Now I see: they're portraying totalitarianism.

Rating: 7/10 (15 July 2007)

Whereas it's been a few years since I read the novel on which this movie is based, I had forgotten a few things, so the movie refreshed my memory. Obviously, any book-to-movie adaptation is bound to have at least a few flaws. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" certainly can't equal the book exactly, but I really like Imelda Staunton's role as fascistic Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Dolores Umbridge (I assume that if you're reading this, then you know what that class is; if not, then read the books first). This vile woman, dressed like a slightly drabber version of Jackie Kennedy, makes it her goal to overthrow Albus Dumbledore and totally seize control of Hogwarts,* engaging in all manner of torture when she deems it necessary, all the while sporting an unctuous smirk. Maybe it's just me, but I derive that this installment in the series is an indictment of totalitarian regimes.
Of course, I might just be reading too far into the movie. I figure that the main purpose is probably to get enthralled in the magic, and it's hard not to get enthralled. Admittedly, the younger stars come across as a little silly, as they try to be funny but can't really get it down. No matter, the adults all know what they're doing. A scary but delicious addition here is Helena Bonham Carter as death eater Bellatrix LeStrange. Looking sort of like Elvira, she turns Bellatrix into the sort of character whom we would expect Bonham Carter to play in a Tim Burton movie, and she does this to a tee; I almost felt scared watching her on screen.
Overall, while the movie does have its flaws, I recommend it. I consider it a solid addition in the series. Reprising their roles from the previous installment(s) are Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, David Thewlis, Brendan Gleeson, Gary Oldman, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Isaacs and Warwick Davis.
*Not but a few hours after I watched the movie, I heard a report on the news about a newly released tape divulging the extreme hostility that Richard Nixon felt towards George McGovern, even after winning re-election. Well, Dolores Umbridge is even worse.