its all in the direction - excellent

Rating: 10/10 (21 November 2005)

as a devoted and keen reader of this series, i have to admit that i was disappointed with the first 2 movies - the third, PoA was an immense improvement on Chris Columbus's vision and child-friendly representation.
PoA confronted and remedied issues regarding location, (Hagrid's hut, the Forrest, etc.), the dumbing down (or rather up), and the overall mixture of darkness with magic.
Mike Newell has adopted Cauron's approach, but given the franchise SO much more. EVERYTHING in GoF has been up'd a notch - the acting is nothing short of remarkable, everyone - including Michael Gambon - have embodies their character's personas so well, and in Gambon's case, truly made it his own. I have always been sceptic about Radcliffe as the boy who lived, but i have to say, my opinion of him after seeing this has done a complete 180 - he has developed his acting skills and interpretation of Harry so well, and credit must be given to the 16 year old for doing all of his own stunts - the dragon sequence is spectacular.
Newell has finally directed the film with a British sense of humour, something which has been missing from the previous three, and that is INTEGRAL to the whole HP series. His additions to the story, that of the extended first task, Nigel, a more eccentric Filch and the ****SPOILER***** the universal sense of bereavement in DD's speech (with the absence of the enchanted ceiling for once)following Cedric being murdered gives the film more without taking away anything in the books - it is really moving and sincere.
furthermore, the casting of Gleeson as Mad Eye is quality. this guy knows how to act - and encompasses all aspects of Moody and Crouch Junior. the yule ball scenes are amazing - the combination of eloquence and the weird sister's after-do works really well and gives a realistic view of the emotions experienced by teenagers at their first formal.
overall, this movie has exceeded my expectations - i feel this is mostly down to mike Newell's perception and direction of the book - cuts had to be made guys - this is a 700page book, but Newell has done so in a respectful manner in order to make the transition from paper to screen.