Step up from the last installment

Rating: 9/10 (24 June 2007)

Each new Potter installment out does it's predecessor.
This is particularly evident with this film. While Alfonso Cuaron brought Gothic visuals to the third film, Mike Newell (director) brings great vigour to this installment.
While I believe that Azkaban came closer to conveying the book, this film is still a little better than the last.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a much darker installment, the darkness mixed with the light, humorous and romantic events of the Yule Ball (a ball that takes place at Hogwarts because of the Triwizard Tournament, which Harry has been unwillingly chosen to compete in).
The Yule Ball sequence is one of the most memorable and enjoyable sequences of the film; the cast get spiffed up in their ball gowns and tuxedos except Rupert Grint (whom plays Ron Weasley) who has to wear a ragged, horrible looking thing.
Love is in the air at the Yule Ball, Harry proves he is hopeless when it comes to conversing with the opposite sex, getting tongue-tied and standing there looking like an absolute tool.
It's all very awkward, giddy and British. But I love it.
The special effects are really something to marvel at, if you believe that they are special effects at all.
The Hungararian Horntail (dragon) which Harry faces looks so real that I did not even question that it was a special effect; I was just sitting in the cinema utterly engrossed in the film. The whole dragon sequence is overblown but thrilling.
The film becomes even more darker (if that is possible) when Harry's enemy Lord Voldemort makes a much anticipated appearance. He's pasty, skeletal and has no nose. It's freaky.
The actors are definitely improving; Emma Watson as Hermione is still the best out of the trio (watch out for her shining moments at the Yule Ball), Daniel Radcliffe rises to the occasion and delivers his best performance in the Graveyard scene.
The one performance I really feel that should be acknowledged is Rupert Grint's performance. He's seen as the third wheel in the trio in the films, but in this film he delivers a much more nuanced performance, playing a delightfully jealous Ron. We finally get to see Grint's acting chops.
Yes, there are deep cuts in in the material from the book in this film, but I believe that (and I say this as a book fan) it's about staying true to the STORY, not necessarily the book.
As long as the important stuff that foreshadows the future is not left out, which it hasn't been.
Besides, the whole film has been crammed full of knowledge already so much that I feel sorry for the people who haven't read the books; the cogs in their brains must be in some serious need of re-oiling.
Nevertheless, this film is one thrilling adventure of highs and lows, funny moments and sad and frightening moments. If it's going to be anything like this one, I can't wait for the next film...