Great Effects, Poorly Crafted Film

Rating: 7/10 (9 December 2005)

I am quite disappointed with "Goblet of Fire". The key problem: this film can't decide what to be.
Is it an action-oriented, effects laden moneymaker? Is it a coming-of-age story? Is it a kiddie flick? Is it a comedy? Is it a mystery? Is it a thriller? I don't know, and I doubt the filmmakers did, either.
I empathize with them. GOF is a very large book, there are a lot of subplots and "things" going on. But, sadly, they weren't up to the task.
Sure, there are some great effects sequences, and the young actors' acting has improved over prior films, but the filmmakers lost the focus of the story by an inability to dictate the genre.
Example: there is a mystery in the beginning when the premiere wizard sporting event is disrupted by terrorism. That incident is then ignored for some time, whilst the school hosts a sporting tournament of its own. Then we're told (not shown, but told, a key error in film-making) that someone is trying to kill Harry. But then that is put on hold while we watch teenagers fumble over dating (which is very well done, I'll grant). Then suddenly Harry is in danger again, and then the big spooky pre-climax climax, then a wrap up to the earlier mystery that we've all forgotten about.
Prisoner of Azkaban was a much better film. It's a shame Alfonso Cuaron couldn't work this one, too.
7 out of 10. Some great battle/special effects sequences and the "teen angst" stuff was fun. But the pacing and scripting issues can't hold it together.
Barky