Lead returned to rightful Gold

Rating: 10/10 (19 November 2005)

In June of 2004, I saw and reviewed the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban "What was gold is now lead". To say that I was unhappy with the movie would be more than an understatement. Needless to say I was very apprehensive with seeing Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, especially under the direction of anyone other than Chris Columbus.
My apprehension was without merit. I loved this movie! It was a chapter in the series worthy of the book. The story kept to the book regardless of the fact that it had to be edited to fit into the normal span of a movie.
The locations were fantastic, the Director managed to incorporate the oringially unnecessary and foolish changes made by Alfonso Cuoron, to set locations in the world originally envisioned on film by Columbus into the new film which bridged the gap between the films and brought me back to the world I loved. The bridge which in Prisoner of Azkaban annoyed me as it had moved Hagrid's Hut away from the castle (after two movies of being next to the castle, is given reason and purpose in the Goblet of Fire.
This film had it's darkness but more than it's share of humour. New characters and old were given their due respect on film. The Weasley twins grew into the pranksters we know from the books, Neville Longbottom is further developed as is Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy. I won't spoil it...
The actors were excellent. I was especially happy this time with Sir Michael Gambon in his second appearance as Dumbledore. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint continue to grow and I will enjoy seeing them in future chapters of the series.
The rest of the cast (too many to comment) were spectacular from the other youths to the powerful actors, such as the regulars Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane and Maggie Smith. New actors Brendan Gleeson and of course Ralph Fiennes have to be mentioned.
Movie magic that delighted the senses has returned, and in no more appropriate a film. From the sets to the costumes to the performance of the cast... A almost perfect hit! I did miss the music of John Williams but the replacement was still quite good. Still more than happy to say,
"The lead that was Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has once more become bright gold."
I look forward to seeing it again...