I first heard about Harry Potter around 2000, and blew it off because I thought it was just a dumb kid's book. After a while it seemed like everyone, children and adults alike were getting into the dopey kid with the cool scar and nerdy glasses. So I finally picked up a copy of the first book and after just a few pages I was hooked, and for seven years now I have been a rabid fan of the series. The films, while not as good as the books are still pretty darn good, and so is the new entry into this awesome franchise.

The flick opens with a really dark tone and keeps that tone running through most of its 138 minutes. This time Harry has to deal with, puberty, new Headmaster Dolores Umbridge, played brilliantly by Imelda Staunton, bad dreams with you-know-who in them, the loss of his Godfather, and the fact that some of his classmates don't trust him. I think this series is dealing with classic coming of age issues better than most dramatic films that tackle the subjects. It presents issues that adolescents deal with everyday and puts them into a fantastic environment that feels safe because everyone knows that witches don’t really exist.

Another plus for me was the part of Nymphadora Tonks (Natalia Tena) who I found to be pretty damn hot. Also I felt a little guilty every time Emma Watson was on screen because she is really hot for being so young and I think the filmmakers exploit that fact. This time all of the kids look older and the whole cast is really coming together as a tight unit.

The film looked a little different than the previous ones also. It had a dark hue and a tone that makes you feel like impending doom is looming close by. The digital effects were great and the fact that they keep bringing back the original cast members allows the audience to grow with the cast and feel a certain kinship with whichever character they identify with.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix sucked me right into Harry’s world and kicked my ass with strong characters, tight action, a great story and just the right amount of eye candy. Fans of the other movies won’t be disappointed. Harry’s growing up and we get to watch his extraordinary story unfold right in front of our eyes.