Still reeling from the events detailed in the Goblet of Fire, Harry is put on trail by the Ministry when he uses magic in front of a muggle, which is strictly forbidden. Things continue to get worse when the Master for Magic appoints Professor Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) to teach the students “Defense Against the Dark Arts.” She does that while also keeping an eye on Dumbledore, whom the Minister believes is after his job.
Professor Umbridge has a different way of teaching and it seems as if she's lessening the teachings and weakening the students to make them easier prey. Harry sees this and organizes a small group of his classmates and prepares them for the eventual battle against Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Stars (out of 4): Showtimes and more for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the best in this fantastic and magical film franchise.
The movie is well paced and I liked the set design and the overall darkness of the movie that matches the progression of the beloved J.K. Rowling novels that have captured the interest of many across the globe.
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint are all terrific as they continue to grow into the roles that made them household names. Looking back now, who would have thought just how perfectly cast they all were when the films began? Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Gary Oldman, Emma Thompson and a host of other talented acting veterans round out this stellar cast.
The other standout is Imelda Staunton who sinks her teeth into the Professor Umbridge role and shines along with giving the audience a character that is like a sadistic Carol Brady on crack and she does it all with a smile on her face. This movie doesn't try to overwhelm the audience; what it does so effectively is continue the progression of the story as these characters grow up, experiencing love, life and death while learning about themselves. This and Live Free or Die Hard are the two best films to date this summer.
Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix is a well crafted, engrossing movie, and for times sake cuts out parts of the book, as all the movies have, but it still doesn't lose the fondness that we have for these wonderful stories and characters. It's amazing that into the fifth film and the soon to be seventh and final book, we still can't wait to see what will happen next. Isn't that really what the magic of movies and books is supposed to do?
I can't wait for late 2008 when Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince will hit theaters world-wide. Still reeling from the events detailed in the Goblet of Fire, Harry is put on trail by the Ministry when he uses magic in front of a muggle, which is strictly forbidden.
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