Just incredible...taking this series to new heights

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2006)

Whether my opinion or not the Harry Potter franchise will certainly go down as one of the greatest series of films in history. I do believe that the series rivals Star Wars, or any other great film franchise in history. That being said I wasn't an enormous fan of the first two films which I haven't seen in some time but I remember not being overtly impressed. I can say that the films offer absolute breathtaking visuals and special effects unprecedented in a "kid's film." No one has ever ventured to make such a gutsy, mature fantasy adventure film series aimed at kids and teens and they score every time. Nonetheless I ventured to see the newest installment and was absolutely blown away!! Granted I did see it on the IMAX theater but I don't think that had much to do with it. The story was so much more mature, aimed at an entirely different and diverse demographic. The story was much more simplistic, easy to follow, the characters were fun and intense, and the entire film was breathtakingly perfect!!
By now Daniel Radcliffe should have the role of Harry Potter down to a finesse so that no other person could EVER be Harry Potter and I think he does that perfectly. He's the hesitant hero, the boy wonder that is humble, honest, torn apart by a mysterious past, soft spoken and a little awkward. He is the perfect adolescent hero. He seemed to really come into character into this one and performs the role flawlessly. I'm not sure as an actor he could do much else but for this role...it was made for him. Emma Watson also returns as the rather intense Hermione Granger. She is really the opposite sex of Harry Potter but the same idea. She is for the girls to follow. She's a little awkward, she's starting to grow up, date, learn new things...she's also quite good in her role although I think she has talent left untapped beyond Harry Potter. As long as the film makers steer clear of sexualizing her just because she's getting older than it'll be fine. Rupert Grint returns as the shy, and clumsy Ron Weasley. Together the three of them make a good team and good friends and each have a different side of adolescence set out which is good. They all have very distinctive characters and they all do a great job in their roles. They really have them down pat after four films. Most of the Hogwart's teaching staff all return as well Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, and David Bradley. To really get into any depth about their characters or performances is kind of pointless. They are all great actors, most of them having been around for many years and they all fit into their roles in each installment and in this one as well perfectly. They are great!!
What truly sets Goblet of Fire apart from the others is the story. It's brilliant, non stop action and we finally lay eyes on a physical form of the evil Lord Voldemort, Harry's nemesis played brilliantly by Ralph Fiennes. New director Mike Newell I must give the most credit too, taking the helm from Chris Columbus, and Alfonso Cuarón. Newell's approach is completely different and the film is far more mature and intense and takes the story so much further than ever before. I would even hesitate to bring young children to the film because it is that dark. But it does make it far more interesting for older children, teens and adults...widens the demographic right out and makes me edge of my seat for the next installment. The special effects are absolutely brilliant, they aren't shoddy CGI but rather brilliantly created from Hogwarts to each magic step of the Wizard's contest. I can honestly say that sometimes the acting was a little bit campy, some reactions and overly emotional moments. And the ending was a little bit cut and dry for the film that it was. Nothing was really wrapped up in the end...it would have been better to have left it hanging for the next installment but that's not the Harry Potter way and it's still the best of the series and an absolutely amazing adventure!! 10/10