Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I've never quite understood the Harry Potter juggernaut. I've now seen three of the five films, and I find them fairly indistinguishable. Schoolkids challenging the establishment, innocents against bullies, forces of good battling evil, all set in an ooh- and aah-inspiring world of sorcery and magic. Yes, it sounds promising. But I've always found an overabundance of mind-numbing noise in these films. Take away the effects and what you are left with is something fairly familiar. Of course, this is true of many movies. But few films are hyped so much. 

In this latest instalment of the series, there is growing concern at Hogwarts Academy about the return of the Dark Lord Voldemort. Mean-while, the Ministry of Magic sends down a persnickety representative who curbs the use of practical magic. Harry, however, slyly prepares Dumbledore's army to face off against Voldemort while also discovering that he and Voldemort are somehow psychically connected. Kids, I imagine, will like the predictable spectacle. But there's little here for adults. The film is conspicuous for its lack of wit and humor.

Harry and his mates are just human props for a story that I found bland and sleep-inducing. And, unfortunately, actor Daniel Radcliffe has almost outgrown the cute little boy audiences have learned to love. As I stared hopelessly at the screen, I wondered what this poor young actor will do after the Harry Potter series, ostensibly a pinnacle for a child actor. As my eyes inevitably glazed over, I pondered various options for him. Perhaps he would write his memoirs, "Being Harry" and promote them by being the opening act for Tony Blair on the lecture circuit. Or perhaps some clever British filmmaker could make a documentary entitled Harry at 14, Harry at 21 Harry at 28 and so forth charting the adjustment to a life apres Potter. Whatever happens, I wish him luck and hope he stays out of rehab.

I brought my wife along to the press screening. She's read some of the books and is not the Potterphobe that I am. But after 2 hours, I had to leave her to suffer by herself. I eventually found it more satisfying doing some grocery shopping in the adjacent supermarket 's the only good thing about having multiplexes in shopping malls.