Entertaining, but the plot needed more from the book

Rating: 8/10 (9 August 2011)

Plot: After the Dark Mark appears at the Quittich World Cup, Harry is selected to take part in the twiwizard tournament. Except for one problem, Harry never entered. And with his scar burning more than ever, and teenage hormones starting to kick in, Harry learns that his fourth year at Hogwarts, is going to be his hardest.
Review: Before we start, let me just say this, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is my favorite book of all time. It has action, suspense, and has finally taken a dark enough turn. The movie adaptation just wasn't as good. Oh don't get me wrong, I think this movie is ridiculously entertaining, but in terms of an adaptation it just isn't as strong.
For example, Hermiones S.P.E.W. campaign is never mentioned, and since we don't know that elves work in the kitchen, some people will be confused when the elves attack in the last movie. Also the whole Rita Skeeter can turn into a beetle is gone, there's literally only one class in the whole film, and there are literally only three scenes between the second and third tasks. The second task was in mid February and the third was in late June. Yet in the movie the second task ends, they find Crouch's body, Harry goes into Dumbledore's office and finds the penesive, and Snape interrogates Harry about his potion ingredients. Also Winky doesn't make an appearance.
After that last paragraph, you may think I think this is a horrible adaptation, but it isn't, it's actually quite good. There are some things that I thought they might cut out that they didn't, such as Fred and George trying to enter the tournament. But since the fourth is my favorite book, I guess this film would disappoint in the story department. But it doesn't disappoint in the action, the first task was so well done, and one change from the book that was a major improvement. I'm sorry, but Harry just flying around the dragon arena, a little boring. The special effects are amazing is some places, and the acting just keeps getting better. Also I like the whole romantic elements, Cho and Harry's works, even if it is a little rushed. And this is when Ron and Hermione are really starting to get it on, the buckbeak snapped at Harry part in POA started it, but now it's kicking into high gear.
Overall Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a pretty good adaptation, but it could have been better. But as a film it's awesome. It's extremely entertaining, it's dark, funny, and has a really good romantic elements. But it is one of the weaker entries, at least in terms of an adaptation.