What's Life Without a Few Dragons?

Rating: 9/10 (1 February 2010)

This is the first "Harry Potter" film that is going to be significantly more powerful if you're familiar with the earlier movies. It's an exciting, beautifully produced film, of course, with wondrous visuals and an intelligent storyline. But, the relationships between Daniel Radcliffe (as Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (as Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson (as Hermione Granger) are richer when you consider their ongoing film friendships. And, most importantly, the appearance of the film's major villain is a climatic moment that elevates the entire series; it gives this entry the sweeping epic quality so longed for, and so rarely found.
Mike Newell takes over as director, from Alfonso Cuaron; it would have been nice to see Mr. Cuaron direct "Goblet of Fire" due to the storyline becoming more obviously romantic, but Mr. Newell's handling of the adventure is not merely adequate, it's exhilarating. One of the best things about the "Potter" films was the age appropriate casting. Yet, due to production scheduling, the young actors have gotten older than their roles; Radcliffe is supposed to be a young-looking fourteen. It's also apparent, by now, that however much they trim from Ms. Rowling's novels, these films are going to remain dense.
From the novel, enough was left out to make this film an alternate reality, which should always have been the filmmakers' objective.
Sagely Maggie Smith (as Minerva McGonagall) has a few things to say, this time around (but not as much as in the first two films), and Michael Gambon (as Albus Dumbledore) really grows into the role originated by Richard Harris. Newcomers making the most out of their parts are eyeful Brendan Gleeson (as Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody) and handsome Robert Pattinson (as Cedric Diggory). Note, making a good impression in a "Harry Potter" movie isn't as easy at it would seem, because everyone is up to the task; you really have to get one of the better roles. Now, could those hedges trim my hair, too?
********* Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (11/6/05) Mike Newell ~ Daniel Radcliffe, Brendan Gleeson, Rupert Grint, Robert Pattinson