Decent, but not overwhelming

Rating: 7/10 (19 November 2005)

I can't say I was overwhelmed. I will emphasise this isn't a bad film, but it didn't blow me away; at best it succeeds in being slightly better than average. The roots of this film obviously lie much more in the previous film than the first two; this is defiantly a good thing, it reflects the changing tone of the book towards more sinister overtones. The castle is shrouded in dark clouds, 'Dark and difficult times lie ahead', indeed.
Acting from the British greats is as to be expected, spectacular performances from almost all; notably that of recent addition to cast Ralph Fiennes. There is defiantly a lack of screen time for many of the Hogwarts teaching staff, the film largely revolves around the kids; much more so than previous films. This is both a good and bad thing, it keeps the plot moving at a far whack and gives us more time to engage with our protagonists. However it limits our absorption into the world, it chips away at those things that enrich the Potter world. One last comment is on the performance of Alan Rickman (as Snape) which seems slightly uneasy, I can't explain why but the limited encounters with him just seem somehow off.
The acting of child actors is, as always, the contentious issue. I share the same concerns many have expressed over the casting of Radcliffe as Potter, the simple fact is that he is failing to develop as an actor. This becomes increasingly evident as the performances of Gint (Ron) and Watson (Hermione) improve. Gint is worthy of particular mention here as his performance best embodies that which I would like to see from the others, he is beginning to show the signs of a mature actor. Watson is competent enough but does not, to me, embody the true spirit of Hermonie. An IMDb.com quote attributed to her reflects the character as 'snotty, bossy and posh', as a reader of the books this goes against the characteristics I have interpreted from the character.
The plot, as I have mentioned, lacks background substance but it works hard on keeping momentum in presenting its core material, the events of the 'Tri-Wizard tournament'. It does this with substantial flair, the effects surpass expectations and fit neatly in with the already established Potter movie imagery. All the core plot elements are there and while the pace is hurried the flow of the film is maintained admirably.
All things considered this is not a bad film, certainly one that is worth watching; but perhaps just the once. Therein lies its killer flaw, the film is merely a competent representation of the universe keeping continuity with the themes laid out in previous movies. The film certainly attempts at showing both the epic (the tournament) and the personal (the newly discovered romantic feelings of the protagonists), but the two are not so neatly interwoven. I walked away from the film with an impression of missing depth, we got to learn much about the Harry and friends, but other characters are not so neatly cut out. With the movie pushing the roles of new characters Cho Chang and Cedric Diggory; the old, such as Draco and Mrs. Weasly, are rather mercilessly cast aside. They are are almost certainly conspicuous by their absence.