Harry Potter and the Order of the Amazing Actresses

The outcome of the movie was inevitable. With the largest book published which has been put to the silver screen having the shortest movie time yet, I knew I would come away being disappointed. Still, I was pleased about a few things and shocked at others. As usual, the performances of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson were solid and seamless given what they had to work with; after all, you can hardly blame an actor for a screenplay. Despite the predictability with what I consider to be the "Potter Empire" at this point, I was very surprised with what I did see in three actresses.

Evanna Lynch: Luna Lovegood
A young actress I have never seen prior to this movie, I was - quite frankly - shocked with the ease in which this girl takes on the character of Luna Lovegood and truly delivers. Before the movie I was fully expecting this character to be blown out of proportion to what my mind has as an impression from the book. Evanna Lynch surpassed all expectations. I find it rare that young actors or actresses have the ability to reach the depth that Lynch did. You may find yourself asking what it is that I'm talking about that commands such a rave review. Her mix of acceptance, strangeness (although this was not elaborated on in the movie, sadly), and tenderness toward both Harry and the threstles without causing romantic tension (of which this movie had in spades in some parts) really had me pleased with her performance. It seemed spot-on compared to the books and I hope to see this actress in the future if she can take on characters like this and not try to overcompensate - to simply be the character that she was called upon to be. Terrific job by Ms. Lynch, but of course, hamstrung which leaves me sad that I could not see this character more given that I think she could have really delivered us a great show.

Helena Bonham Carter: Bellatrix Lestrange
I've heard a lot of babble regarding this actress, mainly surrounding her looks instead of her incredible acting ability, but in the Order of the Phoenix, Helena Bonham Carter really delivers. Perhaps her notable performance in 'Fight Club' helped her to pull this one off so perfectly, but I cannot think of a better actress to play Bellatrix Lestrange, certainly not after what I've seen. Despite the fact that, as I keep harping on about, the performance was so brief given what could have been done. Carter is able to convey the depth of barely-controlled insanity: sometimes radiating hate and evil, and other times sinking into a cuteness which is reminiscent of the killer rabbit of Caerbannog (Monty Python and the Holy Grail). Her childlike psychopathy really brings depth to the character when the time allotted for this movie could not. Although I am not a fan of typecasting, if there is a need in the script for a female who can, via insanity, do things that women should not, Ms. Carter can deliver.

Natalia Tena: Nymphadora Tonks
Normally I snarl when actors and actresses are talked about in terms of physical critiques instead of their acting talent (or lack of it), but Natalia Tena blew my mind. She plays the entirely-too-chopped-off role of (let us not call her Nymphadora) Tonks well, but the depth of this character with the acting skills of Tena will never be truly known (until, possibly, the next Potter movie) because the screenplay gave her hardly any room to introduce herself, much less come into her own. Still, what scraps she did have she handled very well and showed the character as much as, I suppose, she could. I hope in the next movie she will be allowed to really breathe into the character the depth that is needed for the ongoing storyline. To be frank and go against my own movie-critiquing principles, she is a very beautiful woman who I believe will be able to handle the character of Tonks if she's given the lines to do so. Here's hoping one of my favourite characters will get more than just a few frame stills for those fixated on her physique.

Ultimately I couldn't stand this movie for one simple principle - although I applaud J.K. Rowling for her extensive work to promote reading, creativity, and education in many countries - I was left feeling like if you haven't read the book you simply will not get the storyline at all. My brain kept filling in the details from the book in all the blank spots that the movie created. I am glad to see screenplay writer Michael Goldenberg not be used for the next movie, with Steve Kloves (who wrote the screenplay for every other Potter movie) coming back.