If you're not a fan of the Harry Potter films then you've got to watch the new film in the series. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter films, then you're going to watch it anyway.

The thing is, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth film in the series, is nothing like the previous movies. If the first two films by Home Alone director Chris Columbus were adventure-filled kiddie films, then the third by Alfonso Cuaron was slightly darker but quite stylish, and the fourth by Mike Newell only got grittier. This fifth film, however, directed by David Yates, is the darkest of them all. And that, of course, is great news because even the most hardcore Harry Potter fans, like myself, were getting a little tired of all the fun-and-games, all the gimmicks, the silly magic tricks, the Quidditch matches. I think everyone's really been waiting for Harry Potter to grow up and for the story to move forward.

So in this week's Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry faces the threat of expulsion from school when the Ministry of Magic discovers that he used magic outside of school to defeat an enemy. We learn later that a larger plot's been hatched against Harry and his mentor, Hogwarts principal Professor Dumbledore.

When Harry insists that the Dark Lord has returned, the Ministry of Magic doesn’t believe him. They send him back to school, but when he gets there, he faces his toughest enemy yet, his new Defence Against The Dark Arts professor, the ever-smiling, sing-song voiced Dolores Umbridge.

The best thing about Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is watching teenager Daniel Radcliffe grow into the role of Harry. If you've read the books, you'll notice now more than ever before why Daniel Radcliffe makes such a superb Harry Potter—because he's a fine, young actor who has the ability to really tap into the character and understand it completely. And because he understands the character so well, he plays him so naturally on screen.

Just look at him in those scenes when he wakes up sweating from those nightmares, or the scene in which he shares his first romantic moment—this isn't just good acting, it's excellent acting because it never looks like acting.! The only other performance that stays with you in this film is Imelda Staunton's who plays the mean-spirited Professor Dolores Umbridge.

Staunton has that steely smile and that evil glint in her eyes and she's just remarkable. You know the reason she's one of the toughest villains yet in all the Harry Potter films is because she's so believable - we can all think of that mean teacher who was horrible to us in school, right? That's much more relatable than a fire-breathing dragon or a three-headed dog.

I'm doubtful this film will appeal to Harry Potter virgins stepping into his world for the first time because it doesn't recap what's happened in the first four films, and it doesn't really introduce you to all the characters like the previous films did. This one jumps straight into the story and expects you to be faithfully following behind.

And still, for fans of the series, it's a highly entertaining watch because there are no unnecessary frills this time round. I'm going to go with three out of five and a thumbs up for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, aren't you glad you can watch this one without those irritating, over-enthusiastic kids muttering and chattering all around you?

Rating: 3/5 (Good)

After a lonely summer on Privet Drive, Harry returns to a Hogwarts full of ill-fortune. Few of students and parents believe him or Dumbledore that Voldemort is really back. The ministry had decided to step in by appointing a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher that proves to be the nastiest person Harry has ever encountered. Harry also can't help stealing glances with the beautiful Cho Chang. To top it off are dreams that Harry can't explain, and a mystery behind something Voldemort is searching for. With these many things Harry begins one of his toughest years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

4.5/5

EDITED

Young wizard-in-training Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) returns to Hogwarts for his fifth year of studies, only to find that the magical community seems to be in a curious state of denial about his recent encounter with the sinister Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) in the fifth installment of the popular fantasy film series based on the best-selling books by author J.K. Rowling. Rumor has it that the dreaded Lord Voldemort has returned, but Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy) isn't so sure what to make of all the hearsay currently floating around the campus of Hogwarts. Suspecting that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) may be fueling the rumors regarding Voldemort's return in order to undermine his authority and lay claim to his job, Fudge entrusts newly arrived Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton) with the task of tracking Dumbledore and keeping a protective watch over the nervous student body. The young wizards of Hogwarts will need something much more effective than Umbridge's Ministry-approved course in defensive magic if they are to truly succeed in the extraordinary battle that lies ahead, however, and when the administration fails to provide the students with the tools that they will need to defend Hogwarts against the fearsome powers of the Dark Arts, Hermione (Emma Watson), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Harry take it upon themselves to recruit a small group of students to form "Dumbledore's Army" in preparation for the ultimate supernatural showdown.

this fifth entry in this worldwide Phenomenon marks the start of some grown up and more mature plot than specially first 2 movies which looks like a usual children fantasy adventure movie which is not a bad thing. Directed by David Yates who will proceed to direct every other Potter movie from this on. it might not be as good as 3rd and 4th entry but i loved the story and plot of this movie i enjoy watching this movie over and over. this might not be audiences or critics most favorite but it is mine, sort of a guilty pleasure. so i'll rate it 4.5 but it originally deserves a 4 from me.

as far as i heard people say 5th book is the longest one or something, if that is so then they might had a tough time making a shorter movie on it. there are many things going on it. as far movies are concerned the sixth and seventh are all about 1 thing, Voldemort comes in power and actually reaches Hogwarts to jolt it and destroy everything but till this movie there are actually many things going on. the movie look is not quite dark as the other 2 are and the written work itself is not much.

screenplay was good but not quite good. story and plot is something i loved watching, this is not slow paced but slower moving. i loved the last half hour which features one of the best footage, quite breathtaking scenes those were i still love watching them over and over again. special effects are great. good art direction and cinematography.

starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes , Gary Oldman , David Thewlis , Alan Rickman , Helena Bonham Carter , Robbie Coltrane , Emma Thompson , Jason Isaacs , Harry Melling , Jason Boyd , Richard Macklin , Kathryn Hunter , Miles Jupp , Fiona Shaw , Richard Griffiths , Jessica Stevenson , Adrian Rawlins , Geraldine Somerville , Nick Shrim , Robert Pattinson , Natalia Tena , Brendan Gleeson , George Harris , Peter Cartwright , Bridgette Millar , Mark Williams , Maggie Smith , Julie Walters , Timothy Bateson , James Phelps , Oliver Phelps , Bonnie Wright , Jamie Wolpert , Nicholas Blane , Daisy Haggard , Robert Hardy , Chris Rankin , Imelda Staunton , Sian Thomas , Tom Felton , Jamie Waylett , Joshua Herdman , Katie Leung , Matthew Lewis and many others. good performances. you see Voldemort again in it.

i loved the thrilling value of it, headed towards a chilling finale i love everything that happens. the entry of this new Governor is something of a icing on a cake for me. i love these movies no matter what but this is the first and only Harry Potter movie that i take as a guilty pleasure but seeing some minor flaws i don't call it my most favorite of them all, which actually might be.