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Our Revue Continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Written by Jonathan Jacobs

Book Five, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the best novel J.K. Rowling has written. Ironically, it is probably the worst movie of the franchise. The book offers nearly 800 pages of rich and splendid detail that flows like a waterfall downstream. Year five (the film version) begins with Harry fending off two rogue dementors in plain daylight and in front of his lousy cousin, a muggle. The Ministry of Magic, led by the deluded Cornelius Fudge, holds a virtual show trial with an all hands on deck jury.

Fudge’s goal is to discredit Dumbledore and to restrict Harry from continuing his studies. Once absolved of any wrongdoing, the boy who lived (and peed, and showered, and a whole host of other really cool magical activities) returns to Hogwarts for the most important academic year yet. Year five’s OWLS (ordinary wizarding level tests) are dreadfully important to wizarding students as they are in the process of choosing a lifelong career in the magical community. Harry, Hermione, and Ron suffer sundry intractable obstacles as they relentlessly study for these tests.

While Dumbledore is under suspicion from Voldemort’s cronies at the Ministry, a “High Inquisitor” is sent to Hogwarts to amend rules and the week out all undesirable professors. This would be the shrill, oompa loompa Dolores Umbridge (played by the talented Imelda Stauton) seeks to displace Harry and his followers. She is the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher as well and her mission is to suppress students from learning how to defend themselves against dark wizards whom she insists do not exist. While Umbridge is busy causing chaos at Hogwarts, Harry is having visions of Voldemort’s actions. Mr. Weasley is savagely attacked and survives only because of Harry’s ability to monitor Voldemort. This ability causes Dumbledore to have Professor Snape teach Harry “occlumency” which refers to a wizard’s ability to block out all invaders from one’s private thoughts. Voldemort is trying to use Harry as a vehicle for destroying Dumbledore.

As usual, Malfoy and his dimwitted cronies are hellbent on disturning the Gryffendors all year long. Arguably, the most essential development in year five is Harry’s willingness to teach other students how to defend against dark wizards and witches. Together with Neville, Cho, Hermione, Fred, George, Ron, Luna Lovegood, and a host of others, Harry forms a secret group of student wizard practitioners known as D.A. or Dumbledore’s Army. They practice jinxes, curses and defensive magic in the Room of Requirement. My favorite scenes involve the oft-absent Hagrid’s forays into the forest with his brother, the massive giant. Ginny Weasley accepts a bigger role as Harry and Cho have a serious falling out.

Harry’s dreams mostly involve a room as the Ministry containing glowing glass orbs. It turns out there is a prophecy housed in a special room that can only be retrieved by Harry himself. Voldemort and his growing arms of Death Eaters will stop at nothing to lure Harry in for the kill. As Harry becomes attached to his godfather, Serius presents the perfect bait for the Dark Lord. Harry risks losing everything by trying to play the part of the ultimate hero.

As I originally stated, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a wonderful novel, but an all too abridged movie in which blame is shifted, details are ignored, and key plot points go unmentioned. Overall, I recommend the novel but must give very little encouragement for the film.