Review of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"

Movies and their sequels are rarely equal. There have been a few throughout history that were exceptions to the rule. A lot of Star Wars fans believe that the sequel "The Empire Strikes Back" was a better movie than the original. Others claim that "Godfather II" was superior to the original, etc. While I might not argue those claims myself, it definitely means that the movie sequels were at least equal to the originals.

I have to admit to being surprised that each new Harry Potter movie has also managed to either rise up to or eclipse the original - "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Such is the case with the latest film version. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." So far it is my personal favorite.

The movie starts out with Harry, once again, being mistreated by his guardians. I have to admit that this part of the franchise has grated on my nerves from the very beginning. It's just a bit too contrived and not necessary to the plot of this particular film. However, as is also usually the case, just before school is set to begin something goes wrong in Harry's life.

In this instance he is attacked by Dementors and is forced to use magic outside of school in order to save himself as well as his cousin. Having broken one of the most sacred rules of magic Harry isn't surprised when he receives a letter indicating he has been expelled from Hogwart's. However, as it turns out, that decision has been appealed and a group of his professors show up to escort Harry to the ministry where his case will be heard before the ministry makes its final decision.

As it turns out, the ministry believes that both Harry and Dumbledore are lying concerning the return of the Lord Voldemort. The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, believes that the story was concocted as a means to overthrow him from his position of power. However, the majority of the ministry decides there may indeed be proof of the Dark Lord's existence and decide not to expel Harry from school.

Harry also finds out that there is a secret order called the Order of the Phoenix, composed of many of his friends and supporters. The group even includes his godfather, Sirrius Black and his best friends, Ron and Hermoine.

When Harry finds out that the order's purpose is to fight against the Dark Lord, Harry wants to join. However, the group not only seems hesitant to let him into their ranks, but actually seem to be hiding information from him. This infuriates Harry who begins to act out in ways never before exhibited by the boy wizard.

The school year gets off to a horrible start with a brand new teacher in charge of the defense of the dark arts. Delores Umbridge, it seems, has no intention of teaching the young wizards anything that would prepare them to defend themselves. Instead she begins establishing a long list of rules and regulations that undermine any chance of the children becoming viable wizards.

As Umbridge gains more and more power, given to her by the minister of magic, Dumbledore loses ground. Eventually, a small group of the students decide they will have to teach themselves how to defend against Voldemort and Harry takes on the role of teacher.

I'm not going to reveal any more of the story because it would spoil the suspense, mystery, and action that makes this film one of Harry Potter's best.

All of the major characters are back, of course. The kids aren't really kids anymore, but have become the brave heroes and heroines fans always believed they would be. A few new characters have been added, including a love interest for Harry. The audience also gets to see more of Ron's parents and Harry's godfather as well as meet some of the other wizard's parents who were once members of the Order.

Although Daniel Radcliffe has always been excellent in the role of Harry, in this film he was able to infuse the character with a lot more depth and several new layers. At first, I admit I wasn't pleased with the direction it appeared he might be going, but ultimately he works through his fears to come out the other side stronger than ever.

Emma Watson and Rupert Grint continue to grow in their roles as well, bringing the right amount of humor, grit and heart to the film. Maggie Smith doesn't let her small role here stop her from making her own personal imprint. She can do more with two sentences than most actors can do with a three-page monologue.

It was nice to see Gary Oldman show something other than his dark side. I was; however, surprised that he could be such a convincing hero. Alan Rickman, on the other hand, continued to confuse and make the audience wonder if he was indeed a hero or just a very clever implant of the Dark Lord. I'm beginning to think that we may never find out that answer for sure.

Imelda Staunton's character, Delores Umbridge, was completely without heart or soul. There was absolutely nothing redeemable about her character so let's hope that was the intent. Ralph Fiennes, of course, reprised his role as Voldemort. He remains chillingly soulless as well. On the other hand, Robert Hardy's Fudge just seemed ridiculous. Would a group of supposedly sane and intelligent wizards really elect or choose such a nitwit to lead them?

Lucius Isaacs and Tom Felton as father and son Malfoys still add little depth to the franchise which is already full of baddies. But perhaps they play some viable role somewhere down the line that the audience has yet to see.

It felt like this film, in particular, was infused with too many new characters. That meant that little time was left for those that we love so much like Dumbledore and Hagrad.

Still, the latest Potter movie is one that shouldn't be missed. It is fast paced, intriguing, and full of energy. There is betrayal, uncertainty, and definite gloom. However, this is also a lot of heart and a message of hope.

Director, David Yates, managed to get the best performances conceivable out of his long list of actors while balancing a heavy plotline, nonstop action, and lots of adventure. He didn't miss a single beat.

The cinematography is also amazing, but then this franchise has never let us down in that respect.

This is an excellent film from the opening frame till the last credit. I give it four and one-half out of five stars.