Hero Emerges

Rating: 10/10 (24 November 2005)

In "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" Harry (now older Daniel Radcliffe) arises as a hero. Though not a literary reference, Harry Potter's emergence is reminiscent of another dark hero in "Batman Begins". In that movie, Bruce Wayne's mentor Ducard tells his charge, "The training is nothing! Will is everything! The will to act." Granted aside from both movies being Warner Brothers productions, the analogy is not that far fetched. Director Mike Newell's fourth installment of the Harry Potter saga is the series' darkest and perhaps best. Harry (wonderfully played by Radcliffe) acknowledges and reclaims his greatness albeit reluctantly. He battles great evil and his own fear and insecurities through sheer willthe will to act. The evolving Radcliffe embodies his Harry with the right balance of vulnerability and courage as his character believes the best in others while acknowledging his own demons. Mike Newell masterfully crafts his hero's journey reflecting the great storytelling of author J.K. Rowling and screenwriter Steven Kloves. Hogwarts Headmaster Dumbledore advises young Harry, "Soon we must face the choice between what is right and what is easy." "Harry Potter" under the guidance of Newell does right. It's about character.
"Goblet of Fire" opens with Harry, Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) attending the Quidditch World Cup. However, things go horribly wrong. The arrival of the Death Eaters and the Dark Mark in the skies foretell of the return of Lord Voldermort (malevolent Ralph Fiennes).
Representatives of two other rival schools arrive at Hogwarts to participate in the Triwizard Tournament. The names of the school champions are selected from the Goblet of Fire. The competition is restricted to 17 year-olds. The three champions selected are Viktor (Stanislev Ianevski), Fleur (Clemence Poesy), and Cedric (Robert Pattison) from Hogwarts. Surprisingly The Goblet of Fire makes a fourth selection: 14 year-old Harry. All contestants must endure three challenges where they could possibly forfeit their lives. Harry has the least training of the four. Also Harry knows he must eventually face Lord Voldermort, the man who killed his parents and failed to kill Harry himself.
This dark story of redemption is a compelling hero's tale. At it's emotional center is a powerful and compassionate performance by Daniel Radcliffe as Harry. He has great support from Emma Watson and Rupert Grint. Michael Gambon is perfect as the brave and wise Dumbledore. An almost unrecognizable Ralph Fiennes is a powerful force as the evil Voldermort. In "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" Radcliffe's Harry arises from the ashes like the Phoenix reclaiming and embracing his inherent greatness, and inspiring greatness in others. It is not the training or wizard's talent, rather the power he distinguishes deep inside himself that saves Harry. Harry finds the will to act, and fights great evil while reconciling his own fear.
Mike Newell's "Goblet of Fire" establishes Harry Potter as hero. Daniel Radcliffe as Harry has emerged as a gifted and powerful young actor. May the evolving story of the wizard Harry Potter in the movies continue to transform and compel as this movie does.