An incredible adaptation of the book!

Rating: 9/10 (12 July 2007)

I have only been home for about ten minutes and already had the urge to write a review for this film...that's how amazing it is.
I went into the cinema rather curious to see how they were going to squeeze such a vast book into a two hour film. I have to admit that I did not have very high expectations considering how much information was cut out of the fourth film. BUT they managed it...the film even contained some trivial snippets of the book such as Fred and George's extendable ears and Umbridge's disgusting collection of kitten plates.
The actors really excel in this film. Normally I have a firm favourite out of the trio's performances but out of all honestly they all portrayed their characters without fault.
New faces on the scene will not disappoint you either. Evanna was without a doubt a perfect Luna as was Helena's portrayal of the unhinged Bellatrix Lestrange.
The special effects in this film are in a league of their own. The climax of the film in the ministry of magic really captures the essence of the book and will leave you buzzing after you have left the cinema because it is just so full of energy.
However if you are a hopeless romantic (like me) it will be the developing romance that you will probably enjoy the most. This film subtly hints towards future couples...Ron and Hermione of course and even though this is Harry and Cho's year there are some references to Harry and Ginny. Such as Harry's impressed reaction to Ginny's powerful reducto spell or Ginny's saddened facial expression when Harry and Cho are together on screen. There is even a growing chemistry between Neville and Luna, especially in the ministry of magic battle, which is adorable.
Like with any film that is based on a novel, cuts have to be made but Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix really does contain all the significant details that it needs to...if I had to fault the film at all it would be that it did not include Hermione kissing Ron on the cheek...and that is only because I am a dorky Ron and Hermione fan...and if you think about it that is a pretty petty fault.
So basically in a long winded nut shell see the film. The effects are brilliant, the acting is amazing and the script really does do the book justice. After all even J. K Rowling said herself that this film is her favourite in the series so far so that should be good for everyone else.