Tell don't show

Rating: 6/10 (20 November 2005)

I have given this film a 6 because as a Harry Potter fan, I must admit this film did well in visualizing scenes from the Goblet of Fire book. However, viewed as a cinematic work it was very disappointing. The characters of Fred and George are more prominent adding a lot of comedy to the film, but almost all of the jokes were dependent on them, most of the jokes being slapstick. With Harry being 14 years old in this film, obviously there is going to be a new adolescent sexuality to his character, but that was the main topic of the film when he wasn't battling a dragon or casting a spell. Some scenes with this new sexuality lasted precious minutes past their prime, leaving no room for the amazing older actors such as Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman. Emma Watson was adorable as Hermione in the first film, but now she doesn't seem to be able to portray emotion without melodramatics. The main problem with this film, however, is trying to fit a some 600 page book into a 2 1/2 hour film. The book was well represented, I have no beef as a Potter fan about that. But trying to fit in all these pages lead to the most blatant explication imaginable. Film is a visual medium with sound attached. In intro screen writing classes, the number one lesson is to show not tell, which Steve Klove seemed to completely ignore. All the questions that arise during the film are nicely and neatly explained with a dull conversation between Harry and one of his smarter companions. He hardly finds anything out for himself. My advice, wait until it comes out on video, that way you can fall asleep in the comfort of your own home.