Review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) by Sean W — 22 Jul 2014

Unpopular amongst some viewers and readers alike, Order of the Phoenix is the most politically minded film of the series, the most down to earth, and possibly the smartest. Visual effects and wondrous magical spells - while present of course - definitely take a back seat, and the focus is shifted onto the threats of corruption, power, censorship and the media, as it is revealed that the magical government is unfortunately as crooked as our own.

In one of Rowling's smartest moves, her personification of everything wrong with the education system is delivered in the form of Dolores Umbridge, a character so morally bankrupt and far more threatening than Voldemort himself. Imelda Staunton is almost too good in the role, as the skin crawls and the blood boils every time she steps in front of the camera. The maturing cast continues to improve, with a breath of fresh air provided by Evanna Lynch as Luna, whose comic timing never fails to bring a smile. Also welcome back are Gary Oldman and Emma Thompson, not to mention the intensely threatening Jason Issacs and his fabulous hair.

Though the important themes of the movie come first, the cinematography and the visuals must be congratulated. The pace of the film is somewhat inconsistent, and screenwriter Michael Goldenberg seems to lose his grip on the material at times, which may confuse viewers who haven't read the book. And while the final battle sequence is the most intense and brilliantly shot yet, it seems over far too quickly.

In spite of its few drawbacks, Phoenix is so expertly thought out and put together, and is the first film of the franchise that really forces its Muggle audience to think about their own world.