Mood: Impressed
Hubby and I went to see Order of the Phoenix tonight, and since he's the Potter nerd, I'll let him take over:
Hubby here. Overall, I think we both really enjoyed the film, but as the Potter afficionado (I prefer that term to nerd) a number of things stuck out. The film was very well done, and a number of the necessary changes from the book succeeded well, especially the portrayal of Luna Lovegood. One of the reviews I've read says that the producers must not have searched for an actress, but instead must have just shaken the pages of book 5 until Luna fell out, stood up, and asked to be called Evanna Lynch. She was hysterical.
It's clear to me that the screenwriter made the decision to keep a central thread running through the story; that being Harry's concern that he is becoming more like Voldemort, a thread which isn't really present in the book, and it seems that some things got sacrificed in service of this thread. What's puzzled me is that I don't really understand the reason behind some of these things being excised, and I think that about 5 minutes could be added to the length of the film which would have made this film go from being well done to being the finest film in the series to date.
I'll do my best not to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it yet, but my impression is that the ending seems rushed, and the drama present in the climax of the book (particularly the revelation of the prophecy and the final battle) isn't as well executed, though I think the emotional impact is still there. The inclusion of Kreacher is good to see, but his importance in the plot is eliminated which then necessitates removing Snape's positive action at the end (and also defers the question of his ultimate loyalty). Other pieces are less puzzling, and more simply a case of what seems like lazy writing. The inclusion of a spell that isn't present until the 6th book stands out in particular.
Despite these nitpicks, I absolutely recommend the film. The highs in this film are the highest the series has ever been. The DA meetings in particular shine as perfectly executed. If you're not as bloody-minded about the books, you'll definitely enjoy it as much as I have if not more.
One final word to the screenwriters. I would suggest that as we approach the amazement that is the 6th book, and the as yet unseen 7th book, it's increasingly important to minimize deviations from the text. Some of the deviations in this film really pulled me away from the magic of the universe, and I would hate for the same to be true in Half Blood Prince, or in the ultimate conclusion.
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