The Magic Is Back!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is top notch suspense, action, drama, heartache, laughter, and teenage angst. With each sequel darker than the next, the intensity grows as Voldemort gathers his forces. In this installment, Harry is still trying to recover from watching his friend Cedric murdered by Voldemort. But the wizard community at large does not want to believe that you-know-who is back. When Harry and his cousin are attacked by Dementors, Harry has no choice but to use magic (illegally) in front of his muggle cousin to rid of the wraith-like creatures. As if Harry’s life couldn’t get any worse, Dumbledore seems to be avoiding him, a new professor has made it her ambition to reform the school making Harry her enemy, and Hagrid is missing.

Just as in the previous movies, a lot had to be cut from the books in order to fit into a decent-length film. But the heart of the story remains. And all of our favorite characters are back. Plus a few new ones. Imelda Staunton played the delightfully frustrating Dolores Umbridge. As Harry’s nemesis through most of the movie, Umbridge takes it upon herself to enforce her will in the name of The Ministry of Magic.

The lovely Evanna Lynch portrays Luna “Looney” Lovegood. Luna is a flighty blond who knows more than people think. She’s a good friend to Harry and often offers advice at times when it’s most needed.

There are too many wonderful characters to mention here, but Umbridge and Lovegood were my favorite new ones this time around. Tonks is another great character, and I wish she’d gotten a little more screen time. And all the kids have grown so much. I didn’t recognize Dudley at first.

It seems with every Harry Potter movie release, the directors, actors, special effects, and screen writers top themselves. This is no exception. As the books just keep getting better and more intense, the movies do as well.

Only 8 more days till the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows!