Still Passable fun but not as good as the other four films

Rating: 7/10 (14 July 2007)

Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix is still passable fun, but I found myself slightly disappointed with the movie. I know that a lot in the book was kept out of the film, but I believe all the main points were covered, so that is not my problem with the movie. My problem with the movie is that it has lost a little of the magic that made the first four films very good. In my opinion, it's become more of a drama and has lost some of the fantasy touches. Even the teachers, which helped to make the first films so good, have simple cameo parts that last only a few seconds or so. However the three main stars, Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint are still very good.
It's Harry's fifth year in Hogwarts, and many things have changed. Nobody in the ministry believes that Voldemort has returned. In fact Cornelius Fudge, the minister, thinks it is all a plot by Dumbledore to overthrow him and take control of the ministry. So the ministry appoints Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) as Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher to watch over things at Hogwarts. She is perhaps one of the best villains to ever wear pink, and uses her influence to try and take control of Hogwarts herself.
On the other side you have the members of The Order of The Phoenix who support Dumbledore and have gotten together as support in defense of Voldemort's growing influence and his own army. These members include Harry's uncle Serious BLack, Mad Eyed Mooney, and Professor Lumas as well as others. You can see how things are getting darker with each movie just as they do with each book.
During all this Harry is having nightmares about Voldemort and is becoming so angry with the way things are happening, that he finds himself lashing out at his friends who only want to help him. Both Ron and Hermione accept him still.
Order of the Phoenix is still worth seeing. The special effects are as good as ever, and the film moves at a pretty good pace, but with the exception of a major magic battle at the end of the film, the movie doesn't have much else magical to offer. However, I will still recommend it if just barely, and hope the next two films are an improvement.