Enjoyable, dark but something missing

Rating: 7/10 (3 December 2005)

If common practice is to be observed, I should really mention Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia for comparison when starting this review. However, I will refrain. Director Mike Newell has said that he viewed the fourth outing for Harry Potter as a suspense thriller and the starting scene certainly falls into this category. I got a genuine creepy feeling as Frank Bryce climbed the stairs of the house (and I knew what was coming!) The whole film however doesn't manage to maintain this suspense. My main criticism with the film versions of the Harry Potter books is that they are a series of (very enjoyable) set pieces. Snapshots of the books strung together with a bit of plot. I can't complain too much though. Goblet of Fire is an exciting and enjoyable two and a half hours and does move the series on. The acting from the main characters is better than before, although I'm still not that convinced by Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. The next two books in the series deal with more uncomfortable situations and issues which could make for a really great viewing experience. It will also be interesting to see how the next film compares now that Steve Kloves is not writing it.