Though long, a very well written review - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Reviews

First of all, I want you to know that I am a huge fan of the Harry Potter series. I have read each book more than 20 times, I listen to podcasts, discuss on forums, and listen to numerous discussions about Harry Potter. This is coming from a serious and dedicated fan. I waited in line for 6 hours to see this movie at 12 am at IMAX, and I am happy to say that I am glad I did. It was worth it! Now, If you have read the books - which is a must if wanting to understand the movies - you need to go with an open mind. You need to go there to see a movie. Not to watch the book come alive before your eyes. I went in there thinking that they are going to summarize Harry's life for me. I know his whole story, and this is just a summary for people to see. The plotline is changed a lot, and for a movie it's great. Comparing it to the book is a little disappointing. The acting has improved, and Dumbledore didn't disappoint me as much as I though. With the new actor, I didn't think he could pull off a caring and kind headmaster. He didn't do it great, but it was good enough - or close. Dan has improved his acting, Rupert was very funny but didn't have such a big role, and Emma was also funny, and she did improve a little also. Though there is a lot more to be improved on. Evanna (Luna) is perfect. I mean perfect. She used to be a huge fan herself, and this is kind of a dream come true for her. JK Rowling herself said that she is PERFECT for the part, knowing Evanna because they mailed eachother before. She's incredible and everytime you see her give a line, you want to crack up. Imelda (Umbridge) gives an annoying (which is what it's supposed to be) performance. I didn't get as angry as I would have hoped, but it's impossible because I got mad at the things she did that they took out of the movie. So all in all, she did very well. The movie went by very fast. The emotion was't there. ****Spoiler***** when "blank" dies, i sobbed in the book, but in the movie it goes by so fast you don't have time to be sad or work up any tears. Also, when he dies, they tried to make is very dramatic by cutting out all the sound and it going in slow motion and Harry screaming silently, but for some reason it didn't work. It wasn't dramatic, emotional, or well done. Then the next scene comes like a bang. THe fight with Voldemort and Dumbledore is short, but a little dry and boring. They take out the music maybe to make it more exciting and intense, but that doesn't work either! You don't see any other rooms in the Department of Mysteries, only the prophecy room, which i am mad about because I was really looking forward to seeing the other rooms. Also, I thought they were important in the last book! ******End of Spoiler******** The movie does have lots of positives also. The special effects are well done and beautiful, and the film is very funny. As a movie, it's very good! It does have it's ups and downs, but after all, all the Harry Potter movies are like that. In the end, it definitely is worth seeing at least once. Being a Harry Potter fanatic, I'm obviously going to buy it once it comes out on DVD. If you're not a huge fan, it's good for renting a couple times. Out of the 5 movies, I can't decide where it lays. Before this, the 3rd one was my favorite, but I also loved the first one because it was so magical and beautiful. It's pretty high up there in my favorites! I was actually VERY worried about this movie, since it's the longest book and the shortest movie! But all together, it's a very good movie, and I am very thankful that I stayed in line 6 hours and counted down 235 days to watch it! It was worth it.