Dark Times ahead indeed

Rating: 8/10 (18 November 2005)

Easily the best and the funniest in the Harry Potter series, this film really is brilliant! What makes it as well is its intensity. The danger factor has been enhanced from the book considerably, as evident in Harry's battle with his dragon during the first task of the Triwizard Tournament. The book merely has Harry riding around a bit to avoid the dragon but the film has the dragon breaking it's restraints and following Harry around the school's turrets in an attempt to roast him alive. The action is definitely better with the special effects used in the telling of the story rather than overused.
One bug bear about this movie: I'm not sure that Daniel Radcliffe and some of his actor friends are going to last the distance on this series. They are all definitely older and its far more noticeable, particularly in the case of Rupert and Daniel. Both seem to have grown up at an alarming rate (particularly in Ron's use of language). The challenge for the next films (should Daniel and Rupert continue with them) is going to continue to retain the age and experience perspective relevant to the character (Harry is supposed to be 14 in this film, but he appears to be a bit older both in appearance and attitude but thankfully, no facial hair yet). That said, the teenage raging hormone factor is extremely funny, particularly in their sparring with Hermione and her decision to go to the Yule Ball with a rival to Harry in the Tournament. This annoys Ron very much and leaves him to wonder why he never viewed Hermione in this way before. Other funny moments include Harry's visit to the Prefects' bathroom to find out the secret inside his golden egg (a close encounter with Moaning Myrtle ensures). This sequence particularly highlights the actor and the character's age although Daniel does cut quite a figure underneath the school uniform (he must have been working out).
That said, all the signs are that this series will continue in a very successful vein and I hope it does. I also hope all of the cast continue with it, as to cast anyone else in their parts would have a detrimental effect and I don't think any other actors can play Harry, Ron and Hermione quite as well. Their character dynamic together is both hilarious and quite charming. Other characters have also matured considerably, especially the Neville Longbottom character who has grown out of being the constant fall guy.