Review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) by Sandra V — 04 May 2014

The weakest book in the series becomes one of the best films. Because there's not much happening in terms of plot, despite it being the longest book, there is much more room for character nuances and interaction.

Evanna Lynch rescues what was a baffling and irritating character on the page and transforms the eccentric Luna into one of the most endearing characters in the films. The Dumbledore's Army sequences add a welcome sense of cameraderie between the youngsters and George and Fred's exit from Hogwarts is a scene where you just want to jump up and punch the air in delight.

The wonderful Imelda Staunton is not quite revolting enough as Umbridge, but the final line when she gets her come-uppance is a true kick-ass moment. The battle in the Ministry for Magic is all the better for excising the laughable flying brains and is a truly thrilling sequence as the fight between light and dark is brilliantly realised visually.