I was skeptical, but this movie indeed manages to impress.

Rating: 8/10 (25 November 2005)

If you enjoyed the style of Prisoner of Azkaban, as compared to the previous two movies, then I feel that you will enjoy Goblet of Fire even more. Prisoner of Azkaban was critically acclaimed because it managed to deviate from a strict translation of the book. It took a risk by adding little jokes and extra scenes that were necessary for a movie adaptation. Goblet of Fire does this even more, and I feel the result is really quite a good fit. I am sure Newell gave the kids loads of freedom in choosing how to act our their parts, and the result is that the scenes among the students seem completely genuine, believable, and entertaining.
In contrast with the earlier movies, the acting is a major plus. I'm not saying Daniel Radcliffe is up for an Oscar this year, but the acting was still good enough to be thoroughly enjoyable. One very minor complaint is perhaps that Hermione's acting is a bit over-exaggerated. (However, this kind of fits Hermione's personality, so one cannot complain too much.) Also, Cho Chang doesn't do much except smile all the time, but that's to be expected. Hopefully, her greater role next movie will be more interesting. Otherwise, the chemistry worked very well. I thought Krum and Cedric were well-casted and fit their parts well. Fleur was also good, but I wish we could've seen her show some actual magical talent. All the older actors (especially Moody)were great, which comes as no surprise. I still feel Richard Harris played a better Dumbledore. Michael Gambon does a good job, but he's a bit more stern and emotional than the Dumbledore portrayed in the books.
I feel that people already familiar with the books will most like the first half of the movie. Readers pretty much know what happens at the end, so the climax will not be amazingly exciting as it was when you read it for the first time. The third task leaves out a bit more than I would've liked, and no film interpretation can match the book's suspenseful graveyard scene. That said, all of this was still just as entertaining as I could have hoped.
The special effects are great, and the dragon scene is pulled off very well. The second task is also well-translated from the book, though still not as thrilling as the first.
Some people criticize the fast pacing of this movie. I once thought that no movie could ever do justice to the 734-page book, given all the good material that would have to be left out. However, I now am convinced that the pacing here is actually just right. Everything that had to be left in is there. Yes, it is a bit quick. I wish the third task and the graveyard scene could've lasted just a bit longer. But the pacing is as good as it could've been given time constraints. Splitting the book into two movies would've been overkill. There's not THAT much good material in the book.
This movie shines most during the Yule Ball and in low-key moments that fill the gaps between the major action scenes. Again, the acting is great. Fred and George are especially good at providing some laughs. I admire this movie because it does not rely solely on its excellent special effects and climax action sequences to lure in its audience. It is refreshing to see every little nuance handled professionally by both cast and crew. Well done!