Harry gets even more help from Luna Lovegood, played by newcomer Evanna Lynch who beat out more than 15,000 other girls for the coveted role. Yes, Harry still endures mistreatment from his Aunt and Uncle Dursley, played by Fiona Shaw (The Avengers, My Left Foot) and Richard Griffiths (Sleepy Hollow, Naked Gun 2½) plus his bratty and now bulky cousin Dudley.
The entire school stirs after Harry’s controversial encounter and the aftermath of the last installment where he faced the ultimate antagonist whose name begins with “V”. This public scrutiny eventually arrives at Hogwarts and its headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, again played by seasoned actor Michael Gambon (Gosford Park). Dumbledore gets support from his Hogwarts faculty including Rubeus Hagrid, well played by Robbie Coltrane (Goldeneye) and Minerva McGonagall, professor and deputy headmistress at Hogwarts School for Wizardy, played by Maggie Smith (Hook).
Alan Rickman (DieHard, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves) returns as Professor Severus Snape and Imelda Staunton adds to the faculty as Dolores Umbridge who has an authority power trip. Tom Felton again plays Draco Malfoy, a jealous antagonist closer to Harry’s age who challenges Harry and his notoriety in the academic world of Harry’s Hogwarts adversary.
Malfoy’s father, played by Jason Isaacs (The Patriot) also factors in prominently, along with a new character named Bellatrix Lestrange, played by Helena Bonham Carter. Last, but certainly not least, “the one that begins with V”, played in full form by Ralph Fiennes (Red Dragon, The English Patient).
Overall, this film produces a steady flood of emotion as the audience closely journeys along with the characters, creating a solid film experience. Recommended and rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images. The next installment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is slated for release on November 21, 2008 and will also be directed by Yates.
Article comments
1 - Aashna Bisht
David Yates proved himself as a talented director by directing the film so wonderfully.He took out the most he could from Daniel,Ruphert and Emma.The movie was well directed and is one of the best of all the other parts.Thumbs up to Yates!!!