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Doug Wright Reporting
In a summer replete with sequels, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" has to be one of the most anticipated. The fifth movie in the series opens with the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge-played by Robert Hardy-in a state of denial regarding the return of Lord Voldemort.
His increasing paranoia leads him to believe that Dumbledore is conspiring to overthrow him and he sets into motion a plot to undermine not only Dumbledore but those who support him….including, Harry Potter.
The Minister introduces Dolores Umbridge-played by Imelda Staunton-into the Hogwarts faculty where, with his blessing, she usurps Dumbledore's authority.
Well, suffice it to say that as the threat from Lord Voldemort grows, Hogwart's ability to prepare and train for the inevitable confrontation diminishes.
With "The Order of the Phoenix," we're past the cutesy, magical, discovery phase the Potter saga, and left with more grit and substance.
True fans of the books are always dismayed by the storylines and detail that filmmakers have to discard, but the realities of dealing with the hundreds and hundreds of pages sinks in and even the die-hards have to admit, Director, David Gates and Screenwriter, Michael Goldenberg have done a great job.
All of our favorite characters and stars are back in a movie that is sure to please even a curmudgeonly muggle.
I like "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," 3 ½ stars and it's rate PG-13.
