We have the first professional review of "Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix," the fifth movie from J.K. Rowling’s novels, by way of The Times’ Leo Lewis.
In a softly positive review, Lewis gives "Order of the Phoenix" three stars out of a possible five, calling it a departure in tone from the previous Potter adventures: it’s "a film where the balance of narrative tips from action to intrigue and there are some that will find that tedious."
Lewis gives props to "Phoenix" director David Yates for filming some "lovely touches," such as the Weasley twins’ (Ron’s troublemaking older brothers) transition out of academia, while wishing there were more: "Overall there is a shortage of those joyful little glimpses of the wizarding world’s furniture that punctuated and perked up the previous films."
The review concludes with Lewis noting that though "there are moments [where it] feels like a chore to be got through before the main course," it’s an "otherwise enjoyable film."
Check out the rest of the review here.
Sounds like the review confirms reports that this is the darkest and toughest "Harry Potter" yet. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" will be out in theatres courtesy of WB July 11. The final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," hits stores July 21.
