Matt Foster
Published: November 23, 2005
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire cast its spell over moviegoers last weekend.
The movie, the fourth in series creator J.K. Rowling’s tale of wizards and witches, is the turning point for young Harry Potter and his friends.
Starting his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter and his friends are introduced to 2 other wizarding schools: Durmstrang Academy and Beauxbatons Academy. These 3 schools come together at Hogwarts for the Triwizard Tournament. One champion from each school is chosen to compete in three dangerous and deadly tasks. Inexplicably, a fourth champion is chosen: Harry Potter.
What follows is tale of friendship and childhood innocence, dark magic, the power of love, and the pain of loss, culminating in the return of the darkest and most deadly wizard of all.
Series regulars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson all return in their roles as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger respectively. Seeing the kids and their companions (such as Professors Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall) all returning for the fourth time only strengthens the bond between them and the audience. As viewers, we are all being drawn, spellbound, into the lives of these unforgettable characters. This is an amazing feat, rarely captured in cinema that is truly a testament to Rowling and Director Mike Newell.
New characters are introduced as well, each one fitting perfectly into the niche that has been created for them in this imaginative and wonderful universe. The new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Mad-Eye Moody, is a wonderful addition to the Potter mythos, and when long time fans see “He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named,” they will finally see the face of evil.
The movie is full of action packed moments (such as Harry’s first task involving a dragon) and a character driven plot, giving moviegoers exactly what they’re looking for.
The only drawback to longtime fans of the series is that due to the length of the film, a great many scenes that fans loved from Rowling’s book have been cut out, such as Harry’s stay at the Dursley’s and Hermione’s quest to free House Elves.
Therefore, while not a perfect adaption of the book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a perfect film and an excellent addition to the series.