“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’’
Rated PG-13
Now playing
*** 1/2

THE MOVIE: After the big disappointment that was “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,’’ “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’’ had a lot of making up to do. Although the film was better than “Goblet of Fire,’’ it definitely did not measure up to the phenomenal novel. Like other novel-to-film adaptations, there were many details deleted from the “Order of the Phoenix,’’ which made the film go by extremely fast. This is understandable, however, since the writers had to adapt an 870-page (in the U.S. version) novel to a 2-hour-and-18-minute movie.

(Photo: Brendan Gleeson is Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody and Natalia Tena is Nymphadora Tonks in "Order of the Phoenix." Credit: Murray Close -- Warner Bros.)

THE ACTORS: The acting and casting were phenomenal, as usual. Imelda Staunton did a brilliant job at capturing the humorous, yet cruel, habits of Dolores Umbridge, while Helena Bonham Carter brought a new insanity to her character, Bellatrix Lestrange. Also, Evanna Lynch gave a great performance as Luna Lovegood (“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’’ is her first film). An issue in the acting department, or perhaps in the screenplay, was the lack of anger one got from Harry. Harry is extremely angry, all of the time, in the novel, especially when Sirius dies; however, there is a sense of apathy throughout Daniel Radcliffe’s portrayal of Harry. When the film ends, one sees Harry as normal; however, not angry about Sirius’ death, unlike in the novel.

SPECIAL EFFECTS: The visuals of the film were amazing, and were probably one of the best aspects of the film. The sets and the special effects brought J.K. Rowling’s vision of the wizarding world to life. A most notable scene was the one in which Fred and George Weasley leave the school with a splash, by throwing firecrackers while the fifth years are taking their O.W.L.s. Another notable scene is the climax, in which Harry and his gang travel to the Department of Mysteries and fight the Death Eaters.

KLEENEX MOMENTS: Although the film could have done a better job of touching the audience, there were a few tear-jerking moments. The scene in which Bellatrix Lestrange murders Sirius Black is one of the most emotional moments in all five of the films, and it was done brilliantly. One also gets to see the struggles that Harry has faced, throughout all five of the films, when Voldemort possesses Harry. The scene is touching, and gives the moviegoer a sense of sympathy toward Harry.

THE BOTTOM LINE: “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’’ was not a disappointment, and it is definitely worth seeing. However, it may leave a few novel-fanatics feeling bewildered because of the deletion of some of the details.

-- Roberto Rodriguez, Santa Teresa High, San Jose