Reviewed By Colin Gibson

Daniel Radcliffe reprises his role as Harry Potter, as well as Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) returning to the scene.

This is the fifth film in the series and follows the events of the last Film. Harry is struggling to come to terms with the death of Cedric Diggory, who was murdered by the evil Lord Voldermort (Ralph Fiennes). Harry tries to warn people of his return, but the ministry of magic scoffs at his efforts, and no one believes him.

The ministry has sent Dolores Umbridge to fill the teaching position of defence against the dark arts (as well as to interfere at Hogwarts). Despite her position, she isn't teaching students how to defend themselves, so Harry forms a secret club, which contains a select few people who believe him about Voldermort's return. In this club Harry teaches useful spells which could be used in combat.

Harry has a vision that his godfather, his only living relative (that is likeable), is being tortured, so he and a few people from the club go to London to attempt to save him. That's where the teaching pays off!

Although I understand, that since the film is based on a book, not all of it could be included, but many points that were essential to the story were left out. Tonk's ability to change physical features wasn't mentioned, only shown, which may puzzle audiences. The golden statues at the ministry of magic were shown, but not used in the story, when they were in the book. The house elf Kreacher wasn't shown returning to Bellatrix Lestrange and revealing secret information to her. After the Weasley twins leave the school, they set up a shop, which isn't explained, but is part of the sixth book's plot.

Quiditch isn't included in the film, this isn't an essential part of the plot, but is one-thing potter fans come to see. Hagrid's visit to the giants is a big part in the book, but the film seems to have rushed this. The scene doesn't explain in the same detail The series grows gradually darker, more evil and scarier with each film, however there is still humour included, which will keep children entertained, rather than showing them a horror film.

Umbridge has been portrayed very well, as teenagers can relate to authority figures stopping innocent fun. This will cause anger to the character and gets audiences involved.

The soundtrack by Nicholas Hooper adds to the excitement of the film, he has done a good job with making humorous sections funny, serious parts serious and scary parts, scary. The song used at the end leaves audiences feeling in a mood similar to what the characters may be feeling, determined and prepared for the evil that awaits them. This feeling comes all from the soundtrack.

A good film but short due to cutbacks in the plot 7/10