Right on track

Rating: 7/10 (18 November 2005)

'Goblet of Fire' isn't my favourite of the Harry Potter books, but I've been eagerly awaiting the big screen version of the book like every other Potter fan. I saw the movie last weekend at a preview screening and I really enjoyed it.
As the first British director at the helm, Mike Newell has made a film that fits somewhere between the first two and the third in terms of feel. It's more mainstream than 'Azkaban', but maintains that film's murkier aspect. The trio are growing up now and it's all becoming more complicated.
First the bad points. In terms of plot, the Quidditch World Cup scene serves only to introduce Viktor Krum. We don't even see the Irish team win, which, being Irish, I would've liked to see. Equally brief is Sirius' appearance in the fire at Hogwarts. And, although the way he appears is good, I didn't like the way it was done.
Rita Skeeter's presence was very fleeting also. Miranda Richardson did a fabulous job as her, but we didn't get enough of her nastiness. It seemed almost like a cameo role the way it was done. Having said that, some introduction to her is necessary for what comes in book five.
I'm also really missing Richard Harris' Dumbledore. I didn't warm to Michael Gambon in 'Azkaban' and I like him even less here. Rather than becoming more serious, he seems to just be morose a lot. I think Richard Harris would have played it better.
Now for the good points. It looks fantastic. The special effects get better and better and the wow factor is here in spades.
Brendan Gleeson, another countryman of mine, is great as Mad Eye Moody, a real scene stealer. Ralph Fiennes is appropriately creepy as the serpent-like Lord Voldemort, even though his appearance is quite brief.
As for the trio, the one whose acting has improved the most is Daniel Radcliffe. His Harry is how I imagine him from the books. He's particularly good at the whole teenage crush thing here, which, doubtless, he's drawing on his own experience for. He's also more convincing in the dramatic sequences too, in his crying for example. He's maturing nicely into the role and he really portrays Harry's vulnerability and nobility very well, which bodes well for adaptations of books five and six.
Emma Watson's Hermione seems a little over-emotional this time round, an issue we can probably attribute to the character's hormones. Still, I think Hermione should be a little more in control than that. And Rupert Grint's Ron is as funny as ever.
The new characters are good, but old favourites like Hagrid, the Weasley twins, and even a bit of comedy from Snape, of all people, add to the charm here. I laughed and cried and I'd say we're right on track for the rest of the series.
Not my favourite of the films to date, but then the book isn't my favourite either. That said, it is going to impress true fans.