How ironic is it that the most magical moment in all of 'Order of the Phoenix' comes only when Harry lays down his wand and actually acts like a. To generate any real affection is when Harry enjoys his first kiss with the cute Cho Chang (Katie Leung). It doesn't help that Harry is so busy preparing for his quests and challenges that the kid doesn't seem to exist anymore as a flesh and blood teenager with emotions that are identifiable outside of what the plot requires. For much of the first half of the film, characters are given little to do but spout exposition. Unfortunately, the majority of the film still feels overloaded by the burden of simply advancing the story, rather than letting it soar. Few "children's films" these days generate any real suspense, but 'Order of the Phoenix' does so in spades. Yes, this is a still a PG-13 adventure, but it's clear that Rowling is playing for keeps, and it is 'Order of the Phoenix's best asset that there are real consequences to the actions in the film. The film's final 45 minutes in particular contain the harshest and most assaultive violence yet seen in the series. As Harry has matured (with Daniel Radcliff evolving nicely as an actor), so too have Rowling's themes and concerns.
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