Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Featuring: Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Ralph Fiennes (Lord Voldemort), Imelda Staunton (Dolores Umbridge), David Bradley (Argus Filch), John Cleese (Nearly Headless Nick), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid), Alfie Enoch, Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Pam Ferris (Aunt Marge), Michael Gambon
Director: David Yates (feature debut)
Producer: David Barron, David Heyman, Tim Lewis, Lionel Wigram
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

REVIEWS OF OTHER HARRY POTTER MOVIES

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001)

“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (2002)

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004)

“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005)

“The rebellion begins”

The fifth installment of the Harry Potter films finds the wizarding world divided over the tragic events surrounding the close of the previous school year. After Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) returned from the portkey during the Tri-Wizard Tournament claiming that the Dark Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) had returned to bodily form, the Ministry of Magic began to promote the idea that Harry and anyone who believed his story were liars. Meanwhile, a small contingent of witches and wizards revived an alliance that had opposed Lord Voldemort fourteen years before: The Order of the Phoenix.

In the midst of all of this, Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) return to Hogwarts only to find that the conflict is intergenerational. Already grief-stricken from witnessing the death of classmate Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson) and the return of Lord Voldemort, Harry is met with tremendous suspicion by the other students at Hogwarts. He finds himself isolated both by the lack of support from his peers as well as the grief he’s struggling to work through. To complicate matters, the Defense Against the Dark Arts teaching position has been filled by Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) whose sickeningly sweet appearance and public behavior masks a harsh disciplinarian with a vendetta against Albus Dumbledore, Hogwarts, and all those who maintain the belief that Lord Voldemort has returned. Since Professor Umbridge will only teach a ministry-approved curriculum, which does not include the use of magic in defense, a group of students turn to Harry, the only student with any real experience, to teach them to defend themselves. The group calls themselves “Dumbledore’s Army,” and begins to meet in secret in spite of the many decrees put in place by Umbridge. Together they prepare for whatever battle their future may hold.

The return of Lord Voldemort at the end of “The Goblet of Fire” marks a turn in the mood of the overall storyline. While there have been many dangerous moments for Harry in previous years, the wizarding world is now facing a real and living enemy so evil that most wizards refuse to speak his name aloud. As a result, the fifth book and movie are darker than those that have preceded it. A battle of enormous proportions between good and evil has begun. The gravity of the situation is a tremendous weight for The Order of the Phoenix to carry, and the stress is evident in their interactions and on their faces.

As with the previous Harry Potter books and movies, it is increasingly difficult to capture the level of detail in J.K. Rowling’s writing in a 138-minute film. While an avid Harry Potter reader may find that the movie manages to capture the overall events of the book, a viewer with no knowledge of the book is likely to be a bit lost in the plot. Additionally, detailed-oriented readers may find themselves frustrated with minor changes to the plot as it appears on-screen. Sadly, the limited time of the movie also allowed for little character and relationship development, so viewers must rely on very little information or their pre-existing knowledge of the story. Fans will likely find, regardless, that the directors have accurately captured the newcomers to the story, both human and non-human, from our imaginations and placed them before our eyes. Harry Potter fans will certainly consider this a must-see. As with most series, knowledge of the story and previous movies is a prerequisite for other viewers.

The Harry Potter books and movies have been controversial within the Christian community since they first became so widely popular. The primary objections to this series are without a doubt still present. (The previous four Harry Potter movie reviews cover these objections in great detail.) Harry and his friends are still wizards and witches, and they still have a tendency to knowingly defy the rules in the name of the greater good, often without direct consequences. If it is this sort of material that offends, then know that it is definitively present in typical Harry Potter fashion. There are still bad witches and wizards who will perform the “unforgivable” curses, there are more battles with magic, and Fred and George Weasley (James and Oliver Phelps) are as unruly as usual. Additionally, Harry receives his first kiss (which is rather extended for a first kiss), and the introduction of Dolores Umbridge brings up new issues of being under the authority of someone who is quite cruel in her punishments.

On the other hand, this movie creates multiple opportunities for later discussions of some deep moral issues. For instance, in one discussion with Harry, Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch ) reminds Harry that he’s not alone in his struggles, but that Lord Voldemort would like Harry to believe that he is isolated because he’s not much of a threat alone. For a Christian, the greatest enemy, Satan, often works in the same way. By isolating a believer and convincing him that he is alone in the battle, Satan leaves him weak and defenseless. Thankfully, we can be confident as believers that Christ never leaves nor forsakes us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and we have the fellowship of other believers to encourage us as we battle against the Evil One.

[ Is Satan a real person that influences our world today? Is he affecting you? Answer ]

Harry’s godfather, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), also raises a very theological issue during a conversation in which Harry worries that he’s becoming evil. Sirius’s advice to Harry is to recognize that each person has both good and evil in him, but what matters is which he chooses to act on. While the characters of Harry and Sirius apparently do not know God, this capacity for good or evil that Sirius refers to is a Biblical concept. Though a Christian is forgiven of his sins, he still has the freedom to choose to sin again in the future. Fortunately, the Bible tells us that “If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been freed from sin” (Romans 6:5-7; see also Ephesians 4:22-24). We can rest assured that we are not slaves to sin, and therefore we are free to choose to act in a godly way in all that we do.

[SPOLIER WARNING FOR THIS PARAGRAPH] One topic with spiritual implications that is especially apparent in this film is that of death. Throughout the movie many of the characters, Harry most specifically, are struggling with the murder of Cedric Diggory. Then, merely a year later, Harry again witnesses another murder, only this time it hits closer to home. Harry loses the only family he’s ever known when Sirius is killed by Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter). This murder takes place within the Ministry of Magic. The room contains an archway which appears empty and quiet to Hermione, who has not experienced a death in her life, yet Harry can hear voices coming from the archway. When Sirius is murdered, he steps through this archway and disappears. While it’s not perfectly clear what the archway represents, there is an implication that an afterlife exists for those in the wizarding world.

This portion of the story provides excellent fodder for a discussion of the certainty Christians have regarding spending eternity in Heaven after death. We know that a place has been prepared for us in Heaven (John 14:1-3), and that by believing in Christ we “will not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Are you going to Heaven? Are you SURE you know the answer this extremely important question? Or have you made some common wrong assumptions? Find out now!
Undoubtedly there are many more spiritual issues within the plot of this movie, including even an overarching discussion of the battle between good and evil. Despite the usual objections that accompany fantasy involving witches and wizards, there was surprisingly little crude language in the movie. The PG-13 rating is well deserved, however, as there are numerous scary images and an intense wizard battle. Please be aware of this for young and sensitive children; this is not a family film.

The bottom-line is that fans of the Harry Potter books and movies will likely enjoy this latest installment. Those who have not seen the first four movies or have not read the books will find little enjoyment in this film. Additionally, those who previously avoided and boycotted Harry Potter for the associations with witchcraft and the occult should continue to avoid the movie because those premises have not changed. If you choose to see this movie with children, it will be important to take the opportunity to discuss the spiritual matters afterward. There is certainly ample material to create a “teachable moment.”

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Difficult times lie ahead, Harry.

Producer’s Synopsis: “In his fourth year at Hogwarts, Harry faces his greatest challenges and dangers yet. When he is selected under mysterious circumstances as a contestant in the Triwizard Tournament, Harry must compete against the best young wizards from schools all over Europe. But as he prepares, signs begin to point to the return of Lord Voldemort. Before long, Harry is playing not just for the Cup, but for his life.”

Harry where did you go? It’s like the whole movie is hiding under that stupid invisible cloak.

I thought Harry Potter was going somewhere, but this latest installment is hard to follow because it tries too hard to include everybody and everything from the first three. “Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire” spends so much time trying to recapture the success of it’s predecessor’s that it becomes long and often had me wishing it would hurry Harry up and get onto the real action!

I must stress these films are getting darker, more sinister and definitely more satanic in nature. In a nutshell, Harry Potter’s world has always been inherently chaotic. He became an orphan when his parents were killed by the evil wizard Voldemort. As the rest of the wizards didn’t want him to grow up under the vengeful eye of Voldemort, they left him on the doorstep of his human relatives, his strict and often abusive Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and his cousin Dudley. This idea, although meant to shield him from harm, turns out horribly. They make him live in the closet under the stairs and shower his cousin with all the love in the family. He never felt loved or accepted in any way, and he definitely didn’t feel he had any power to change his life.

On his 11th birthday, Harry gets a letter explaining that he has special powers he doesn’t know about. He is invited to study at Hogwarts School of Wizardry where, instead of being a ‘nobody,’ he is well respected. He meets lots of new friends, two in particular Hermione and Ron, who become like a real family to him. There, through all three preceding films, Harry has untold magical adventures.

Sounds great, huh?

Well, it’s not quite that simple. You see, Harry and all the friends in his imaginary world are witches and wizards. They try to do good things and defeat evil, but in reality, there is no such thing as a good witch or wizard. People who use witchcraft in the real world are not getting their power (if any) from God. The Bible tells us that any power that doesn’t come from God is evil. So, for our own protection, God tells us not to do these things:

Don’t sacrifice your sons or daughters in the fires on your altars. Don’t try to learn what will happen in the future by talking to a fortune teller or by going to a magician, a witch or a sorcerer. Don’t let anyone try to put magic spells on other people. Don’t let any of your people become a medium or a wizard. (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).

The actual Goblet of Fire is a sort of voting box into which names are placed by qualified students (absolutely no one under the age of 17) vying to be chosen from three select groups to be champions in the Tri-Wizard Tournament — a high echelon on the wizardry ladder. The winner takes home the coveted glowing prize: The Wizard’s Cup.

Somehow, on the day names are chosen by the Goblet of Fire, Harry’s name pops out as a fourth competitor. Everyone is shocked, especially Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), since he never even considered, much less placed his name as a contender in this grueling, dangerous and often fatal game. There is nothing that can be changed, and Harry, by rules and rights, has to play in the Tournament, as the Magical Contract is binding; once chosen you must play.

The rest of the chosen few are robust winners including from Durmstrang, girl-magnet Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianevski), undisputed Quidditch star — from Madame Maxime’s Beauxbatons, Miss Fleur Delacour (Clemence Poesy) with a knack for casting spells — and from Hogwarts comes Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson), upperclassman, and an all-around good guy.

14 year old Harry has some other problems as well—terribly disturbing dreams — he has to convince his best friend, Ron (not to mention other students and faculty), that he didn’t cheat to get into this mess — plus he has to measure up to the task of dancing, as the annual Yule Ball is fast approaching.

Harry secretly contacts Sirius Black to find answers to his dilemma. Sirius warns that there are devils within the walls of Hogwarts, and Harry is not safe.

The Tri-Wizard Tourney does bring in many new students from around the world. This is a valuable lesson in International Magical Cooperation and allows Harry to churn up a crush on a beautiful, raven-haired girl from another region of wizardry. Alas, when he gets up enough courage to ask her to the dance, she admits she likes him too, but has accepted a date from another guy.

Harry doesn’t waste much time in asking his second choice and encourages Ron (Rupert Grint) to do the same. Not apparent to many until the night of the Yule Ball itself is that Ron has wanted to ask Hermione (Emma Watson) all along and is extremely despondent when she arrives on the arm of the ace Tri-Tourney jock, Viktor Krum. Harry’s roommate Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) makes a touching entry into adulthood as we watch him change from class nerd into confident dancer and steadfast friend.

As for the adults, Michael Gambon’s Dumbledore has a greater presence in this film, but the Draco image is downsized to perhaps two lines while Professors McGonagall (Maggie Smith) and Snape (Alan Rickman) were forced to the back of the line, which was a disappointment to me as these characters always held the cast together. The gentle giant, Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) indulges in a romance with the even-taller-than-he, Madame Maxime (Frances de la Tour).

“Goblet” has two new additions in Brendan Gleeson as Dark Arts professor Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody (with a marble eye disturbingly rotating while peering out through a make-shift sling — something the younger viewers will probably have nightmares about — and Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter, a nosey tabloid journalist that writes all the wrong stuff.

The tournament’s three contests provide the excuse for breath-taking CGI “magic,” and it is a visual wonder. The CGI includes a very realistic Hungarian Horntail dragon perched angrily atop Hogwarts’ highest spire, an underwater world of beastly mermaids, and a maze of hungry mobile hedges. These are images with perhaps too-realistic staying power, which may keep little ones up all night (so Mom and Dad beware). These special effects aren’t just trendy, as in the horror film genre, but organic to the Harry Potter series’ more darkening tone.

It is from this point on that “Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire” deals with issues of romance, jealousy, revenge, peril and death with perhaps a heavier hand than some 14 year olds can endure. Shrouded in darkness from within the characters and the bleakly overcast weather without, this Harry Potter takes a grim form. The screen was so dark that I had a hard time telling one character from another.

I still do not approve of the PG-13 rating (adventure/fantasy) because of the threatening and malevolent images of violence, blood, emotional distress, death and of Voldemort, the devil himself! Ralph Fiennes plays the evil Voldemort (pale grey, bald, muscular, eerily noseless, and very unpleasant). This beast provides a jolt that promises to last the entire series (wherever that may lead), and to could give some children nocturnal panic. We hear the wail of a grieving father toward the end of the movie, it’s the first genuinely human moment in the “Harry Potter” films, but it is a haunting image and may cause distress in small kids.

There is a hint that spirits can be called up from the dead to save characters, and that dreams can be put together to form a bond with others, not like a prophet prophesies, but for conjuring evil. There is also a very dark and satanic comparison between the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and Voldemort (the devil) in a chant in a graveyard to summon Voldemort’s body from a “grave.” It goes a bit like this: “Bone of the fathers, flesh sacrificed, blood forcibly taken…” I, personally, took this as blasphemy.

Not that there isn’t any positive elements in this Potter edition: Harry uses more than magic to solve his problems. He uses his wits and knowledge of good and evil. Harry learns that a friend’s life is worth more than “the prize.” This tournament forces Harry to recognize his strengths, that we all must face our “dragons.” Others also see his “outstanding moral fiber.”

This Potter also takes us into the world of the adolescent at the verge of becoming an adult. It deals with and faces the challenge of first love, first date and the angst of the whole process. Dumbledore makes a relevant statement to his charges: “Soon, we must all choose between what is right and what is easy.” In the end they may not wind up happy in the “maze” of life, but they learn that “Although we come from different places and speak different tongues, our hearts beat as one.”

As in all Harry Potter films, Ron does utter a few words that are borderline problematic, such as: piss-off and bloody hell. Other than these, I couldn’t put my finger on any real foul language. I was more concerned with the images and all-around unchristian dark mood of this Potter drama.

My bottom line is to NOT take any child under 16 to this one, no matter what the rating states.

Many parents are naively unaware of the dangers of witchcraft, because they don’t know what the Bible says against it. Some Potter fans say these stories are not satanistic, but I do not agree. If it’s not from Satan, then who is it from? It’s definitely not from God, and that’s according to scripture.

I found in the World Dictionary the word “Wicca” which was connected with the word wicked, meaning evil, and also the word “witch.” So, as for the school of Hogwarts, I see it as a school of witchcraft. Sorry Potter fans, I know the books and these great movies are interesting and fun to watch or read, but we gotta call a duck a duck, no matter how the feathers are concealed. There’s this other dictionary, The Holy Bible, that has a lot to say against the practices of witchcraft that includes, sorcery, mediums, wizards, magic, etcetera. According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, a female sorcerer is a witch. According to Gal. 5:19-21, referring to those who practice sorcery it says. “Those who do such things shall NOT inherit the Kingdom of God.”

II Kings 23:24, Josiah cleaned up the land by doing away with all the practices that had to do with witchcraft.

Exodus 22:18, Witchcraft was forbidden. The Lord stated way back then that anyone who practiced these things would be killed. That’s pretty strong stuff. I think that would keep me away from evil!

Micah 5:12, The Lord said He would do away with witchcraft and the soothsayers.

Acts 8:9-13, read how Simon and Samaria were active in using witchcraft practices, then later saw the mistakes and became followers of Christ. Great story.

Acts 16:16-24, read about a young girl who was possessed with a spirit of divination, but later got saved!

My prayer is that anyone who becomes interested in witchcraft by watching or reading the Harry Potter series, will search the Scriptures first. Many of us, especially children and young teens, are unaware of the Biblical warning in Revelation 21:8 and 22:14-15 which includes the sorcerers. The verses end by saying, “all these shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” And again: “The blessed will have the right to the Tree of Life, but the lost, and the sorcerers and all those who have done wicked things, will have no part of Heaven.”

Even though I may not have approved of “Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire” on a Christian level, the Potter fans in the audience of this sold out theater gave it applause, cheers, and some a standing ovation. We must remember this and never disobey God by experimenting with witchcraft and magic. May God’s Law prevail in every heart and win! Harry Potter’s imaginary world may be exciting, but there is a real-life adventure that’s even more wonderful. It’s an adventure that God designed, and it’s waiting for you!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Featuring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, John Cleese
Director: Chris Columbus
Producer: David Heyman, Mark Radcliffe
Distributor: Warner Brothers

It is difficult to argue against success…almost impossible. J.K. Rowling’s four books have grossed over $100 million in sales. There are more than 700 tie-in products. The film has set and broken several records: it opened in a record 3,672 theaters, shown on a record 8,000 screens, breaking the record (once held by Star Wars: The Phantom Menace) for one-day sales at $32.9 million. It smashed the total weekend sales (once held by Jurassic Park: Lost World) at $93.5 million. I am sure it will reach $100 million in four days (beating the record now held by Star Wars: The Phantom Menace–which reached $100 mil in 5 days). Now Christian parents will have to decide if they can resist this new tidal wave of media pressure.

There is an on going literary debate surrounding the content of the stories. Christians are even divided on this very controversial issue. I know that I wrote a brief article for my weekly parents guide to the movies (which is published in a local paper) and I received a 4-page letter from a local clergy. Pat Robertson’s CBN News has been very outspoken regarding the content of the Harry Potter books as “evil and occultic”. Charles Colson on his radio show “Breakpoint” described the witchcraft in Harry Potter as “not real-life witchcraft that the Bible condemns”. He also said “the practices in the book are purely mechanical, as opposed to occultic.”

Jeremiah Films has described the series as “making evil look innocent”. Focus on the Family has posted an article in their Plugged-In magazine by Lindy Beam. She contends that adults can use the themes of the Harry Potter series as a tool for evangelism. Christianity Today and World Magazine has also given the book series recommendations and suggests that the themes of fantasy should not be taken literally. You can find an opinion to support whatever view you have on the subject.

I enjoy reading Fantasy and Science Fiction Literature. (In fact, I’m writing a series of Christian sci-fi spiritual warfare books called “The Hologram Investigator”). I’m well aware of the debate over children’s ability to separate fantasy from reality. The books, after all, have received an enthusiastic endorsement from the American Psychiatric Association. But I still struggle with the themes in the books and, now that I have seen the film, the straining seems even more intense.

First of all, I want to make one point very clear. Reading or watching Harry Potter will not send you to Hell. I just think that parents should use wise and well-founded discernment regarding the content of this product. I believe there is a vast difference between a story where the main character goes to a school for witches and wizards vs. the use of a wizard in The Hobbit and a witch in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I also think that the emphasis on magic is different than its use in the book A Wrinkle in Time. If you found those themes objectionable in the Harry Potter books–they are very convincing in the film.

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is the story of an orphan boy that lives in the cupboard under the stairs. He is being raised by his aunt and uncle, the Dursleys (Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw). They pamper their own son and abuse their nephew. Harry, however, is destined for greater things and has been selected to attend Hogwarts (a renowned school for wizards and witches). There Harry’s gifts begin to flourish and he finds out that he is especially good at Quidditch (a game involving flying brooms and four balls). Harry also begins to build friendships with Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). They are shown studying and practicing the occult like real students. The movie covers his first year in school. Harry has to learn how to separate his friends and his enemies, which is not always an easy task. The primary plot point surrounds a faculty member who is trying to steal the Sorcerer’s Stone. Harry also learns that a character named Voldemort murdered his parents and left the scar on his forehead.

There is plenty of suspense in this well-written story. This film succeeds in every possible way. I am sure it will walk away with no less than six Oscars. Director Chris Columbus did an outstanding job translating the story to the big screen. He set aside his ego and allowed Rowling to have a great deal of input in the project (a courtesy that many writers do not enjoy). Rowling even got to select many of the cast members. She also worked closely with Steven Kloves on the script. From the set design to the finished product, everyone wanted to satisfy Rowling’s reluctance to have her stories made into films. John Williams also conducted an outstanding musical score. His music brilliantly captured the personality of the characters and the mood of every scene. The special effects were well placed and not over-done.

My primary objection to the film and the story is the very strong and central theme of witchcraft. This is condemned clearly in Deuteronomy 18:10-12. Ephesians 5:11 says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” I plead with parents to use strong discernment regarding this film. Matt. 18:6 “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” My cautions are underscored by the fact that we are living in a day different than The Wizard of Oz. We are technologically “not in Kansas” anymore.

The Internet (which has numerous fan sites hyper-linked to Wiccan and Witchcraft sites) and this compelling visual film experience could be powerful enough to engage young minds to ponder “the dark side”. Many of the toy tie-ins promote spells (55 mentioned so far in the series) and witchcraft. Parents may want to wisely choose their “potter”.

What could be the consequences of placing the clay of young minds on Harry Potter’s wheel of fantasy? I do know that Warner Brothers is enjoying two gifts this Christmas. One, for the box office success and two, for a PG rating in a film that is extremely violent. I recommend that you resist this “Pied Piper” and skip it altogether. Alternately, I highly recommend the “Redwall” series by author Brian Jacques. I have suggested it as a reading alternative to several parents and they and their children have thanked me. If you can avoid the Harry Potter hype–you too may one day thank me.

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Featuring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Producer: David Heyman
Distributor: Warner Brothers

See reviews of previous Harry Potter movies:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
“Something wicked this way comes.”

Christian parents everywhere have been up in arms over the Harry Potter series and for good reason. Deuteronomy 18:10-14 is the banner under which all reasoning behind the obvious nervous reaction to these books and subsequent movies wave. We, as God fearing, loving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and all, have been running fitfully in front of J. K. Rowling, and whatever she may have to dish out next, protecting our children. With just cause, we are appalled by her relentless and eerily accurate depictions of witchcraft, spells and dark arts. She is declaring to our youngsters that this is merely harmless fantasy, when in stark reality witchcraft is a sin and no one will go blameless before the Lord who practices it. It is only just and right that we have the righteous urge to shield our children from practicing such acts and are worried they will become involved in things that God strictly forbids.

Yet, I make this series on film a must see for parents and any adult who has charge over the spiritual well being of children they love and wish to instruct in God’s laws about occultic practices and reliance on astrology instead of God for decision making! Do not let there be any misunderstandings between what the world says is good and evil, and what God declares is good and evil!

In this third installment Harry (Daniel Radcliffe ) has been growing up, and with his physical growth he has also found his voice. Standing on the brink of adult thoughts and feelings, he musters up the courage to denounce the horrible treatment of his adoptive family and runs away. He is then picked up and whisked away on the enchanted Knight Bus “for stranded witches and wizards” and dropped off at The Leaky Cauldron pub where Harry is informed he must stay in order to be safe.

This beginning is not much different than many fairy tales we all grew up with. All kids on the brink of their teen years long to be free and be the one in power instead of their parents or teachers. It is how we use this fledgling power to be in control that makes all the difference.

And so, Harry returns to Hogwarts for his third year (like being a sophomore in high school) and is reunited with his friends Ron (a sweet and slightly goofy Rupert Grint), and Hermione (ever brave, ever studious Emma Watson), along with the familiar faculty. Immediately, the excitement begins as new creatures and a brand new adventure ensues.

I like the characters for what they are. They depict loyalty, friendship and sacrifice. It is the story in which these characters dwell that has stirred up such turmoil. The “Prisoner of Azkaban” is darker and more grown up. All the characters in this continuing saga must grow up eventually, as we all do. This story brings those involved, along with Harry and the other well known characters, to the different paths they must choose, up to the next level on the road of life.

Hagrid (gentle giant Robbie Coltrane) has been given the new position of Care of Magical Creatures teacher. Professor Snape (still a wonderful, menacing Alan Rickman), although a seeming foe, is always there, and seems to be defending Harry, yet not willing to admit he’s a good guy. I must say here, that Richard Harris will be missed as Professor Dumbeldore (a great actor, Richard Harris will be fondly remembered), although Michael Gambon gives the part his best shot, he is not as understanding, strong and wise as the late Mr. Harris.

There’s a new professor of divination (i.e., fortune-telling), Professor Trelawny (a very quirky ’steal-the-show’ performance by Emma Thompson). Lastly, a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lupin (a bittersweet David Thewlis) befriends Harry, and they share a very believable, encouraging relationship, holding each other up in perilous times. Professor Lupin was a best friend of Harry’s mom and dad and warms Harry’s heart with remembrances of them. Families can use these poignant scenes to discuss when and just why self-reliance is good when life turns ugly – then support the need for Christians to turn to GOD when the chips are down.

Along the way we learn that a renegade wizard, Sirius Black (not a rich enough character for Gary Oldman to play, he needed to be more developed) has escaped from Azkaban prison and is after Harry! Yikes! The legend has it that Black was the person who turned against Harry’s parents and was not just their saboteur, but also their killer. Now he is searching for Harry, and all believe it is to do him in as well!

Harry and his friends go through many mysterious plot twists and turns. Some of the time-warp tricks were wonderful for the older audience, but may puzzle younger viewers. The plot whisks us along through to the end and may leave most of us wondering how we got to the end so quickly. The introduction of Sirius Black (near the end) is almost a throw away and a bit of a let down as a true villain. I won’t get into too much detail for fear of ruining the ending for the viewer.

There is some drinking and some bad language. The character of Ron uses a pet expression, “bloody h*ll” three times. The ‘D’ word is said in the phrase, “shut the d*mn – door!” That’s all the swearing used outright, but there are references parents should be tuned to, such as when Malfoy uses the derogatory racial slur “mudblood” and when Harry’s Aunt uses “b*tch.”

Azkaban adds to it’s list of creatures the inhuman evil Dementors who suck the life or “soul” essence from their subjects. There are also Boggarts — creatures that take on the form of their victims worst fears and turn on them (the only way to disway them is to “think” them into the silliest form you can. One girl turned her cobra into a jack-in-the-box, etc. There are several scenes with very scary werewolves and a very threatening black dog with menacing green eyes who pulls poor Ron into a dark cave under a living, killer willow tree that attempts to pound Harry and friends into the ground. There are two scenes with bloodied characters. Another scene, although viewed from afar, shows a black-hooded executioner beheading a chained creature with a huge axe.

Among others, there is a terrifying scene where a character turns into a werewolf (I was scared to watch it myself, and I can sit through “scary” with the best of ‘em). So DO NOT let small children watch this AT ALL! It would be best to rent the first two and let children between 10 and 13 see them feeling safe at home with you, stopping along the story to discuss and answer questions. My advice is to use scripture and sound Biblical answers as you go. My bottom line is: all three of these films are NOT FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 10!

My main concern is how much more foreboding and murky this installment is. The first two (under director Chris Columbus’ colorful designs and meticulous attention to detail) are at the least almost innocent compared with this one directed by Alfonso Cuaron. If you had let your fourth grader see the first two, he is probably older now and more able to take the third story’s darker images and more adult elements.

J.K. Rowling said herself that “…a child who escapes from the confines of the adult world and goes somewhere where he has power..”is very appealing. This theme has been repeatedly a favorite storyline for the young throughout children’s literature. Note “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Rescuers,” “Snow White,” “Mary Poppins,” and so forth. All of these stories include some form of magic and thrilling adventures, not unlike Harry Potter.

It is not so much of what the story is about, but what it teaches young people about how to deal with good and evil. I believe that what Christian parents fear the most is the confusing messages that the Potter series brings to impressionable youth. Couple this with the other mixed messages confronting them in today’s world, and it leaves parents with yet another war to fight in an already overwhelming struggle to not only teach their kids what’s right, but shield them from what’s evil.

I suggest that anyone worried about the dangers of what our kids are being exposed to in film today (especially Harry Potter books and movies) view Caryl Matrisciana’s hour-long documentary video “Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged” for an honest look at children’s modern day fantasy reading.

J.K. Rowling is wonderful at taking us all on a ride through a thrilling fantasy world. The film series takes it a step further and makes it all visually rich and real. It is unfortunate, therefore, that she has chosen mythology and dark occultic practices as Harry’s “savior” instead of a better spiritual goodness. This is the inherent difference between the characters of Harry Potter and say Dorothy Gale. Harry has learned to rely upon the magic of wizardry as his ultimate good — which is actually void of goodness. Dorothy ultimately learns that the “Wizard of Oz” is a fake, and his so called power is fictitious and of no reliable good.

This is the difference between Harry and all these other fairy tale films and children’s fantasy literature of the past generation: we inherently recognize the good vs. evil elements, and they should be clearly and definitely portrayed. Evil is therefore positively evil, and Good is positively good. These elements should be uncompromisingly clear to our children.

Discuss King Saul and the price he paid for his disobedience to the Lord’s command not to seek council from a witch, but to seek council always from God. King Nebuchadnezzar sought council from his court magicians as did Pharaoh when confronted by Moses. Explain how these stories display what a dangerous mix evil and Satan really are. Ultimately King Saul, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and yes, Harry Potter are breaking God’s very first Commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me!”

I asked some movie goers coming out of the theater NOT the question, “How’d you like the movie?,” but “What did Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban say to your heart?” Here are some replies:

“There is a spirit of terrible evil all around us. You can’t overcome it through magic. Magic is just fictitious stuff, but evil is not fictitious — it’s real! So, the use of wizardry in place of GOD is not stable. You will loose without God.”

“Harry is having a hard time facing the world, so he uses magic in place of GOD. It is a vacant hope and you will lose without JESUS.”

“I saw the use of new-age mysticisms with all that stuff about not being able to face the world without good thoughts. Use your best memories to get around problems. instead of turning to GOD for real help.”

They all liked the movie, but most had a problem with this element of the story. At the end, Harry was still ‘lost’ with no concrete answers. I found that very sad.

We are all on a journey. Our course is set early on. It is important that the course for young kids start out with how to walk with God. It is not enough to know just the ‘basics’ — like the effort put forth in schools today with ‘credibility counts.’ Although a noble pursuit, it lacks spiritual training, and that is where we come in at home and church. Kids must be shown that it is not merely being a ‘good person’ (as Harry and his friends and teachers are presented to be) that will get you your reward, but that we all must go beyond that to gain our true ‘Kingdom reward.’

Kids must know we all have gifts given from God, not spells and incantations conjured up from potions and “happy thoughts.” We have gifts that are placed in us from God that can never be removed — like integrity, righteousness and forgiveness.

Share and teach God’s strict warning about the price a person pays for seeking council from a medium or a spiritist. Let your children know that God loves them and has not appointed such practices for them. Show them the fullness and strength they can have by walking with God and the hollow pitfalls experienced by those who use divinations.

Use Harry Potter as a tool. By making a fuss and keeping your kids from seeing or reading these stories you may only make these stories more enticing and your kids may steal away to read or watch because of your insistence not to. Instead be with them, equip them to understand what it is they are seeing. Ultimately make it perfectly clear that what they are reading and seeing is not real and is instead an adventure for a young man in a strictly fantasy world. Compare Harry Potter with other children’s fantasy stories and fairy tales. By lumping Harry Potter with the rest, he will disappear into the maze of other fantasy stories and will blend with the palate of childhood fantasy like… magic…

We’re each a work in progress. As human beings, we are designed to lead a life walking close with God. It is in our nature to seek a transformation especially as a youth. This transformation is not found in magic, but is truly found in transforming ourselves into the likeness of Christ Jesus.

Review: ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’

The movie version of the fifth Harry Potter novel may well be the most prosaic so far. This, at the outset, doesn’t sound at all like the best thing one can say about any movie. And it is not to say that "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" doesn’t provide you with as much spectacle and visual thrills as the four Potter movies before it.”

But given that “Order of the Phoenix” is the darkest, most densely plotted and distressingly nuanced of J.K. Rowling’s novels – up till now, anyway – there’s no way that a diligently faithful film adaptation could avoid coming across thick and heavy.

Of course, if you’ve read all the books and seen all the movies up to this point, you may not mind the extra weight. But a newcomer to the Potter chronicles making his or her acquaintance with this film may be forgiven for wondering where the magic is; not just the transfigurations, sparkling explosions and assorted phantasmagoria ( which “Order of the Phoenix” has in fair abundance), but the sense of wonder and transport that helped make Rowling’s books into a global cultural phenomenon.

“Order of the Phoenix” represents the point in the Potter epic where the fun really ends once and for all for our bespectacled hero (Daniel Radcliffe). Harry’s now at that vulnerable point in adolescence where he doesn’t necessarily need to be in the crosshairs of a malevolent uber-sorcerer to feel awkward, lonely and resentful at various hours of the day.

What makes matters worse is that not only is that aforemented evil sorcerer Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) bearing down on Harry, but there are few beyond Harry’s best friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) who believes his warning that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named once again threatens civilization.

In fact, the Ministry of Magic has worked itself into such a manic state of denial that its not only discredited Harry through the tabloids, they’ve installed a priggish, treacherous teacher named Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Her job is to put the hammer down on the kind of advanced magic coursework that could protect the school and its students from Voldemort’s looming terrors.

It’s a scenario whose progression depends as much on back-room intrigue as it does on flying broomsticks and mythological creatures. Director David Yates, best known for his work on an award-winning BBC mini-series, “State of Play,” adroitly moves “Order of the Phoenix’s” complicated tale through its often-agonizing twists and turns. Much like Harry, the movie is a flurry of jolting mood swings. It fascinates without being a whole lot of fun, except in too-brief sporadic moments.

If there’s joy and magic to be found in “Order of the Phoenix”, it’s in the performances, especially Staunton’s deliciously sadistic meanie. Radcliffe, meanwhile, has ripened into a resourceful leading man who can hold his own with Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Brendan Gleeson, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith and the other grand old pros who have hung with the franchise up till now.

Ten days from now, we’ll know how it all – ultimately – turns out for Harry and Hogwarts with Rowling’s seventh and purportedly last Potter novel. If this movie does nothing but whet our appetites for the denouement, it’s worth the candle.