What is the Magic of Harry Potter?

Rating: 8/10 (20 November 2005)

J.K. Knowlings, author of the Potter series has created an unlikely hero. Harry Potter, an awkward boy with glasses who possesses a powerful spirit. He possesses courage, stamina, logic, sensibility, patience, love and wisdom. He also possesses hate caused by Lord Voldemort, the person responsible for the death of Harry's Parents when he was a baby. Our hero Harry Potter possesses one more trait: He is a Wizard.
Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire is the Fourth installment of the Knowling series. The young wizards, Harry, Hermoine, and Ron are back for their fourth year at Hogwarts, the Wizard School located somewhere between time and dimension. The school is an incredible Castle on a mountainside surrounded by snowy peaks and green forests and a tranquil lake. Within Hogwarts interior we meet the familiar cast of Wizards, Witches, Creatures, and returning students. It is a colorful and entertaining cast.
Harry finds himself selected by the Goblet Of Fire as an underage competitor in a dangerous multi-wizardry school competition known as the Tri Wizard Tournament in which student representatives from three different sorcery schools compete in a series of increasingly challenging contests. The tournament is to be held at Hogwarts. Harry must fend off accusations of tampering with the Goblet of Fire. The School's Top Wizards are concerned for Harry and suspicious of him as well. New characters emerge throughout the film including Alastor 'MadEye' Moody who is the new Professor of the Dark Arts.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione are now 14 and experiencing the hormonal changes taking place. Puberty brings with it many dark forces that all teenagers must battle as they try to make it through school and life. The Goblet Of Fire has an allegorical tone of using the dark forces of Puberty. The Dragons that come at you during those confusing years are powerful but must be faced just as Harry battles his fire breather in one of the tournaments challenges.
British Director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and A Funeral, Enchanted April, Donnie Brasco) takes on the Potter series and rises above the call of duty. He creates some beautiful visuals, including a silhouetted shot of the young wizards running along a hillside in the beginning of the film. It was a sure sign that the film was going to be a pleasure to watch.
The entire cast flows from one to the other and seem comfortable in their roles. Daniel Radcliffe portrays Harry Potter a bit rigid and always wears the same look of wonder on his face whenever he enters anywhere new. He has been at Hogwarts for four years, one would think he would have developed a bit more culture. His character is still young and vulnerable but the Goblet of Fire has chosen Harry's name and he now must act.
Albus Dumbledore, the Head Wizard of Hogwarts says to Harry: "Dark and difficult times lie ahead, Harry. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right... and what is easy. "
The Magic Of Harry Potter is that he is you and I at our finest.
Rated PG 13 for violence and mature themes.