Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I don't read the Harry Potter books. I've always wanted to, but never had the time. However, I do enjoy the movies, with Prisoner of Azkaban being my favorite in the series. My new favorite is now the Order of the Phoenix.

I am aware of the many changes that the movies go through from the source material, including this film. However, I am going to have to say that none of that matters to me. That critique has become a platitude, and it is quite annoying. Considering how amazing this movie is, I wish people would separate the two mediums and accept this movie for what it is: a huge step forward for the series.

In every Harry Potter movie I always felt I was missing something. I always felt that you had to have read the book for some scenes to make sense. I hate it when scenes are added into a movie that does not fit just because it was in the book. But this didn't happen to me while watching the Order of the Phoenix, and for that very reason I enjoyed it so much more.

This film is everything that I hoped the Harry Potter series would be like: a perfect balance between humor and suspense; between exploration and character development. This movie had better themes, morals, and lessons than all of the movies combined. And the best part of all is that it leaves you wanting more. The finale is fantastic. This is the first Harry Potter movie that I wanted to see twice in the theaters.

Yeah, there are some problems, such as Cho Chang and Harry Potter's relationship not being resolved. I also felt the opening scenes were extremely rushed, with later scenes in the movie being underwritten to try and wrap everything up in time. And I really wish they would bring back Quidditch.

But overall I was never bored and I was constantly entertained. The Order of the Phoenix is NOT the weakest movie in the series. This is a solid movie and the best film I've seen this summer.

Jam it back in, in the dark.