Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

After a misstep in Azkaban, Harry Potter is finally back on track in his latest conquest, the Goblet of Fire. Yet it's funny how Goblet is more than 200 pages longer than Azkaban, yet the film is barely half an hour longer. It's fair to say that Warner Bros missed on another $750m if they did it in two parts. Because as a fan of the books, it still continues to miss major-minor (the essence) parts to the story, which killed Azkaban. Goblet has several pacing issues, because you barely have anytime to take anything in.

In Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he is mysteriously chosen to take part in the Tri-Wizard tournament. The Tri-wizard tournament is a battle of 3 students from 3 magical schools that compete for a piece of glowing glass. But because Harry Potter is there, the Goblet chooses Harry compete, even though 3 students have already been chosen. The 3 tasks they each have to do are very dangerous, so dangerous that people have died. (If only the education department knew about this)

The young actors have been hit with the puberty stick big time. Hoarse voices, sexual references, periods and shagging are now order of the day for Harry, Hermione and Ron. Continued to be blessed by being chosen 5 years ago, their acting capabilities continues to be limited despite some great material. From playing over the top to being a wooden stick. Radcliffe's attempt at crying at the end of the movie is something to be seen, because it is that bad. Watson is serviceable, but no Dakota Fanning. Luckily the adults in this film really shine. Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), Maggie Smith (Prof. McGonagall) and Alan Rickman (Snape) continue to be an inspiration for the franchise. They add a touch of class with such ease. Like many epics, those sorts of roles can be overacted and a yawn fest. (Hello, how boring was Lord of the Rings). Ralph Finnes as Lord Voldermort, is awful!!! His cunning performance in Red Dragon, is nowhere to be seen here. Instead he is laughable and dampens the ending. So in other words, it’s an anti-climax unlike the book.

Like the M classification suggests, the film is more mature in many aspects not only the violence and context but the humour as well, so this will ensure males of all ages will attempt to watch Harry, even if his weapon is a wand and a Latin dictionary. Goblet in some ways was a gratifying experience, but annoying as hell especially if you’re an eager Potter fan. For instance there is no time to enjoy this wonderful movie. Everything is fast forwarded to a scene with Harry battling something or a character trying to get some screen time. It’s off putting and hard to enjoy.

Like Harry, the movies have matured and continue to be a complement to Warner Bros and J.K. Rowling, but its fans continue to be shafted for the quick ‘moolah’. There is a lot to enjoy here even if you don’t take the books too seriously.


out of ten

Reviewed by Dino White

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