Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter is finaly growing up. No, I don't mean Daniel Radcliffe. No, I don't mean the story. I mean the film. Much like Empire Strikes Back to Star Wars, this is the darkest of the bunch so far. That is a good thing. The film permeates the feeling of growing up. I am not going to spoil this for you, but there is a big first here. Get your mind out of the gutter! Sometimes I can't believe you guys.

A couple of things are gone. That wow factor. In the first couple Potter films, I would catch myself looking around, wondering what is coming next. This film does a better job of operating in the framework of J. K. Rowling's world without stopping and pointing and going wow. From what I have heard the books are set up that way as well. I won't read the book before the movie. It destroys the movie, but I will read the book now because the movie only enhances the book. That is just a personal thing.

Back to growing up. The movie also leaves you feeling what Potter is and has gone through. The toll that has had on him as well as other characters. Most importantly, it leaves you with the power of Voldemort. For the first time, you get the feeling that in the end Harry may not make it out of this. This not only helps this film, but I believe it will enhance the next installment. I believe that David Yates is set to direct that as well.

Special effects were fantastic. Action was well directed. Acting was on the spot. The end explodes into what I have been waiting for from the beginning. You are probably thinking it, but are going to have to see it, to be sure. Let me just say that I had grown a little bored with the last couple installments of Harry Potter. This one picks up the slack and goes even farther!

Good:
Darker, more action oriented, finally growing up. Excellent.

Bad:
Kind of short, even at 138 minutes.

Comments:
My favorite so far. I got what I have been waiting for five films for at the end. An awesome battle.

Recommendations:
Theater man! The end is worth it! I may have to go see it at IMAX!