Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

(9/10)


I've been supporting this franchise from the start and while I never felt like I had completely thrown myself into it all, I can safely say now that I'm a big fan and am anxiously awaiting the finale. This is by far the best Potter yet. Yes, it may lack some of the innocent magic of the first few but this isn't an innocent story- things are getting darker. In this installment, we find Harry and pal's entering their fifth year at Hogwarts where the ministry of magic has decided to keep an eye on things and keep the magic more subtle since perhaps its just uneeded for most things in life, especially after Harry was convicted of using his magic in the midst of a muggle (a normal human, if you will). Imelda Staunton plays Delores the new teacher who has come to set the rules in play, wow I've never loved a character I hated so much...haha does that make sense? Fantastic, over the top acting from her- she really plays the role- a super bitch that I hated, hence the picture accompanying this review, haha. Foreshadowing seems to linger around in this movie, though we won't know the real ending of this series for another two weeks when the book comes out, its safe to say things aren't going to be lightening up anytime soon. This movie is just gorgeous, in a scary way, I love this new director, David Yates is it? I know he is already on for part 6 so lets hope he stays around for the finale. His style is the best yet, really everything from angles, setting, flashbacks ugh...dare I say Suspiria-esque??

This was the longest book of the lot so far so for having the hard task of squeezing it all into a tight 2 1/2 hours , I think it was a success. Some parts drag in the middle but then it really just jump starts to a kick ass finale that leaves you immediately wanting more. The main cast continues to shine and work with all they have but lets hope they don't get bored anytime soon, it can't be easy to play these same characters over and over again. But yes overall, I loved this movie, the style, the humor, the story....pretty much everything about it. I'd say this one has more rewatchability than the other four. Forget the other sequels out right now, this one is the best of the summer so far and ....the best movie so far as well.