Longest book turns out to be the shortest film--and it works!!!!!

Rating: 9/10 (19 July 2007)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the longest book of J.K. Rowling's impressive series, turns out to be the shortest of the moviesand it works ! I first must say 'hats off' to director David Yates, a newcomer to the series, and books, who manages to pull off the best Harry Potter screen adaption yet. Using more of artistic film techniques, he crafts an engrossing film that from the extraordinary opening scene, quietly but swiftly draws you into it's taut pace without missing a beat or letting up until after its' spectacular climax.
Although the list of scenes that did not make the cut is very long and may disappoint fans, it works well for a movie adaption and the 2 hours and 18 minutes it clocks in at seems like the perfect length and balance. It shows only what is necessary and important to the core storyline as well as preparing you for the future installments.
I was greatly impressed with the improvement in acting from the younger cast. Some of the emotional scenes Daniel Radcliffe does are so real they sent chills up my spine. The wonderful group of talented adult British actors once again display its' amazing talent as the various teacher's in the famous Hogwarts School. This time around the group has two new additionsImelda Staunton and Helena Bonham Carter whose two performances border on scene-stealer as they both are wonderful in their roles, Staunton as the Hitler-style teacher, and Carter as the crazily demented follower of Lord Voldemort.
The special effects have improved even more, and the magnificent sets are still breath-taking. Another newcomer is the composer, Nicholas Hooper. He fashions a wonderful vibrant score that match most scenes perfectly.
Overall it is a brilliant film adaption of yet another wonderful book.