Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) returns for his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry under a cloud of suspicion. He’s accused of using magic in front of muggles (that’s mere mortals for the uninitiated). Never mind that he did it to fend off an attack by two Dementors. Soon he learns that many believe his recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) never occurred. Of course Harry’s steadfast defenders are Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson).  

To make matters worse, the deceitful Professor Dolores Umbridge (Imdelda Staunton) has been appointed as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. She’s actually there as a spy for the Ministry of Magic, and to help get rid of Dumbledore. Harry’s Inquisition-like hearing sets on course a series of events that ensure even more power for Professor Umbridge.  

Professor Umbridge has no intention of teaching the students how to defend against the Dark Forces. Her presence is like a frothy pink poison, always delivered with a smile. As a result, Harry, Ron and Hermione secretly meet with a small group of students who become known as “Dumbledore’s Army.” Harry is the key leader in teaching them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts. This foreshadows the inevitable major battle later in the film.

The freedoms that are stripped away from the Hogwarts’ students are   symbolized by plaques hammered into the wall, declaring that thou shall not do this or that, and they eventually reach from ground to ceiling. They prove to be an effective metaphor about battling terrorism in this modern day world. Eventually everything comes tumbling down without honesty and a proper foundation.

Condensing the longest book in the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling (nearly 900 pages), the film becomes the shortest one so far, being closer to two hours rather than the normal three. Like the book, and unlike the prior films, Order of the Phoenix is much farther away from being a fairy tale, with its somber mood. Harry’s nightmares are populated with the fierce Voldemort and a creeping darkness. Harry’s menacing nature is put to the test.

Imelda Staunton gives a terrific performance as the vile Professor Umbridge, and Helena Bonham Carter is a wild-eyed winner as Bellatrix Lestrange. The special effects are spectacular and if you can see them on an IMAX 3D screen don’t miss that opportunity. For us, we feel that the interest level may have dropped off a bit with this being the fifth, and Harry and the gang don’t have as much fun here. But what you sense is Harry beginning to come into his own, complete with his struggle for identity.