Not Quite A Full Goblet

Rating: 4/10 (20 November 2005)

I think my biggest mistake was re-reading the novel right before seeing the movie. It made what was missing in the transition between novel and movie all the more apparent.
Let me say that this is not in any way a bad movie and the time flew by while viewing it. It is only in later reflection that I feel somehow there was something missing and that was the chance to enjoy more interaction between the characters I have come to know so well.
When the movie took a break from the action and slowed down to enjoy the typical teenage emotions and reactions to events such as the Yule Ball, it felt much more comfortable and familiar.
There is plenty of humor in the film, the "ferret scene" and the interaction between Moaning Myrtle and Harry come to mind. There is also an overall feel of darkness and not just in plot - the lighting is dark, dark, dark! While much had to be left out of the movie due to time constraints, the cutting away from the World Cup was much to abrupt and left you longing to watch at least part of the match. The third task of negotiating the maze, did not impress me as much, perhaps I had in mind more "living" obstacles instead of demented shrubbery.
The Voldemort I had conjured in my mind sadly did not match up with the film version, but perhaps making him more frightening would have been too much for the younger viewers. (I still would not recommend this film for anyone under ten years of age.)There were tears in my eyes when Harry returned to Hogwarts after his meeting with Voldemort and I felt that scene was particularly well acted.
For the next film, I will do myself the favor of not re-reading the book prior to viewing the film and come away feeling like I have had a reunion of old friends and not worrying about what was missing.