Best film since "Azkaban"

Rating: 8/10 (12 July 2007)

I have only read the first two books of the Harry Potter series so I can judge the later movies by what they are.
"Order of the Phoenix" is a fast paced film, not as fast as "Goblet" but still - it feels like they are packing an awful lot into a small time slot (just over two hours). One thing I noticed in this movie is the improvement of the acting, especially from Radcliffe and Gambon. Michael Gambon is spot on and really likable in this movie. There is a scene near the end where he really gives a presence of powerfulness but also helplessness.
In "Phoenix", there are many more emotional scenes. In the first films I felt that because of the dialog and stiff acting from Radcliffe the emotional scenes were very forced, almost cringeworthy. With "Phoenix", it's so well directed you really feel for the characters and what they're going through. I have to admit I was surprised to find that in a Potter film! The end of the movie is where it gets very tense. With previous Potter films it's usually all "happy ever after" - not so with "Phoenix". The final scenes are so powerful it gave me shivers, it was a clash of titans. An important character does die in this movie, so by the end I was ready for anything, and boy did it deliver.
Also, in previous Potter films, the wands and magic spells are all very fun to watch. In Phoenix, they're not little kids anymore. Voldermort is at large and the only times we see wands in action are in battle. They are weapons, not toys.
Finally, I'd like to comment on the amount of humor found in this film. Although a dark movie (possibly the darkest yet) there are many one-liners and funny scenes, particularly the ones featuring Imelda Staunton (Umbridge). Staunton delivers the most intense performance in the film, and although she's detestable, you have to admire her for her acting.
Overall a very fine film. Although it could of been longer and they could of cut out some pointless scenes, this is the best film to hit the series since "Azkaban".
8/10.