Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Rating: 1/10 (26 November 2005)

Having read all 6 books to date (each several times), and having enjoyed the first 3 films, I must say that this installment is by far the worst.
A better name for the film adaptation would have been "Harry Potter and the Triwizard Tournament." This title would have accurately described the Mike Newell version of the great fourth book. I have read and listened to all the media outlets about Mike Newell's understanding of the English boarding school and "wonderfully" applying it to the Harry Potter world, but if that is the scope of his expertise, please don't let him direct any more Potter movies, because there were no school scenes at all apart from the ONE Defense Against the Dark Arts class.
More to the point, Warner Brothers needs to reconsider it's Potter franchise. If the intent is to merely pay homage to the wonderful world that J.K. Rowling has provided us in canon by giving the public a general overview filled with empty action sequences, and to get as many people in the theater seats as possible to earn a buck or two (million), then go ahead with these travesties. However, if you wish to keep a loyal fan base to go along with the books, then you will have to spend more time, effort, and (gasp!) money to provide us with what we really want - a more faithful adaptation of the stories.
As the film gets moving, I thought I must have entered the wrong theater because the music that introduced the movie sounded remarkably like the "Batman" theme, with a "Hedwig's Theme" remix in the background. For heaven's sake, get a new composer! Then, for no reason, we are thrown into the movie with Hermione yelling at Harry and Ron to hurry up. What?! Harry is supposed to be at the Dursley's during the summer. How did he get to the Burrow?
I thought the movie would get interesting for The Quidditch World Cup and it did... the effects were great, but the original plot line was lost as soon as it cut from the introduction of Krum directly to the Weasley's tent and the screaming kids.
And what's with Michael Gambon's portrayal of Dumbledore?? When, in the books, has Dumbledore ever yelled at Harry and shook him or any other student so violently??? This is WAY off course. I could accept Gambon's Dumbledore in POA, but this is ridiculous! As another poster similarly mentioned, if this is how he reacts to Harry's name coming out of the Goblet of Fire, what will he do when Harry "sees" the attack on Mr. Weasly from the snake's viewpoint in Order of the Phoenix?
These examples perfectly summarize the rest of the film... abrupt cuts from the middle of one scene to another part of the plot with no explanation or reason as to how it happened, and a generally bad portrayal of Dumbledore.
I would only recommend this movie to those who have not read any of the books. Only someone who is unaware of the real plot of the book will enjoy this film. It is empty action sequences with some barely recognizable filler material in between.
Boooo! Two thumbs way down for this one.