Finally, a Harry Potter film worth watching without throwing up

Rating: 8/10 (19 July 2007)

Having seen (and being bitterly disappointed by) the previous Harry Potter films, filled with cheesy grins and superfluous acting, I went in to see The Order of the Phoenix without too much expectation.
Ironically, my least favourite book in the series instantly became my favourite film. Yes, there is a LOT in the book(s) that have not made it into the film - the inclusion of Kreacher was barely added by special request of J.K Rowling - apparently it has reference to the final book according to her website. However, all these cuts are understandable. An author works with an endless budget of words, while Warner Bros were restricted by money, time and practicality - yet it has managed to make a fair movie worth remembering.
Great action sequences, screenplay that works well, and that touch of British humour (as was seen in The Goblet of Fire) lets us laugh, shudder, and cry. However, this time around, we're not laughing at how corny it is, nor shuddering at how much of a failure this movie is, and crying at the death of the Harry Potter "magic".
The film itself is wonderful. The attention to detail and the dedication put into the film, as well as the visual stunners - as with all Harry Potter films - make it a must watch for anyone who has seen a Harry Potter film, or indeed read a book.