Leave childhood behind forever

Rating: 10/10 (17 August 2007)

It's year four at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry for Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ronald Weaseley. In the third movie, they were showing signs of leaving childhood. In this fourth film, childhood is completely left behind and our trio of young heroes enter the world of teen-hood, with no turning back.
The acting is better than Prisoner of Azkaban, especially from Emma Watson. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson all do exceptionally well in transforming their characters from the young children in the first two films, to maturing teenagers. That transition was sort of rusty in Prisoner of Azkaban. Alan Rickman continues his great performance as Severus Snape. Having seen Rickman in other movies, I know that only he can portray professor Snape in that harsh, mean, but actually caring way. Sirius Black has a brief appearance. Peter Pettigrew also returns to help revive he-who-must-not-be-named. Yet another defense against the dark arts teacher comes to town as well. They seem to have trouble keeping dark arts defense teachers. By this film Harry, Hermione, and Ron treat the world of magic like a normal place completely.
Heres the plot: Hogwarts this year is hosting the triwizard tournament, a competition where 3 students, each from a different magic school, compete in a series of magical contests. Due to the complexity and very dangerous nature the events often come with, the ministry has decided only students 17 and older can enter their name for the tournament. However, despite the best magical barriers protecting the Goblet of fire, Harry's name appears and he becomes a contestant. Even though he didn't enter his name, and none of the professors want to put him in danger, the rules bind him to compete. Now he must compete against three other wizards, all older and therefore better trained, in a series of dangerous tasks. Through these tasks Harry resorts to nerve, cunning, and courage to succeed and survive. MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD!!! In the final event, Harry and Cedric Diggory, another competitor, are lured to a trap from dark followers, and Cedric is murdered as sacrifice to bring Voldermort to full health, and the dark lord returns, with Harry barely escaping thanks to his parents. END MAJOR SPOILER!!!
The subplots show how Harry, Ron, and Hermione are growing up. Harry and Ron actually have their first real fight. This is because Ron thinks Harry used magic to place his own name in the Goblet of fire, leading to a temporary silent period between the two. The eventual spark of love to come between Ron and Hermione becomes more evident when Ron is jealous Hermione is asked by another boy from a another school to a dance. It clearly becomes evident how much Hermione cares for Harry as a friend as well, without there being romance. It's clear in two scenes: When Hermione hugs Harry before the first event, obviously afraid for him. Also when Hermione talks to Harry after the second event. Hermione is now my favorite character, and I love her friendship and loyalty with Harry. She's always by his side, even when Ron is mad at him.
I really enjoyed this film. Emma Watson delivers a much better performance than in Prisoner of Azkaban. She's one of my favorite actresses. There's plenty of drama and action. Just be ready. They're not kids anymore. They're teenagers with teenage problems and attitudes. I give this a 10/10.