After the massive- and expected success of ‘Goblet of Fire’- another well-earned year long break followed in the Harry Potter film franchise.
Next in line to film was ‘Order of the Phoenix’. There was one big problem though; the book was massive…and not because of it being a hit but because of it being a very thick book; there was basically a lot of stuff in it.
It was a problem that Warner Bros had to face. They obviously couldn’t appease everyone so only the important stuff was remained in the final film. The result was that the film adaptation of ‘Order of the Phoenix’ was a lot better than the actual book it was based on. Not to mention much shorter!
The story starts off with Harry sitting at the local park remembering the events from the previous film ‘Goblet of Fire’ in which Cedric died. It isn’t before long before his cousin Dudley starts tormenting Harry about him talking in his sleep.
Harry has had enough by this point. Angrily, Harry points his wand at Dudley, threatening to curse him. That is until the sky around the two cousins goes dark. Dudley is clearly terrified. “Stop doing it!” Dudley tells Harry. “It’s not me” Harry tells him, knowing full well what is happening; the dementors have arrived.
Unlike Harry, Dudley can’t see them. Harry drags a frightened Dudley into a nearby tunnel, hoping for safety from them. That is until they’re finally attacked by the terrifying dark creatures. Harry has no choice; he has to use magic even though it’s forbidden during the holidays. After saving Dudley from the dementors, Harry drags a tired Dudley back home. Harry’s aunt and uncle are immediately freaked out at what has happened to Dudley and Harry’s uncle immediately blames Harry. That is when a letter arrives by owl for Harry telling him that he is to stand trial or be expelled. “Justice!” his uncle says triumphantly at him.
Like the other films, ‘Order of the Phoenix’ was met with massive success at the box office. I also enjoyed it but sadly, it was to be the last Harry Potter film that I ever saw at the cinema as I had to stop going due to being badly bullied at school about liking the series and I had just about had enough of the bullying by then.
Like with the other films, the effects still hold up to this day. I also agree with a lot of people that the film version of ‘Order of the Phoenix’ was better than the book, especially since the scenes at the Ministry of Magic always confused me when I got to that part in the book.
Over all, yet another worthy addition in the Harry Potter series and for once, a film that was better than the book.
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