Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Let's face it, Harry Potter is a true movie phenomenon. This one seals the deal. If you weren't hooked before, you probably will be now as arguably the most successful film series since James Bond delivers another rousing winner. One reason for this is the increasingly foreboding tone as Harry's journey moves toward conclusion in the upcoming sixth and seventh films (the final book, in fact, is due to be released almost simultaneously with this current movie adaptation). Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) returns to Hogwarts to begin his fifth year after a summer of little or no contact with Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). He immediately finds himself in big trouble with the Ministry of Magic for illegally placing a curse on two foes while trying to fend off an attack. To add to all his woes, the Ministry refuses to believe his rantings that evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) is back and is determined to destroy his credibility, as well as Dumbledore's (Michael Gambon)—the one person who comes to Harry's defense. By bringing in a bitch of a teacher, Dolores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), to take charge they hope to put a stop to Harry and his crew before things get out of control. Though Umbridge wastes no time, the ill winds of confrontation are swirling about and Harry's fate is clearly out of everyone's hands except his own. This edition is darker and more complex than any of the previous Potter flicks, sending up unmistakable signals of the ominous and potentially tragic course in which J.K. Rowling's tale is headed. The Order of the Phoenix takes these beloved characters into further unexpected new directions, and it's a wild ride all the way.