A Real Entertainer: Perhaps the Best of the Series Thus Far

Rating: 8/10 (6 February 2006)

In the wake of the two mediocre films that opened this franchise, the Prisoner of Azkaban, and now this one, have proved highly entertaining.
From the moment Hermione wakes Harry and Ron, we sense that these three have matured as actors; moments later a darkly atmospheric shot, which flies before them up a damp hill en route to who knows where, portends an exciting ride to come.
The fast-paced opening sequence is a real thrill, and the film's energy and atmosphere don't drop thereafter. Exciting mobile camera work is a factor, so are some fine effects: Lord Voldemort's dark mark is particularly cool, as is the shrivelled embryo of his body.
New characters are well cast; David Tennant's devilish Barty Crouch, Jr. leaves a real impression in his few moments on the screen, and Brendan Gleeson's performance as Mad-Eye Moody is show stopping. Some old hands also turn in excellent performances, Alan Rickman was always a casting coup as Professor Snape, and Shirley Henderson (Moaning Myrtle) is simply brilliant in her bathroom cameo.
That scene is a comic highlight, but there are quite a few chuckles to be had elsewhere. Most of these are at the expense of the lead trio's romantic fumblings; this adolescent love stuff is really well handled, both by the screenplay and by the lead actors.
There are plenty of IMDb comments bemoaning omissions in the adaptation from the novel: I for one wouldn't have minded seeing Hagrid's 'harmless' blast-ended screwts. However, does one really want to watch precisely what they have already read? The film stays true to the novel's spirit and that's the important thing. The film in no way offended my memories; it all felt very fresh and exciting.
I am prepared to make only two concessions to the purists, not because these flaws break faith with the book, but because they break faith with this and the other films.
Firstly, I agree that Michael Gambon's portrayal of Dumbledore is a miscalculation. He comes across as dark and blustery rather than wise or avuncular; this doesn't follow from the previous films, and makes Harry's easy relationship with him more than a little unlikely.
The second galling mistake is the descent of the ball into an indie rock concert. However brief this moment is, and however great a performer Jarvis Cocker may be, it should not have happened; this is a horrible Hollywood cliché! It mightn't have been such a low point if the chosen tune wasn't so dreary.
Aside from these lapses in judgement, I really enjoyed The Goblet of Fire. Exciting, amusing, but with suitably dark corners, this is perhaps the best of the Potters thus far.