Underwhelmed

Rating: Null/10 (22 November 2005)

After viewing the fourth installment of the Harry Potter series, I've found myself in the minority. For the first time in the series, I did NOT read reviews of the film before seeing it myself. Whether that is the reason for my disappointment with the newest "Potter" adaptation or not, I must say it was my least favorite of the four.
The first three had a fluidity of storytelling that "Goblet" did not. I can assure you that I had as much anticipation about the film as the next fan, but throughout the film I found myself emotionally unengaged, wondering when "a cool part" would happen. It's difficult to elaborate on what I mean without giving spoilers, but suffice it to say there are a number of subplots which are left underdeveloped, an annoying amount of screen time is dedicated to silly, pre-pubescent melodrama, and the climactic scene in which Voldemort (I've probably misspelled it) is seen in full form is weak. I honestly find it perplexing that so many of the reviews now are praising Ralph Fiennes for portraying "he-who-should-not-be-named" so well. One review I read of a 16-year-old fan said, "I thought Voldemort would be faceless..." I share the 16-year-old's disappointment. Oh well...Of course I will be in line on opening day when "Phoenix" arrives in theaters, but until then, I can definitely say I'll be indulging Chapters 1-3 of the saga and not so much chapter 4.