'Goblet of Fire was one of the most disappointing films I saw all year'

Rating: 5/10 (9 January 2006)

Having read all the (excellent) books I was eagerly awaiting the Harry Potter film series. My disappointment was crushing when I saw the drivel that was released as Harry Potter 1 and 2. Suddenly book three was upon us with a new director and a much darker feel to it - it seemed as if the series would redeem itself from then onwards. Alas it wasn't to be as Goblet of Fire was one of the most disappointing films I saw all year. The intention of cutting most of J.K.Rowlings narrative is a good one (the book is over 600 pages long) but it is this narrative that makes the story so compelling to read. As a film the same story seems thin, either too slow or too rushed and until we see Lord Voldemort only the Tournament Tasks revive us from our slumber. The child actors are not going to cut it in the world of adult acting and it is up to the superb cast of British National Theatre actors (Maggie Smith etc) to give the film a degree of respectability.
Goodness knows what they will do to book 5 (the longest by far of the series) to make it film worthy. Here is my tip: The final part of Lord of the Rings was over three and a quarter hours long but far better for it. There is no rule stating all films should be 150 minutes, so go for lavish detail, thicker narrative and save the Harry Potter film series.