Overall a good movie, but filled with gaps.

Rating: 10/10 (18 November 2005)

I love the book Goblet of Fire. Maybe I came into the movie expecting more than I should have. It is always hard to do a good book justice on the big screen (exception: Lord of the Rings).
At the start of the movie, the plot just took off. By the time I had settled in with my popcorn and large cola, I was already meeting the students from the other schools.
I felt that the acting was a little weak and fake at the first of the movie, but it definitely got better near the end. Also, I felt this movie contained some huge holes and did a weak job of explaining certain events that were explained well in the book.
Oh yeah, and what about Dobby and the other house elves. If I am not mistaken, I think there was an entire chapter devoted to them in the book. And what about Hermoine's conquest to liberate the house elves (S.P.E.W.).
Another thing that I didn't like is that you hardly felt that the students were at school. I believe there was only one maybe two scenes involving a classroom. It was almost portrayed that they were only part of a tournament the whole fourth year. Don't get me wrong, that was essential to the book but they could have showed a little more schooling.
Now for the good news. The ending to this movie is fantastic. Let me just say that Ralph Fiennes did a spectacular job embracing the role of Lord Voldemort (woops, I mean He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named). From the point of when they entered the maze to the final scene, I was pleased. I just hope that is a sign of what is to come in the 5th movie.
Overall it is a hit and miss movie. Still, you must see it. You won't be completely disappointed, but if you are not familiar with the books you may be left in the dark. It is worth your money. I just wish some of the parts were a little slower with more detail. Again, they did an awesome job with the ending.
That is all.