Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - a Frank Review

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth installment in the popular fantasy action cinematic series based on J.K. Rowlings's best selling series of novels. This installment is directed by David Yates and was released in middle of 2007. It is currently recognized as the sixth highest grossing film of all time. And has been called the best of the adaptations yet by some reviewers around the world.

The story follows Harry Potter's adventures at his school Hogwarts and it is his worst year yet. Little Harry is growing up and the world has taken notice. Starting out we jump right into an intense scene where Harry and his cousin are viciously attacked by Dementors where Harry drives them off with a magical defensive charm. The Ministry of Magic moves to have Harry Potter expelled from Hogwarts. Harry learns of a secret organization created by Dumbledore named the Order of the Phoenix. After being taken to their headquarters he learns that political agendas in the world of magic have launched a psy-op campaign to marginalize anyone who believes Voldemort has returned. Harry Potter hits a low point in his life feeling more isolated and alone than he ever has since joining the ranks of the magical community. Harry's name is cleared for using underage magic outside of school quickly and is allowed to return to Hogwarts however the Ministry of Magic has sent a spy to undermine Dumbledore's authority at Hogwarts, Dolores Umbridge. Delores is appointed as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and refuses to teach her students any practical methods of defense against the evils of the world. This leads Harry Potter to form a secret defense group called Dumbledore's Army. One can very easily see parallels in this movie to real world situations as many of the situations occurring in this movie happen frequently in every government or bureaucratic system. It very much shows the need for regular people to be proactive in their own defense whether the government approves of their actions or not because in some cases the government either are the villain or at the very least misguided.

Over all I give this movie a rating of 10 out of 10. I think the actors have become very comfortable in their roles and talent grows with ever film under their belt. I think this is a great young adults movie that many parents should have few problems allowing older children to watch. It teaches good moral values, the value of friendship, and the value of loyalty and the important of family. It also advises against blind obedience to authority and the value of individual initiative to stand up against the wrongs of the world and try to make a right.. It is deep, dark, and sophisticated and defiantly not for young children. While they may enjoy the action they most probably won't understand the intricacy's of the plot that make this such a great movie. I will hold off on telling you any more about the plot to allow you the chance to enjoy the movie for yourself. It is a new movie and probably available at your local video store. If you have never seen it, spend the $10-$15 and pick up a copy. It is well worth the money spent and your family will likely watch it over and over again.