if we just pretend there was no book to be based on the movie would be better than it is now

Rating: 8/10 (2 September 2008)

I first saw the movie not long after it had been released here in Australia. I had really liked all the previous films( thougth no where near as good as the books) and went in with high expectations and fortunately was not disappointed.
First with the negative. Firstly the incredible amount of parts of the book that were cut from the final film. The lack of quidditch, Ron and hermione's promotion to prefects, Hagrids class with the Thestrals, Harry and Cho's disastrous date and several other significant parts of the plot which were either cut or shortened. Understanably the scenes set in St Mungos were cut because another set would have to be build but scenes which were necessary for the plot and had sets to film in should have included.
Now the positive. Special effects were brilliant. The scene around the archway with all the order of the Phoenix fighting the death eaters was done superbly.Daniel,Rupert and Emma's performances were the best out of all the films. They seem to improve with every film. The minor characters like Gary Oldman(Sirius Black),Imelda staunton(Dolores Umbridge) and Bonnie Wright(Ginny Weasley) were also great performances from these terrific actors.
Over all Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix was a great film and makes me long for the next one.