Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

The review finds this the most filmic Potter entry so far, suspenseful and action-packed, though unlikely to win over non-fans. It singles out director David Yates and writer Michael Goldenberg for turning the book's bulk into a taut, grown-up adventure with strong supporting turns, especially Imelda Staunton's Umbridge.

The film maintains the magic while embracing a resolutely dark mood in an engrossing fifth entry, with Yates instilling wonder and delivering a spellbinding finale of good versus evil. Some characters and subplots are shortchanged in the adaptation, though standout turns like Staunton's Umbridge provide relief.

The critic describes the film as workmanlike and complacent at times, with a dark mood that it does not soft-pedal. He singles out Imelda Staunton's performance as the standout element amid an otherwise unmemorable entry focused on plot delivery.

The critic finds it a sleek, swift and exciting adaptation of the longest novel to date that proceeds as a tense political thriller. It is absorbing but not transporting, a collection of interesting moments rather than a fully integrated experience.

The new director takes a serious, grave approach that keeps the film moving efficiently in a crisp 138 minutes but excises some charm and levity like Quidditch scenes. Strong performances, inventive production design, and thrilling set-pieces stand out amid the darker tone.

Yates consolidates gains without an overpowering style in this way station of a film; the visuals and work with the young cast are strong, but it cannot shake an episodic feeling that makes developing momentum difficult.

The film continues the series' formula with a focus on Harry's first kiss and battles against bureaucratic authoritarianism at Hogwarts led by Dolores Umbridge. It remains solid family entertainment but feels repetitive with forgettable plot twists.

The critic notes that the buoyant disposition of the series has been replaced by dread and an adult sensibility, praising Imelda Staunton's villainous performance but criticizing the disjointed, overstuffed narrative and lack of resolution or punch in the climax.

The critic finds the film full of plot but lacking in magic and fun, calling it the least enjoyable installment so far despite being necessary for the story. He notes a grim mood and color scheme with respectable direction and adaptation but highlights the absence of movie magic.

The film is a must-see for fans and potentially enjoyable even for non-fans, delivering excitement and emotional depth as the darkest entry yet. The critic singles out the impressive special effects, particularly the Ministry of Magic sequences, and the strong character development including a standout annoying Dolores Umbridge.

The critic calls it a well-crafted and confident continuation that is probably the best in the series, praising the handling of themes, performances especially by Staunton as Umbridge and Lynch as Luna, and the effects, while noting some choices in condensing the book.

The Order of the Phoenix marks a bold step forward for the franchise as Harry grows up amid rising threats from Voldemort. The critic singles out Imelda Staunton's deliciously despicable turn as Umbridge for establishing the film's own identity beyond previous entries.

The critic praises the visual effects, direction by Yates, and performances especially Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood and Imelda Staunton as Umbridge, while noting issues with the condensed story from the book and wishing for more character moments. Verdict is positive but wanting more.

This fifth instalment is the strongest in the series so far, with a well-handled darker narrative and eye-popping action set pieces that improve on prior films. Director David Yates makes an impressive debut and the adaptation effectively uses pre-established characters to push cinematic buttons.