easily the best Potter film yet.

Rating: 8/10 (11 July 2007)

I have come to despise the Potter films. They were mediocre up until Goblet of Fire, at which point I realized just how awful they were in comparison to the brilliant books.
Needless to say, there were changes.. Aren't there always? But there weren't any incredibly significant changes. The one scene I missed was the scene at St. Mungo's with Neville's parents. That scene was one of my favorites in the book, simply because it was so moving and showed us so much about Neville. The scene at the Ministry seemed rushed, and Sirius' death did not do nearly what it could have. Sirius, being among many people's favorite characters, should have made about half of the sold-out theater cry. But his death was rushed.
At the same time.. other parts were brilliant. I was terrified that Evanna Lynch wouldn't do Luna justice, but she was brilliant. While she didn't get enough screen time, she nailed the character. And Umbridge.. she stole every scene she was in. She was absolutely perfect for the role. The film had many good laughs, and there were at least 3 or 4 moments of triumph at which point the whole theater burst into applause and shouts. All of the actors were strong, and it was quite true to the book.
It's rather funny. Order of the Phoenix is easily my least favorite of the books, as I've read it only 9 times. But its most definitely the best film to date.
Highly recommended.