Could it have been made differently?

Rating: 7/10 (27 November 2005)

Having seen The Goblet of Fire twice now, and enjoyed and thought much of it by the way, I am having disappointing thoughts that, firstly, a film of this length is not allowed an intermission of perhaps five minutes as was given in lengthy films in the past. The experience became a marathon for my bladder and bottom near the end and actually drew my attention away from the experience I was supposed to be having. Secondly, I am now convinced that the book, being so lengthy, should have been turned into two films, the second perhaps released a month after the first. That's not been done before? So what? The series is so ground-breaking anyway that not much speculation would have been needed for it to succeed. Because, amongst my general satisfaction overall for the film, I was nevertheless disappointed that so much was omitted from the book. However...as much as I enjoyed it, I am beginning to see the series as a vehicle (not a showcase) for our well-known British actors who seem to be 'jumping on the bandwagon' of its roller coaster and much deserved success I may add. These inclusions of famous faces, to me, draw attention away and prevent me from becoming completely immersed into the story. Perhaps its an age thing but I would have liked to have seen more unknowns in it, ones with no associations from previous films. One further complication as viewed through my speculative eyes is that it has become 'darker' as almost everybody has noticed. In my view and from a children's book point of view, this diversion from the original shows a lack of imagination and creation and furthermore, I believe, reflects the problems we are having in our present day societies. Therefore, this then becomes less of a fantasy which could be described as groundbreaking and a modern classic, and more about an author's unrealised fears. I think the film took itself too seriously. It is plain to me where JK Rowland is going. Beware Ron Weasley! Molly Cutpurse www.mollycutpurse.com