When I drove into work this morning I listened to Kenneth Turan's review of "Order of the Phoenix", the new Harry Potter movie coming out. It seemed to me that he wasn't quite sure what movie he was reviewing because he says:
"It's a cog in a brisk, well-oiled machine, the fifth in a seven-film series, and it unfolds like a chapter in the world's longest-running serial."
Well...DUH! That's exactly what it is.
He goes on to complain:
"Phoenix may be thinned down from the series' longest book, but it can't shake an episodic feeling that makes it difficult to develop momentum. Though many of its elements are strong, it finally can't transcend being a way station in an epic journey — a journey whose cinematic conclusion is several years in the future."
I wrote it off as one bad review, and forgot about it, until I read this review.
" "Order of the Phoenix" sticks safely and at times monotonously to the Potter formula: Show a bit of Harry's drab summer among his heartless Muggle relations, branch off into a magical interlude, then land him back at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, where the same old issues resurface — classmate rivalry, teacher trouble, and a slow build toward another showdown with Voldemort."
Riiiiiggghhhhttttt. Isn't that what the book is? Isn't that what the movie should portray? Perhaps they were expecting "Brokeback Hogwarts":
"The stunning visuals provide a backdrop to the sweeping love story between Hagrid and Harry. This "beauty and the beast" reimagining of Harry Potter has it all. Romance, passion, leather. This is the real magic we have been missing..."
This is not a fairy tale ripe for interpretation, or reinvention. The critics seem dismayed that the director hasn't taken any steps away from the book when that's what the fans are clamoring for.
The AP review goes on to comment:
"Familiarity is not quite breeding contempt for Harry and his friends and enemies. But it's starting to breed indifference"
Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Borders have all reported that more orders have been placed for the final Harry Potter book than any other in their history. Bookstores are staying open until 3am to sell the book to massive crowds. The movie's already selling out showings around the world. That doesn't sound like indifference to me.
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