Largely disappointing...

Rating: 6/10 (11 March 2006)

You may ask yourself why, considering the title of this comment, I chose to rate this movie 8 out of 10. Yes, I consider it disappointing for the most part, for reasons I will go into further detail below; however, it had one large redeeming quality which prevents me from completely hating it.
The first time I saw "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," or any of the other movies in the series for that matter, I had never read any of the books. I felt that it was finally time to jump on the book bandwagon, since I was blown away by this film upon first viewing. My initial reaction was that this was the best film of the series to date, with stunning special effects, great story and astounding conclusion. Now my opinion is very different.
For my second viewing, I chose to read the book immediately before viewing the film, so the material was still fresh in my mind. I was amazed at how much of J.K. Rowling's material was removed or changed for this film. The scenes at the World Quidditch Cup were so trimmed that you almost have to wonder how someone who hasn't read the book can follow the action without getting horribly lost. I realize all adaptation films require trimming in order to fit within the time alloted, but the changing of the storyline (i.e. changing from Dobby giving Harry the gillyweed in the book to Neville giving him the gillyweed in the movie) was highly disappointing, not to mention offensive to those who are dedicated to the book series.
Furthermore, the music in this installment is horrendous. You may be asking yourself, "Isn't that a bit too harsh?" My answer is no, and I'll tell you why. First and foremost, it is far too weak to be consistent with what is happening on the screen. It is also reminiscent of another film, which I can't put my finger on, to the point that I wonder if the music was slightly plagiarized. There is also a weepy song that plays during the credits, entitled "Magic Works" and sung by the band portraying "The Weird Sisters"--which, incidentally, has been changed to an all male group for the film--that wouldn't fit anywhere in the movie, and certainly does not belong on the credits. The only original music by John Williams that remains, the main theme and Hedwig's Theme, is sadly not used enough but is instead replaced with the new music by Patrick Doyle that just doesn't measure up.
Finally for the redeeming quality. The climax of this film remains intact and in accordance with the book, nearly verbatim, beginning with the scene in which Harry and Cedric are transported out of the maze and to the graveyard and, ultimately, into Voldemort's clutches. Of course, there are cuts to this portion as well--the most disappointing being the images of Dumbledore, Snape and McGonagall glowering out of the Foe Glass--but they are not as pronounced as with the rest of the movie. It is for the climax alone that I recommend this film, for it really does save the film from being complete rubbish.
If you haven't read the book first, it will probably make the movie better for you...so I'd advise watching before reading, simply to make the experience more enjoyable.