"Goblet" meets my expectations...

Rating: 9/10 (16 November 2005)

I'm glad to say that I'm not disappointed in this one. HP1 was okay. I haven't read the book when I saw it. HP2 was awful. It's the worst Potter film for me. And honestly, I was slightly disappointed in the first viewing of HP3. But then, the more I watch it (on DVD), the more I realize that the third Potter movie was the best of the three. In terms of storytelling and character development, Azkaban is far better than the first two. The Harry-Flying-With-Buckbeak scene is one of the best scenes IMHO. It is emotional and the music is great. Now comes the fourth in the series, The Goblet of Fire.
Judging by the trailer alone, I know this movie is gonna be great. The new movie condensed the 700-page book into an almost 3-hour movie. That means a lot has been left out. I've already expected it so the changes are no big deal for me and I think the movie will survive even without Rita Skeeter.
=MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD= So, here are the things I like:
Pacing. Well-paced but not uses Cuaron's scene transitions in Azkaban; Music. The great John Williams theme is still here (most notably Hedwig's Theme or the opening theme of every HP movie). The new composer Patrick Doyle added a nice new touch in the film's music and makes the film darker. However, there's a part in the Yule Ball where the music is distracting. Imagine, a rock band in Hogwarts? It feels like it's from another movie; Amazing visuals. The arrival of the schools and the 2nd task was almost dream-like. Beautifully done. Tone. It's darker and more mature; Special effects. The CGI was great except for some few crappy CGIs like the landing of Diggory's onto the ground after touching the Portkey, morphing of Krum into a shark. The dance number of Durmstrang...something to do with the sticks; Fleur...Hermione...Cho Chang...Ginny...and...Madame Maxine (haha..joke). Fleur is beautiful!; Dumbledore. I like Michael Gambon than the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore. Imagine Harris giving the tournament speeches. I can't take it! Young Dumbledore looks like Gandalf the Grey! ; Relationships between the trio; Moody. Great performance; Voldemort. Great job by Ralph Fiennes. His strong performance can still be seen even with make-up!; Acting. Improved acting from Daniel(!) I was almost carried away...two thumbs up for that heartfelt mourning for (see next point..); HIS death. It happened so fast that it was so shocking. I didn't expect that I was gonna cry at that part even though I know he will die. It was so depressing. I left the theater so sad because 1) HE died, 2) the anticipation for the movie is over and 3) the next movie will be out in June 2007. =MINOR SPOILERS END=
Some audience may find it sexist because Fleur was portrayed as if she was incapable of joining the Tournament.
Overall, this is the best Potter movie yet. Expectations are getting higher. Newell delivers a strong film. Definitely my new favorite!