Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix (2007)

Growing up often means discovering that the people in charge can't always be trusted, and that sometimes you have to stand up when no one else will. David Yates' "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" picks up from the dark, tragic ending of the fourth film and sets a somber, anxious tone throughout its 138 minutes, at the time the shortest film in the series despite being adapted from the longest book. Quidditch has given way to heavier worries: government corruption, media spin and the casualties of war. As the themes have grown up, so have the young stars, with Ron (Rupert Grint), Hermione (Emma Watson) and especially Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) more convincing than ever. Still shaken after witnessing Cedric Diggory's murder, Harry is about to learn that his losses are only beginning. To hide Lord Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) return, the Ministry of Magic and the Daily Prophet join forces to smear Harry and Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), the only public figures insisting the Dark Lord is back. Dumbledore revives his secret society, the Order of the Phoenix, bringing back Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson), Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) and Severus Snape (Alan Rickman), along with intriguing newcomers like Evanna Lynch's dreamy Luna Lovegood and Helena Bonham Carter's deranged Bellatrix Lestrange. Meanwhile, sugary but tyrannical Ministry official Dolores Umbridge, brilliantly played by Imelda Staunton, seizes control of Hogwarts, forcing Harry to start a secret student group so his classmates won't be defenseless in the coming war. On top of it all, he's gripped by an unexplained rage that only his godfather, Sirius, seems to understand. It's not as frightening as its predecessor, but its ever-darkening mood makes it the most mature entry yet. Devoted fans of J.K. Rowling's books will notice major cuts, but make no mistake: this is a very good movie.