Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is now out on DVD, just in time for Christmas of course. Two of our writers took in the summer's biggest film. Did Hogwarts impress the fellas enough for them to recommend it to you? As usual both Cargill and Laremy were placed in soundproof chambers (with snacks) and asked to take their best shot at the following seven questions:

On a scale of 1-10, how big of a Potter fan are you?

Cargill:
I'd say about a 4 or a 5. I really enjoy the movies, but have never been motivated enough to read the books. I'm also waiting for the box set of DVDs rather than buying them over time, if that tells you anything. I've never been in a rush to re-watch a Potter film, no matter how much I enjoy them.

Laremy:
Probably about a 3. I have a lot of interest in the phenomenon because the fans are so passionate but I haven't read the books and don't love the movies.

Given that, what did you think of the movie?

Cargill:
Loved it. It is my second favorite of the series so far and easily the one that most rewarded the viewers for having followed the series all the way through.

Laremy:
Even with my overall apathy level I can see how Potter fans would dig this. I'd say it's a nice movie for the fanatics (unlike Transformers) and a so-so movie for the rest of us.

Who would you say should see this?

Cargill:
Anyone who has watched the previous 4.

Laremy:
The fans. And parents with their kids. I don't see Harry Potter converting new fans with this. You're already either in or out you're out by this point.

What could you have used more of?

Cargill:
Emotional back story. There are a few revelations and events I wondered about and was left fuzzy on, only to discover from friends just how big a deal they are in the book.

Laremy:
More Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood and way more Snape. There isn't a better Potter character than Prof. Snape for me.

What could you have done without?

Cargill:
Nothing. I found no real flaws with this film.

Laremy:
The amount of times people don't believe Harry. Guys, how many times does this kid need to be proven right? Let's just all give him a lifetime credibility pass until he's caught fibbing.

Where does this one rank in the series for you?

Cargill:
It's my second favorite. I think the story is much better than the third (Prisoner of Azkaban) but the look and feel of that film was so unbelievably perfect that it is hard to top.

Laremy:
I would put it second behind Prisoner of Azkaban.

How does this franchise stack up against other massive franchises?

Cargill:
It's doing very well. Of course everything hinges on the next two movies which are, in effect, the third act of the story. It's got me interested and it has ratcheted up the tension. But if the ending of the series doesn't deliver, the whole thing will fall apart. I honestly feel that this is the Star Wars of its generation. Star Wars fans always get uppity when I say that, but you mark my words. Ten, fifteen years from now, HP jargon will permeate every aspect of the pop culture and an entire generation will identify themselves with the archetypes presented within its pages. You just wait. Harry Potter conventions are coming.

Laremy:
For me, not well. I'm a Lord of the Rings guy, and I don't think it's easy to transition into Potter after that. The Matrix and the Pirates series also strike my fancy a bit more. I do have to say that making seven of these must be a daunting task. At the very least I can respect the effort and care that has gone into the series.

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