If you were to look at the "Harry Potter" film franchise as a singular, evolving organism, the year 2007 marks its definitive puberty. It is the awkward, painful, and necessary transition from the colorful whimsy of childhood into the stark, jagged edges of adulthood. While the keyword string "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix -2007- 10..." might appear fragmented, it perfectly encapsulates the fragmented state of the wizarding world at this specific point in history. It represents a film that celebrated its 10-year anniversary a few years ago, a film that runs nearly two-and-a-half hours, and a film that stands as the turning point of the saga.
If Order of the Phoenix is remembered for one thing, it is the introduction of Dolores Umbridge. Portrayed with chilling sweetness by Imelda Staunton, Umbridge is arguably the most despised villain in the franchise—more so than Voldemort himself. While Voldemort represents external, metaphysical evil, Umbridge represents bureaucratic evil. She is the teacher we have all had, the authority figure who smiles while crushing your spirit. Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix -2007- 10...
The formation of Dumbledore’s Army (the D.A.) is the film’s heart. In Room of Requirement, Harry teaches 25 students what the Ministry forbids: defensive magic. This subplot foregrounds the three “outsiders”—Luna Lovegood (Evanna Lynch), Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), and Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright). If you were to look at the "Harry