'Harry Potter and The Order of The Phoenix'

Got to see ‘Harry Potter and The Order of Phoenix’ today. Though I am not a Harry Potter follower by any means (have still to read a book on him), I found the film ......hmmmm.......quite ‘enjoyable’. The story starts with the interference of the Minister of Magic in the affairs at Hogwarts, and a sort of cold wave of suspicion runs through every character of eminence. Minister Cornelius Fudge believes Dumbledore is set to overtake him and for this he is secretly organizing his own army of wizards. So he sends his trusted lieutenant, the detestable Dolores Umbridge who promptly introduces a reign of draconian laws and suffocating regulations in Hogwarts. She gives one the creeps with her eerie smiles and Elizabethan frowns. In one word she is instantly ‘hate-able’. Full marks to her.

Then the expected turn of events is initiated as conspiracies are unearthed. He-who-should-not-be-named is named with gay abandon. Talking letters, Centaurs, giants, broomsticks, secret chambers and fireworks brighten up one’s mood for a while. The first-half drags a little. The second part is no respite as a sort of detailed narrative is attempted by the director, perhaps driven by a sudden realization to stick to the story. Almost in a military-camp manner.

Yes, Harry gets his first kiss (God knows what’s so sensational about it?).

And as a gross mutilation/diversion of/from the story Cho Chang is nothing close to beautiful. Leave alone being the most glamorous girl in the world as given in the story.

Then like a teenage fling it all subsides midst the gathering clouds of war.

And here approaches the moment I was eagerly looking forward to.

The Showdown.

But naahhhh, nothing like that.

Dumbledore steals all the thunder from Harry. He wards off Voldemort and saves the day.

Sirius Black vanishes into oblivion (he dies in the wand-skirmish) and Harry loses his only family left, his beloved godfather. The story ends with happy faces and an enlightened Fudge who dismisses Umbridge. Dumbledore is re-instated and ‘The Prophecy’ discussed.

THE END.

I actually came out of the theatre trying to convince myself that I had liked the movie. But I hadn’t.

No qualms about that.

But who cares?

I would have thumped my forehead in mock-disdain if I would have had to pay the astronomical150 Rupees (considering non-multiplex rates in my city are much cheaper) for a second day show of the film.

God be thanked that it was a dear friend of mine who arranged for the free-passes.