The film is darker, scarier and more intense than its predecessors. Partly due to its intensity, "Order of the Phoenix" is better than the first four in the series. Also credit a much tighter, meatier script and better acting.

Leaner than its cinematic predecessors at 138 minutes, the fifth "Potter" film has trimmed Rowling's garrulous, character-crowded novel into an urgently paced thriller that modulates adroitly between psychological darkness and cartoonish slapstick. But director David Yates, a British filmmaker who formerly worked in television, and screenwriter Michael Goldenberg, both newcomers to the "Harry" franchise, have not cut away the story's powerful thematic underpinnings.

The film is packed with wonderful camera angles, constantly moving perspective and some nifty special effects. It is a fast-paced adventure, continuing Harry's coming-of-age story and psychological drama.