#288 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has long stood as one of our favourite entries in the Harry Potter saga, but the big question is whether it still holds up under scrutiny on our millionth rewatch. Directed by David Yates, who ushers in a new era for the franchise, the film balances the whimsical and nostalgic elements we still get a kick out of with a darker tone. Most importantly, it builds toward an absolutely phenomenal final act, delivering one great scene after another and culminating in the legendary duel between Dumbledore and Voldemort, which we spend plenty of time gushing over. Daniel Radcliffe also elevates his craft with his performance this time around in how he portrays Harry’s troubled state. For a film that moves at a surprisingly brisk pace, there is so much to unpack, including the unforgettable introduction of one of the most easily hateable characters in fiction in Professor Umbridge. That sets us up perfectly for our question of the week, where we dive into the characters we love to hate (and hate to love).

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