The latest Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix” is the most satisfying sequel out there this summer. Not only does it live up to the other installments in the series, but it stands out on its own thanks to a terrific acting pedigree. Among the series regulars are Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman and Michael Gambon, but “Phoenix” includes second visits from Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort and David Thewlis as Lupin, as well as introductions to Bellatrix Lestrange, played by Helena Bonham Carter, and, with perhaps the best performance in the series yet, Dolores Umbridge, played by Imelda Staunton. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) is also growing as an actor and he is leaving his young compatriots far behind.

In this film, Harry swears that Voldemort has returned but the Ministry of Magic refuses to believe this, choosing instead to believe that Dumbledore is using Hogwarts as a breeding ground for a rebellion against the Ministry. Umbridge is sent in to enforce Ministry rules and keep an eye on things, but, as always, things don’t go according to plan. Voldemort is haunting Harry’s dreams, for one thing, and Umbridge just happens to be a psycho all decked out in pink.

Once again, the effects are top notch and director David Yates presents the most streamlined Potter yet. If it isn’t the shortest, it certainly feels like it, and while a lot is missing from the books, the film has captured the tone and delivers a great addition to the series.

It would have been nice to see more Bellatrix and, as always, more of Rickman’s Snape, but I think the film worked out just fine. Everything Umbridge was out of this world, from her collection of kitten plates to her little giggles punctuating her increasingly fascist takeover. I doubt there will be a more all-encompassing entertaining performance this year. Radcliffe also shows off his acting chops as he hangs with the big boys, especially Gary Oldman’s Sirius Black. I did find the performances of Rupert Grint’s Ron Weasley and Emma Watson’s Hermione Granger to be a little lacking, especially in the case of Grint, who had been a comedic highlight in the other films in the series. I did really like Evanna Lynch’s Luna Lovegood though and thought the Weasley twins, Fred and George, were also excellent.

If you are a fan, chances are you have already seen this movie and are anxiously awaiting book seven (which comes out tomorrow), but if you haven’t picked up the series yet, either as a book or film, get off your duff and get going.

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