A fantastic film that stands out as the best "Potter" yet

Rating: 9/10 (2 January 2006)

Let me start off by saying this: my review is NOT about how well Mike Newell left in every minute detail from the book, or how much the screen writers had to leave out. This review is on how the big screen adaptation captures the spirit of the novel while coming alive in its own way on film. That being said, "The Goblet of Fire" pulls off a feat I thought was impossible and it compresses the hefty book into a two and a half hour movie. It's brilliant.
The first two Potter films were very good, but had some problems with playing it a bit too safe and maybe even cramming too much material into the film. "Azkaban" was a breath of fresh air and was a fantastic new look and mood to the series. As good as "Azkaban" was, "Goblet" is even better. The action is absolutely stunning, the actors are getting skin deep into their characters, and story more engaging.
One of the things I loved most about "Goblet" was its totally real portrayal of the kids. No longer pre-teens, the kids are experiencing all the woes of the teenage years, and it works out great. It's especially fun to see them embarrass themselves in front of their crushes, or awkwardly handle themselves to the girls they'd like to ask to the Yule Ball. And FINALLY, Fred and George Weasly have major roles in the movie. Jeez, it's about time! Like I said, the young actors due this spot on. Rupert Grint is better than ever. Daniel Radcliffe is very funny and develops his character well. A complaint with him though is he isn't that convincing when he needs to get really emotional. Sorry, Harry! Emma Watson, although looking beautiful, over does it a bit too much. Her performance in "Azkaban" was very natural, but in "Goblet" she is much too over the top and moody. It's a minor complaint. The adults are all perfectly cast, with Ralph Fiennes being a scary yet subtle Voldemort. There couldn't have been a better choice for him. Brendan Gleeson was also fantastic and eccentric as Mad Eye Moody.
The action is better than any Potter film before. The dragon is the best on screen dragon I've ever seen, and the underwater challenge is beautifully shot. Not much Quidditch in the film, but an amazing modern stadium at the World Cup does the job enough. The mood in this is even darker than the last, especially the last 20 minutes, which, by the way, are CLASSIC.
So, in the end, if you Arden't one of the five people who haven't seen "Goblet", it's a funny, thrilling, dark, and excellent addition the newly revived fantasy genre. I have one more thing to say, though: David Yates has some BIG shoes to fill when he directs the next Potter film.