We begin as the book does. Harry, alone, in a dusty and barely used playground with Dudley, and his equally absurd friends, picking and beating on some poor, undersized youth. Until they turn their attention on Harry. He’s in no mood. The already ominous scene turns dark and fearful. Dementors! Harry and Dudley run, but are caught up with and all things fun and right with the world seems to have completely vanished and Harry, finally able to get to the wand he had dropped summons his patronus; a brilliant stag, Prongs, just like this deceased father’s before him.

I’m a fan of Harry Potter. I love the books and it’s always the same thing isn’t it? After you’ve seen a book to screen adaptation you always wind up saying: “Oh, you simply must read the book; it’s soooo much better!” With Harry Potter: And The Order of the Phoenix this doesn’t necessarily apply.

For those of you who read the books and go see it you will see some notable changes. The little Umbridge spats with the Weasley’s at Hogwart’s was much more advanced, the Room of Requirement was much different, Dumbledore’s Army was a lot more learned. The battle in the Ministry of Magic was much, much shorter and there was zero mention of the Half Man/Half Horse taking over the Predictions Class.

Keep in mind, however, that you’re trying to fit a 700+ page book full of wonderful details into a two-and-a-half hour movie. You have to lose something. No fan will ever agree as to what should have and should not have been removed. The new director and screenwriter have done their very best and it shows. It’s probably one of the more adhered to adaptation of the series since the Sorcerer’s Stone (it’s also 4 times the size in terms of writing).

The cinematography was astonishingly unique. It made me feel as though I was there. It immersed you into the story every step of the way. That, combined with the very much improved acting chops of the young leads, really made you believe in their pain and anguish. Much more adult themes; much more interpersonal relationships and dealing with tragedy, death. In parts it was heart wrenching allowing you to feel the same loathing; fear and hatred of those you knew you were supposed to feel that way towards.

Harry Potter: And the Order of the Phoenix is a winner in my book. Don’t think though that just because it’s supposed to be a “children’s story” that it is. It boasts a PG-13 rating and it means it. If you come into the film never reading any of the books or seeing any of the movies you will still enjoy the film though you will be a bit lost, but your son or daughter could lead you through it all I’m sure.