Harry Potter: Order Of The Phoenix @ MindSay 
Harry Gets His Angry On
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was a fast forward hell ride of a flick with so much chatter, promising to stay within the franchise the other four movies set up, but there's a little breaking-away from that tradition in style and mood, the films are seeping more into the realm of spooky, no longer so dumbed down for kids, and there's a hint that Harry's days may truly be numbered as HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED returns with a vengence. Even at age 14, Harry is old for his age and he's gotten more emotional. There were times in the other films where I wanted to see his rage. It seemed like previously his challenges, although tough, were a bit too easy for him to beat, like things were set up for him to win. It has always been there under the surface -- the coming storm that will determine whether or not he's the big deal everyone thinks he'll be. Life for him really does suck a lot. It must be hard for him to keep that wand down! In this film we do see him lose his cool often and I don't blame him. But his first kiss was a bit anti-climatic. I know, I know, but what do ya expect from a 14 year old! My only major beef is that I wanted to see the Order of the Phoenix in more action -- at first you see them in vivid color and power (Nymphadora Tucks I wish I had your hair), then you only get them in whispers and shadow, only for them to furiously fly on their broomsticks in the last act. The best new wizard on the block: Kingsley Shacklebolt (George Harris) the Shaft of the wizarding world.
The Movie Plays Like it was Cut with a Straight Razor
There was so much talking that, when the action finally hits you, you want to grab a remote and replay what was said because the fast pace makes you feel like you may have missed something. Just as you start to absorb what is happening, then BLAM! the battles rage and I was left wondering where were the scenes to bridge the gap inbetween the quiet and explosive parts. All in all, I loved the movie and I care about Harry and his friends, I just think someone in production decided to cut out many important details that could've added to the experience of this story. It was hard to follow for the kids. My nephews weren't as enthralled as they were when watching the other films. And even though this Harry Potter film adaptation was the shortest one of the franchise, they felt like it was the longest. The cinematography and CGI was so cutting edge, it was a blur. I wanted to see more of the actor's performance balancing out the effects.
The Bad Wizards and Witches are getting HOTTER
Helen Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange is simply, in a word, delicious. You can tell she truly loved playing that character. She made me want to watch more. Heck, she made me want to cry and invite her over for tea. This film hints that she'll be back, but you want to know more about her and her story and does she have a romantic relationship (or at the very least a sexual obsession) with Voldemort? The cousin of Siris Black (Gary Oldman), Bellatrix seems more evil than HWMNBN himself -- just something about her eyes and hair -- definitely a witch on crack! (Bellatrix, we have to talk.) And my favorite Death Eater, Lucius Malfoy (Jason Issacs), well, I still can't get enough of a eyefill looking at him. As far as the hotness factor goes, he's hogging the cake, but he can't take a big enough bite out of it to get me to stray my attention away from Snape. Lord Voldemort, for being the greatest and most powerful nemesis of the wizarding world, seems to be only a footnote in this film. He's back, but still not completely, like he's not yet ready to get his malice on. If the folks in the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts keep stalling Harry and his posse, he may just beat everyone while they sit and ponder and poke at each other, but where's the fun in that?
My Dear Snape, How you have suffered!
Oh, rest your sweet, dark head on my Breast...
Okay, for the part I was waiting for... Yes, we get a glance into Snape's teenage angst years. Poor Snape was teased, tortured, and made fun of for being different by Harry's father no less. No wonder the guy had it in for Harry at the start, but he is, first and foremost, a professional, and even though his moments in the film are brief (I really wish J. K. Rowling would just write us a Snape chronicle already!) he's really the best the teacher at Hogwarts (and I'm not just saying that because I'm hot for him). This film makes you appreciate him more and more. Where Dumbledore is more of a gentle guide, Snape is the guy to bring out Harry's potential to best HWMNBN. Rock on, Snape, my love!
Why it's worth your dollar to see this movie
Despite its little flaws, it's still great to see wizards duke it out on a megascreen. For the pure fantasy, it's a good go, but it plays as a precursor for the next two installments of Harry's Hogwarts years. It succeeds in leaving you wanting more. So if you're okay with departing the theatre still hungry, just go see it and then go home and take a bite out of the books. It's nice to see favorite charaters in action, the performances are spectacular, yet it just ends too soon on film.
