Review of Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix - 7.13.2007.1

Switching gears to something less serious than my more recent posts, there is the new Harry Potter movie. It’s a good film. Very enjoyable, and I don’t understand why so many mention how dark the film is.

This film in the series is more action based, and unlike the other films there are more questions than answers. The time at Hogwart’s passes very quickly, going from fall to winter with stunning speed. We jump time a lot in this film, and it leaves you with a feeling at times that something was rushed past. Even with those occasional moments you still can enjoy the film (just don’t have a couple of young teens behind you).

But with the return of most old favorites, we get to see less of all of them. The series has so many characters, that most of the supporting characters are given just bites of time on screen. At several points you wish that they could explain one more sentence, or do one more thing. It’s not that the roles are played badly, in fact all maintain the nature of their characters well. It’s that, for me, the film created far more questions than answers.

Once you leave the film you might be left with questions regarding several of the background characters. Chen, Ron’s sister (took me half the film to figure out who she was – the girl has grown), Ron & Hermione. That’s just off the top. The most questions are with Harry of course. Beyond the questions that are obviously there because the story is still ongoing, I was left with several others.

**Spoiler Alert – This is directly stating something from the movie that may take away from scenes in the film – You have been warned.**

Harry is a strong wizard. We know because he has done several spell well above not only his level but several adults. We see how he can learn a powerful spell quickly, mastering it enough to take on a major character in the film. But in seeing him actually fight I was so disappointed. The entire movie implies he is much stronger and capable than what we him actually do. It was a bit of a let down in his one-on-one fight. The other odd thing is how do you fly on an invisible creature?

So overall I enjoyed the film. I love the fact that this is perhaps one of the most racially, and ethnically diverse films ever. I liked the wizard battles. It was great to see almost all the old characters back But there were a lot of things that left me with questions, beyond those with Harry. And the actually ending just seemed to abrupt.

Is it worth seeing in a theater? Yes, much like Live Free or Die Hard, this film is worth the money to see on a big screen first. Is it worth seeing 2x? Maybe, the wizard battle definitely though.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Worth the ticket, Live Free or Die Hard - 6.28.2007.1

You need to see Live Free or Die Hard. I saw the film last night and it is well worth the money.

In an interview with Mr. Bill O’Rielly, Mr. Bruce Willis mentions that this is a visual rollercoaster rider, and he was correct. Almost from the very first scene this move starts running Like a cable modem connection, making most of the other films this year look like they were on a dial-up connection. Especially when you watch “Spider-boy” in action.


Mr. Willis’s John McCane has gotten a bit older, and life has slowed down a bit, but he definitely isn’t some old foggy. He still has trouble with the women in his life, and like many technology is well beyond him. He can still kick ass with the best of them, definitely someone you want on your side.

Let’s not forget that McClane is a New York Police Detective. That should be warning enough for the PC police out there. One of the funniest and most memorable lines is so outrageous it has me in stitches, while many in the movie theater gasped, not sure what to do. The line is just funny, and sadly it will ruin it if I tell you here.

There is enough action to satisfy any fan of the Die Hard series. Like the previous films almost every scene is realistic. There are one or 2 things that just can’t happen, but while you are watching them unfold you don’t care. Only one thing makes you go “how did he do that” a split second before you just go”ow” out loud. In fact there are manybe a dozen scenes where everyone will cringe out loud. Not because it’s graphic, but because you can feel the pain. Some of the action just had to hurt.

I love the fact that unlike most movie action heroes, McClane takes a beating as good as he gives. The man is a Timex watch. To bad for the bad guys that there is no digital analog.

While all this is going on, a pretty strong statement is made about national security, the differences between the generations in terms of technology, and the general apathy that many of the youth have today. It’s not a sermon, the points are made and the movie keeps moving. It works, you get the message and aren’t taken out of the film.

Some may recall that Mr. Willis’s character John McClane is a father of a son and daughter. You might imagine that his kids wouldn’t be the average kid considering their father and his propensity to have less than traditional hoilidays. If you think that, you won’t be disappointed.

I really can’t say too much more, or you may call 1-800-henchman on me. Suffice to say that I plan on seeing this again. This will probably be the #1 summer movie of the year, and it should be.

This is what I think, what do you think?