“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (Warner Brothers)
Everyone who is wild about Harry (Potter that is) will be even wilder after they see “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” This fourth in the series of films based on the characters created by J K Rowling is the best yet. It has more story, more drama, more humor, more romance and better special effects. In short, it has it all.
What is best about it all is the three actors who play Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his two best friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). All three are maturing in their roles and give much more nuanced performances than ever before.
The film starts off with a bang as Harry and his friends visit a fair of sorts to watch some high-flying athletics. But deadly warriors come and wreak havoc. This is just the start of bad things waiting for Harry during his fourth year at Hogwarts.
The plot is too convoluted to try to state here, but it is assumed most or all of Rowling’s plot complexities from the book made it into the movie. With a two hour and forty minute running length, surely they did.
Outstanding among the adult actors is Brendan Gleeson who plays Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody. He is assigned to be Harry’s protector of sorts and he plays a pivotal role in all that ensues.
Miranda Richardson has a cameo as a news reporter named Rita Skeeter. Richardson plays her over the top and just for laughs but this performance seems out of sync with the rest of the cast.
There also seems to be a choppiness in the way scenes move into each other. There is an abruptness that makes continuity difficult. You get the impression Director Mike Newell filmed more than enough footage and then had to pick and choose.
This is the first Harry Potter movie to earn a PG-13 rating, but it is certainly appropriate. There is profanity and a large amount of violence in the film. There might be a little too much realism for the smaller kids.
The thrill of watching a Harry Potter movie mainly comes from the intricacies of the plot and the special effects that bring his world to life. Both are on full display in this new adventure. These movies aren’t quite up to “Lord of the Rings” level – but they are getting there.
I scored “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” a burning 7 out of 10.
