A redemptive effort after a sub-part 3rd entry

Rating: 8/10 (16 July 2007)

If you have read my reviews to this point, you know I was disappointed with the 3rd film. My disappointment was replaced with enthusiasm here with Goblet of Fire.
Dumbledore is better represented as the headmaster this go around. In my opinion, he was turned into a kindly old man in the 3rd film. This time around we actually are given more inclination that he really is in charge.
All of the kids have stepped up their performances once again and that remains the one continual improvement with each film. Again, this goes back to them being cast excellently in the first film and that is paying off in spades with each subsequent film.
I still feel the Malfoy's and Snape continue to be lost in the continuing new character carousel, but that was tempered this go around with an excellent story.
The score is the only thing lacking in this 4th entry. John Williams is no longer at the helm and it is VERY evident. The score is a competent entries, but it lacks the style, magic and atmosphere that Williams created in the first 3 films. At least the main Potter theme is still there, but the franchise is the lessor without Williams' contribution to the scores.
After a disappointing 3rd entry, Goblet of Fire got me excited about the franchise again.