"This year at Hogwarts sets up the consummate battle between good and evil. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is a pivotal storyline for the characters."
It's the fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for Harry and his friends and one that proves more dangerous than the previous years. This year sets up the consummate battle between good and evil.
Harry is the target of the Minister of Magic who does not believe his story of the return of The Dark Lord Voldemort. Stories spread that Harry has been lying and many in the community and at Hogwarts look at young Potter differently now. He is considered a lying young man, but Harry, Dumbledore, and his friends know the truth. Voldemort is back and intent on causing chaos.
The Minister of Magic installs his own "eyes" in Hogwarts. Professor Umbridge is part of the ministry and gradually changes all aspects of the school, with "Ministry-approved" courses and all new rules. Meanwhile, Harry and his friends worry that the new school courses will not prepare them to defend themselves against Voldemort, so they form their own secret resistance force, "Dumbledore's Army," with Harry instructing them on the many aspects of wizardry and magic.
Harry, Hermione, and Ron are growing up and this film showcases their more mature attitude and outlook. They learn about the Order of the Phoenix, a group of wizards who have always been on the side of good, and who now are the protectors of the young boy whose parents were themselves part of the Order.
Screenwriter Michael Goldenberg states, "Obviously, it was very important to stay true to the spirit of the book. This story, in particular, is so much about Harry's journey. It's about Harry coming of age and realizing that things aren't as black and white as they initially appeared ... and the adults he idealized are perhaps more flawed and human than the thought."
New characters are introduced in this story that has Harry haunted by nightmares and finally understanding his connection to Voldemort, who now has the ability to get inside Potter's mind. This has Harry worried that he is more like the Dark Lord than he would like to be, but soon discovers that he has "something worth fighting for," unlike Voldemort. The next chapter in their lives will be the fight between the dark and the light, and the climax of the prophecy that involves Harry and Voldemort.
In many ways this story is like that of the Star Wars series. It has a dark lord and, if you will, a dark side, and a group young resisters, or rebels. There are also many interesting non-human characters that add to the story and magic that unfolds on the screen.
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is a pivotal storyline for the characters. Harry Potter has never been hotter.
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"All in all, 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' is a worthy addition to the Potter film franchise. Those looking for a darker, more somber approach to the wizarding world need only purchase a ticket." ByAdam Frazier
"An emo Harry shows the wizard-in-training still has magic up his shelve." ByMatt Sheehan
"Love and loyalty are the important themes that weave their way through the story, and these are brought to the forefront without losing the intense action and the life of the magical world in the meantime." ByTimothy M. Bruderek
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