission of the majority of Snape's worst memory also was egregious, especially because it probably lays the ground work for something huge in book seven.

Also, I thought the Dept. of Mysteries scene was pretty bad. First of all, if the prophecy was said out loud at that volume when Harry held it, why didn't the Death Eaters, who were standing right there, hear it? Secondly, why didn't the Death Eaters just kill them all on sight? After all, they are just kids. I know in the book it is explained that they can't hit them with spells because it might break the prophecy, but in the movie it is never expressed that they want to avoid this possibility. Also, they only ever use one spell, stupefy, which is fine, but when Voldemort and Dumbledore squared off I expected some seriously cool spellwork. Animating the statue to block Harry like in the books would have been a cooler entrance for Dumbledore, and the myriad of spells seen in the book would have afforded the chance to see cool special effects. Instead, as in the fourth movie, dueling consists of lights that shoot out of their wands and meet in the middle. Yawn.

Also, in order not to go crazy, I try to watch the movie as if it is a separate entity from the books, but the plot is not self-contained. It really assumes knowledge of the books, is really confusing, and is conveyed poorly. The Arthur Weasley attack was particularly poorly constructed. Also, it was never explicitly stated that Umbridge sent the dementors after Harry. It would have taken three seconds for her to say it (sort of like how in the third movie, the origins of the Marauder's Map was never explained).

Certain parts of the movie were good, but the characters were given little chance to develop, the plot was chaotic and muddled with some parts too short and some parts too long, an the acting in some places was less than superb. I'd give it two stars out of four.

[EddieO's21]

I saw Order of the Phoenix last night, and I really, really didn't like it. I guess it was better than the third one, which isn't saying much. Certain things made me particularly annoyed.

I know that they can't include everything in such a long book. But why when they add stuff or change it do they pick something that is worse than the book's version without saving time? For example, the advance guard flying over the Thames? Don't you think they would be seen? Then, when they get to headquarters, instead of the Fidelius charm protecting it, Moody just knocks his staff on the ground. That isn't really a big deal, but it's not like it would have taken more than 10 extra seconds to have Harry read a note. If I were cutting stuff out of the book, I would have then gotten rid of the disciplinary hearing which just made the movie drag on even more in the beginning. Cutting out Kreacher's involvement and the communication mirror also destroys a major part of the book, Harry's feelings of guilt and responsibility. Instead, too much time was spent on the DA (and BTW what's the point of a Room of Requirement if Umbridge can just blast the door open?) The omission of the majority of Snape's worst memory also was egregious, especially because it probably lays the ground work for something huge in book seven.

Also, I thought the Dept. of Mysteries scene was pretty bad. First of all, if the prophecy was said out loud at that volume when Harry held it, why didn't the Death Eaters, who were standing right there, hear it? Secondly, why didn't the Death Eaters just kill them all on sight? After all, they are just kids. I know in the book it is explained that they can't hit them with spells because it might break the prophecy, but in the movie it is never expressed that they want to avoid this possibility. Also, they only ever use one spell, stupefy, which is fine, but when Voldemort and Dumbledore squared off I expected some seriously cool spellwork. Animating the statue to block Harry like in the books would have been a cooler entrance for Dumbledore, and the myriad of spells seen in the book would have afforded the chance to see cool special effects. Instead, as in the fourth movie, dueling consists of lights that shoot out of their wands and meet in the middle. Yawn.

Also, in order not to go crazy, I try to watch the movie as if it is a separate entity from the books, but the plot is not self-contained. It really assumes knowledge of the books, is really confusing, and is conveyed poorly. The Arthur Weasley attack was particularly poorly constructed. Also, it was never explicitly stated that Umbridge sent the dementors after Harry. It would have taken three seconds for her to say it (sort of like how in the third movie, the origins of the Marauder's Map was never explained).

Certain parts of the movie were good, but the characters were given little chance to develop, the plot was chaotic and muddled with some parts too short and some parts too long, an the acting in some places was less than superb. I'd give it two stars out of four.

boy...tell us how you really feel next time

I agree but I kind of expected this. This book was my least favorite and it really was there to link up the last 2 books.

The lack of kreacher appearances made me mad and your right, the snape memories were vacant, that was extremely important

[The Wedge]

boy...tell us how you really feel next time

I agree but I kind of expected this. This book was my least favorite and it really was there to link up the last 2 books.

The lack of kreacher appearances made me mad and your right, the snape memories were vacant, that was extremely important

Well, I've heard the director was going to cut Kreacher entirely, but Rowling said "you have to at least introduce him." So, that being said, whatever he cut from "Snape's Worst Memory" was probably not that important in the long term, or else she would have said the same thing (this also suggests that Kreacher is quite important to Book 7).

[PaulFolk]

I know that they can't include everything in such a long book. But why when they add stuff or change it do they pick something that is worse than the book's version without saving time? For example, the advance guard flying over the Thames? Don't you think they would be seen?
In some cases, I think they include/exclude stuff based on what makes for a cool visual. Flying on broomsticks over the Thames at night definitely makes that list. I'm glad they included it. Would they be seen? I don't know, who cares? That wasn't the point of the scene.


Cutting out Kreacher's involvement and the communication mirror also destroys a major part of the book, Harry's feelings of guilt and responsibility. Instead, too much time was spent on the DA (and BTW what's the point of a Room of Requirement if Umbridge can just blast the door open?) The omission of the majority of Snape's worst memory also was egregious, especially because it probably lays the ground work for something huge in book seven.
I haven't read the book in a while-- how did Kreacher fit into the plot exactly? IIRC, he was tipping off the Death Eaters or something? I can't remember.

As for Snape's worst memory, if it were that vital to book 7, Rowling probably would have asked them not to cut so much of it. I think I've heard that she's around during the screenwriting process advising them on what scenes should or should not be cut, based on their importance to future books. It did seem odd that the scene was so truncated, though.


Also, they only ever use one spell, stupefy, which is fine, but when Voldemort and Dumbledore squared off I expected some seriously cool spellwork. Animating the statue to block Harry like in the books would have been a cooler entrance for Dumbledore, and the myriad of spells seen in the book would have afforded the chance to see cool special effects. Instead, as in the fourth movie, dueling consists of lights that shoot out of their wands and meet in the middle. Yawn.
Were you watching the same scene I was? Voldemort summoned a dragon made of fire, and Dumbledore countered by encasing Voldemort in a sphere of water. There were definitely some cool spells involved in that scene.


Also, in order not to go crazy, I try to watch the movie as if it is a separate entity from the books, but the plot is not self-contained. It really assumes knowledge of the books, is really confusing, and is conveyed poorly. The Arthur Weasley attack was particularly poorly constructed. Also, it was never explicitly stated that Umbridge sent the dementors after Harry. It would have taken three seconds for her to say it (sort of like how in the third movie, the origins of the Marauder's Map was never explained).
The Dementors part did confuse me. I need a refresher again-- why did Umbridge sent the Dementors after Harry? As a plot to get him expelled, or to kill him?


Certain parts of the movie were good, but the characters were given little chance to develop, the plot was chaotic and muddled with some parts too short and some parts too long, an the acting in some places was less than superb. I'd give it two stars out of four.
I thought the acting was fine, with the exception of whoever played Luna Lovegood (she was playing up the "spaced-out" thing a little too much). For me it's 3 or 3 1/2 out of four. OotP is my favorite Harry Potter book, so the screen translation couldn't help but be good, IMO.

But boy, did they cram in a lot of characters with such little screen time, or what? Hagrid only appeared in two scenes. MacGonagle, probably less. Draco Malfoy had maybe two lines. I don't think Lupin was ever even mentioned by name. This isn't a movie for anyone unfamiliar with the series, that's for sure.

[square634]

Were you watching the same scene I was? Voldemort summoned a dragon made of fire, and Dumbledore countered by encasing Voldemort in a sphere of water. There were definitely some cool spells involved in that scene.

I don't know, I just think that if they are going for cool visuals in that scene, they could have done much more.


The Dementors part did confuse me. I need a refresher again-- why did Umbridge sent the Dementors after Harry? As a plot to get him expelled, or to kill him?

As a plot to get him expelled and tarnish his reputation.


I thought the acting was fine, with the exception of whoever played Luna Lovegood (she was playing up the "spaced-out" thing a little too much).

I think I overreacted a little bit on the acting because it has probably gotten better with each movie. Particularly, Rupert Grint was a lot better in this movie in my opinion. I actually liked Evanna Lynch as Luna, I thought she did a good job based on the character.


As for Snape's worst memory, if it were that vital to book 7, Rowling probably would have asked them not to cut so much of it.

My thought is that it is vital only as foreshadowing (perhaps a Snape/Lily relationship?), so I guess the movies don't need to worry about foreshadowing. Still, if it weren't important at all, it would have been cut entirely as it didn't really add anything to the plot of this particularly movie.


But boy, did they cram in a lot of characters with such little screen time, or what? Hagrid only appeared in two scenes. MacGonagle, probably less. Draco Malfoy had maybe two lines. I don't think Lupin was ever even mentioned by name. This isn't a movie for anyone unfamiliar with the series, that's for sure.

Yeah, for this reason, plus the fact that, to me, the movie did not capture the emotional feel of the book, were the main reasons I was disappointed. The little things, like changes to the book for no reason, just added to my frustration.

[The Wedge]

This isn't a movie for anyone unfamiliar with the series, that's for sure.

I'm sorry, but this is the 5th in an ongoing continuous episodic series of books/movies. You wouldn't pick up book 5 and expect to understand what's going on, why would you go to the 5th movie and expect to? I don't understand people sometimes. Not you, though, you're saying basically the same thing in a fewer amount of words.

[square634]

I'm sorry, but this is the 5th in an ongoing continuous episodic series of books/movies. You wouldn't pick up book 5 and expect to understand what's going on, why would you go to the 5th movie and expect to? I don't understand people sometimes. Not you, though, you're saying basically the same thing in a fewer amount of words.

I think it doesn't make sense even for people who have seen the first four movies but not read the books. Actually, I don't think it even makes sense for people who have read the first four books but not the fifth one. It's not so much that the characters are unfamiliar as the fact that the plot is not well explained. I say this because I watched the movie with my cousin who read only the first four books, and he had to ask me questions to keep up. I understand that the movie is a separate entity from the book, but if they are going to treat it as such, they have to make sure that the plot is self-contained within the movie (which I don't think it was).

Luckily, I think the sixth book is much more conducive to a film adaptation, so I am really excited for that one.

[The Wedge]

I think it doesn't make sense even for people who have seen the first four movies but not read the books.

I'll let you know what my wife says, then, after we see it. That's her.

[EddieO's21]

I think it doesn't make sense even for people who have seen the first four movies but not read the books. Actually, I don't think it even makes sense for people who have read the first four books but not the fifth one. It's not so much that the characters are unfamiliar as the fact that the plot is not well explained. I say this because I watched the movie with my cousin who read only the first four books, and he had to ask me questions to keep up. I understand that the movie is a separate entity from the book, but if they are going to treat it as such, they have to make sure that the plot is self-contained within the movie (which I don't think it was).

Luckily, I think the sixth book is much more conducive to a film adaptation, so I am really excited for that one.

I agree completely with you last statement...the 5th book is really (like i've said) that transition book that allows the reader to understand how and why evil existed before. The history of the order and black family set up the sixth book well and I'm sure the seventh too. The fifth book I always thought was kind of a refresher...a beginning perhaps, of that whole good vs evil thing again.

The sixth book will look great on film, harry and his quest for the horcruxes will be very interesting.

Overall, as commented earlier I think Luna was played very well in the movie. She honestly was exactly what I expected from reading the book. I would have liked to have seen Ginny have more lines because it is obvious she becomes big soon. Also, it is good to see that Neville was in the movie a lot because he is still my surprise pick for the hero in the end

[ChaosLex]

My dad always said "the more you hate a villain, the better the actor/actress they are."

That being said, the woman who played Dolores Umbridge should get an Oscar nomination. Heh.

[PaulFolk]

My dad always said "the more you hate a villain, the better the actor/actress they are."

That being said, the woman who played Dolores Umbridge should get an Oscar nomination. Heh.
That's Imelda Staunton (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001767/), who already has an Oscar nomination under her belt.

[ChaosLex]

That's Imelda Staunton (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001767/), who already has an Oscar nomination under her belt.

She deserves another. Seriously, I hated her guts.

[theonestevewh]

Bah, the summer movies I had seen up til Harry Potter were very enjoyable. I found this movie to be very slow for the majority of the film. Things were happening but they weren't exciting and they were very predictable. At the end, the action picks up very fast and before you know it the movie is over and you don't even realize what has happened. However, I did like the new character intros and enjoyed watching Ginny and Neville start to grow into bigger parts. The ending leaves much to be desired. I guess it's supposed to in some way but I wanted some closure, especially with Cho. I've always said making a movie from a book is the hardest task for a director. A good book can turn into a bad movie and while I wouldn't go as far to say that this is a bad movie, I'd say this is the worst movie in the Harry Potter saga so far. That is my review.

P.S. The seventh and final book should end with Harry Potter roundhouse kicking Voldemort, Chuck Norris style. :)

[Pedro Cerrano]

I guess I should read these books at some point.

[Lt Melmo]

That's Imelda Staunton (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001767/), who already has an Oscar nomination under her belt.
The crazy thing about Staunton is she was nominated for a role in which she played the direct opposite of Umbridge(unless you think abortion is evil, I guess). I was arguing recently with a friend of mine about the nature of a performer/artist(he was arguing that Michael Bay is the "only director" who could possibly make Transformers a good popcorn flick) and I was saying that a good artist should have the ability to put their talent towards a wide range of art. Spielberg, for example, has directed just about every type of movie out there. The only exposure to Staunton I've had was Vera Drake, in which she spent the entire second half of the movie crying. She was an unbelievably sympathetic character, like your affectionate grandmother. When I heard she was going to be Umbridge I thought it was the perfect choice, cause she strikes me as the type of talent who can play anything. I wasn't disappointed.

[TGO]

I liked the movie. No where near as good as the book, but the movies never are. I did think it should have been longer. This was the longest book and the shortest movie, which didn't make any sense to me. They could have gone another 20-30 minutes without dragging. The movie was almost like a "Order of the Phoenix" greatest hits compilation, I thought it moved that quickly. There was very little nuance. Every scene sort of hit you in the head and jumped to the next scene.

The only thing I had a huge problem with was changing how the DA members were caught. That was completely bogus, IMO.

Casting was perfect as always, though. All of the new characters were played almost exactly as I pictured them. And most of the old actors turned in excellent performances as well. Gary Oldman in particular finally got to take his character out for a spin and did a great job, I thought.

[Witchy Chick]

In some cases, I think they include/exclude stuff based on what makes for a cool visual. Flying on broomsticks over the Thames at night definitely makes that list. I'm glad they included it. Would they be seen? I don't know, who cares? That wasn't the point of the scene.

My only issue with this was that (in the book) the security on Harry was soooooo tight. IIRC, the formation was: one or two adults in front of him, one to two behind him; one on either side; and one/two flying above and below. He was completely surrounded. To take it from that to flying right next to a cruise ship was a bit much IMO.


As for Snape's worst memory, if it were that vital to book 7, Rowling probably would have asked them not to cut so much of it. I think I've heard that she's around during the screenwriting process advising them on what scenes should or should not be cut, based on their importance to future books. It did seem odd that the scene was so truncated, though.

I think the main crux of the book and movie scenes of Snape’s worst memory was to show Harry (and by extension, the audience) that James wasn’t as ideally perfect as Harry believed. The movie scene did that, but not to the extent that the book scene did. Also, the movie scene did not include Lily's "rescue" of Snape, and Snape's derision of the "mudblood." Hmmmm.


The Dementors part did confuse me. I need a refresher again-- why did Umbridge sent the Dementors after Harry? As a plot to get him expelled, or to kill him?

Both? ;) Actually, IIRC, it was kinda hinted at in the books that she authorized the Dementor attack without Fudge’s knowledge. She was so devoted to Fudge (perhaps more than just politically :eek:) that she would do anything to help him out. At that time, his biggest problem(s) were Harry and Dumbledore spouting off about Voldie returning. Dementors soul-suck Harry - Harry is gone, and Dumbledore is discredited. Harry fights off Dementors - Harry is expelled and both he and Dumbledore are discredited. Either result is a "win" for Fudge.


I thought the acting was fine, with the exception of whoever played Luna Lovegood (she was playing up the "spaced-out" thing a little too much). For me it's 3 or 3 1/2 out of four. OotP is my favorite Harry Potter book, so the screen translation couldn't help but be good, IMO.

I actually thought the Luna depiction was perfect. She was exactly how I had envisioned her.


The only thing I had a huge problem with was changing how the DA members were caught. That was completely bogus, IMO.

Initially, I thought this too (I’m assuming you mean Cho being the snitch rather than her friend). (I would've liked to have seen Cho (or whoever) with "Sneak" in pimple blemishes across their face, though. ;)) However, the difference is meaningless in the grand scheme of things. In the book, Harry and the DA members blamed Cho for bringing the snitching friend into the DA. The movie just cuts out the middleman (while still keeping "the gang turns on Cho" aspect). I loved the dirty look Ginny shot Cho at one point, though. hehehehee

The physicality in the casting of Imelda Staunton as Umbridge bothered me. Umbridge was supposed to short and squat, with a face like a toad. In the movie, she looked like Queen Elizabeth!! (And what a bizarre commentary that is.) That being said, Staunton acted out Umbridge's evilness and sadism very well. I quickly got over the "she doesn't look like Umbridge" thing. ;)


Witchy

[TGO]

Initially, I thought this too (I’m assuming you mean Cho being the snitch rather than her friend). (I would've liked to have seen Cho (or whoever) with "Sneak" in pimple blemishes across their face, though. ;)) However, the difference is meaningless in the grand scheme of things. In the book, Harry and the DA members blamed Cho for bringing the snitching friend into the DA. The movie just cuts out the middleman (while still keeping "the gang turns on Cho" aspect). I loved the dirty look Ginny shot Cho at one point, though. hehehehee

I guess that's true. I forgot that in the book they initially blame Cho. Good point.

But the other part of what I'm talking about is what square634 said, how Umbridge just busts through the wall. I mean, in the movie, Filch knew the whole time they were in there. If Umbridge could just bust through the wall, why didn't she do it from the start? The book's scenario makes much more sense (she doesn't know where they meet until Cho's friend tells her, and even then she has to have Malfoy and his cronies wait outside the door until they come out). As square634 said, the movie basically ruins the whole premise of the Room of Requirement. And as I'm sure you recall, that room is important in book 6! ;)

[rolliefingers]

You guys are freakin' nerds, dude.

:P

[ChaosLex]

You guys are freakin' nerds, dude.

:P

Be quiet, muggle! ;)

[square634]

I guess that's true. I forgot that in the book they initially blame Cho. Good point.

But the other part of what I'm talking about is what square634 said, how Umbridge just busts through the wall. I mean, in the movie, Filch knew the whole time they were in there. If Umbridge could just bust through the wall, why didn't she do it from the start? The book's scenario makes much more sense (she doesn't know where they meet until Cho's friend tells her, and even then she has to have Malfoy and his cronies wait outside the door until they come out). As square634 said, the movie basically ruins the whole premise of the Room of Requirement. And as I'm sure you recall, that room is important in book 6!

Yeah the fact that Cho is the snitch isn't a big deal. And I can sorta understand it if they say Umbridge can break through the door after Cho snitches. But the fact that Filch knew that they were meeting and even where they were meeting kind of ruins the point because Umbridge could have just had them all expelled once Filch told her. This particular thing isn't a huge deal, but it's just an example of when they change something in the book to a much worse and more illogical situation for no apparent reason.

By the way, I forgot in my initial rant to give props to the director for adding goats into the Hog's Head. That is the type of nuance they should add more of that only people familiar with the books would understand.

Four more days (and six hours)!!

[The Wedge]

I haven't seen it yet, but do they also include Cho's obvious depression/using Harry as a crutch re: Cedric? I can see them cutting that, and if they do, that's another reason to make her the "snitch."

[square634]

I haven't seen it yet, but do they also include Cho's obvious depression/using Harry as a crutch re: Cedric? I can see them cutting that, and if they do, that's another reason to make her the "snitch."

They had a little bit of that, which I think was sufficient considering the restraints put on a movie.

[Witchy Chick]

I guess that's true. I forgot that in the book they initially blame Cho. Good point.

But the other part of what I'm talking about is what square634 said, how Umbridge just busts through the wall. I mean, in the movie, Filch knew the whole time they were in there. If Umbridge could just bust through the wall, why didn't she do it from the start? The book's scenario makes much more sense (she doesn't know where they meet until Cho's friend tells her, and even then she has to have Malfoy and his cronies wait outside the door until they come out). As square634 said, the movie basically ruins the whole premise of the Room of Requirement. And as I'm sure you recall, that room is important in book 6! ;)

This was somewhat touched on when Umbridge had Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Luna, and Neville in her clutches prior to their Ministry of Magic rescue mission. She requested that Snape bring the Veritaserum -- to which Snape replied that Umbridge had already used all of his stores of it, particluarly on Ms. Cho. (Now that I think about this, did I mis-hear this? Shouldn't he have said "Ms. Chang"? Need to see the movie again.....)

I would imagine (although we didn't see the scene in the book or movie) that once the student (Cho's friend in the book/Cho in the movie) gave up the Room of Requirement and it's secret, it would be quite easy for Umbridge to find it and the DA. All she'd have to do is walk past the RoR and think/state "I need to find that room and catch those students red-handed!". My 2 knuts. ;)


Witchy

[BritFan]

I'm sorry, but anybody with any sense of story telling knew it was gonna get really nasty at some point from the word go. The story opens with the BRUTAL MURDER of Harry's parents, by a wizard who is responsible for the BRUTAL MURDERING OR MAIMING of many other people. All the while, they hint, very strongly, that said dark wizard will be returning in the near future...

Did these people think that this time around, Voldemort was going to hold country dances and hand out free lemonade and hug everyone and pay it forward?? Jesus tapdancing Christ, people are thick.

But then again, Roger Ebert DID write Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. He's got cred when it comes to story telling. :rolleyes:

LOVED the use of the word "thick" right there ;)

[The Wedge]

This was somewhat touched on when Umbridge had Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Luna, and Neville in her clutches prior to their Ministry of Magic rescue mission. She requested that Snape bring the Veritaserum -- to which Snape replied that Umbridge had already used all of his stores of it, particluarly on Ms. Cho. (Now that I think about this, did I mis-hear this? Shouldn't he have said "Ms. Chang"? Need to see the movie again.....)



Witchy

Just saw it, finally, and he says Ms. Chang.

This could have been awesome if the director had not have decided to purposefully make this the shortest movie. What a stupid, arbitrary decision. I would have been pissed if I were Rowling. He had no other reason to do so than he could. It causes things to get thrown in because they just had to...like Kreacher. Or Percy being Fudge's aide. Only people who read the books, or have REALLY good memory and eyes (since I don't think we've even seen Percy since Chamber of Secrets in the movies) would spot that. Or Tonks being in the movie for no apparent reason.

I did a couple of nice things. They were really pushing Ron/Hermione this time, probably realizing that the previous movies did more to push Harry/Hermione. I also loved watching Ginny in the background. Like right before Harry kisses Cho, and everyone starts leaving the room. Good stuff there. Plus, they show how powerful she is, but they aren't like "wow Ginny, you're powerful!"

[Elbren]

Just saw it today.

I have to say, I can't tell if I liked it or not. The movie covered most of the "main" points of the book, but seems to fall short with the little things.

- Percy. Shows him with Fudge, but never really explains anything about him. His reasons for being with Fudge, his current problems with his family, etc. They don't even bother mentioning him by name. If you didn't read the book, he just seems like a random extra for the film.

- DA. Never explains how/why they named themselves "Dumbledores Army". You don't even know it until Umbridges/Fudges confrontation with Dumbledore.

- No mention of Sirius' brother, Regulus or his relationship to Tonks or even the Malfoy's.

- No mention of Trelawney being the one who foresaw the 'Prophecy'.

- No mention of Mrs. Dursley's promise to Dumbledore to take care of Harry.

- No mention of how/why the Dementor's attacked Harry or how Umbridge ordered it. (very big omition in my opinion)

- little/no screen time for Cho. One second Harry likes her, the next he's kissing her, the next second after that, he's mad at her and you never see her again. Not much depth there at all. Seemed like they only included Cho in this film to show Harry's 'first kiss'.

I guess these aren't 'make or brake' type things, but (with the exception of Cho's storyline) they could have easily been included with a minute or less of screen time. Tonks, Kingsley, etc. are just there with no real explanation of who they are. I guess overall, I have to agree with Wedge. This film seemed too short for no other reason than the director wanted it that way. Makes me a bit weary considering he's signed on to do Half-Blood Prince.

[Elbren]

Another thing that really bugged me was the Room of Requirement. They "just happen" to stumble upon it ... a hidden room they've neither seen nor heard of, but somehow they immediately know WHAT it is, what it's for, HOW it works and the name of the room??

Would it really have hurt to have had Dobby in the movie for 2 minutes?? :confused: Just very odd decisions by this director.