A Great Achievement

Rating: 9/10 (17 January 2006)

This review will be divided into two parts: the first part is a review of the movie as a standalone film (not based on a book) and the second part will refer to the book. So here we go:
Before watching this film, I was concerned. I thought (and I am sure others agree) that the second movie (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets) was the best of the three Harry Potter movies, with a balanced mix of loyalty to the book, a great story, great acting and a set of visual effects that set some standards. I was worried that this would go down, like the third movie (Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban) as a rushed and seemingly unfinished adventure film. After watching Harry Potter's fourth adventure, all I can say is that it is a no contest. It is, fortunately, the best Harry Potter film to date, and that is saying something.
The movie tells the story of Harry Potter's fourth adventure. First of all, it must be said that there are three things that the movie does almost perfectly (note that "almost" does not mean that I found them lacking in some respect, but this word is mentioned because of the argument that nothing is "absolutely perfect"). The first of these, and the most obvious as well, is the sheer scope of the film. I say it without any hesitation that the quality of the audio and visual effects can rival any of Peter Jackson's best films (I mean, of course, the Lord of the Rings trilogy) in that manner. It even gives all the Matrix films some good competition in the same aspect. Every single audio and visual effect was nothing short of stunning; from the Quidditch stadium to the lake in the Second Task, nothing failed to impress.
The second thing that the movie "perfects" is the mood. I found it difficult not to feel for the characters in their different situations. I went through so many emotions during the film; suspense, happiness, sadness and other different emotions. It was really strange. There were so many different situations, but you never feel that they are randomly placed just for variety, but they rather all fit in together to make up the content of the film. Each part of the plot, whether it is the somebody's death (one particular bit near the end of the movie is really surprisingly sad) or the rejoicing of a character, has its place. I also must say that Ron Weasly was extremely well-played by Rupert Grint. The best role I've seen played in a film. Ever.
The third thing that the movie does very well is the story. One of the people that came with me told me that the ending was expected: Harry Potter will win the tournament. Well, this part is true, but the Triwizard Tournament is not the main event. The main story is Voldemort gradually returning to power, and the events of this are supported by the Triwizard Tournament. I mean to say that the main story is "cleverly disguised" by the Triwizard Tournament, which appears to be the main event in the film, and the Tournament "pushes" the events of the gradual return of Voldemort to power. So, this is an impressive element in the film.
It is true that the prologue is rather brief and the events may seem lacking in a few parts, but that can be easily overlooked because of the many high-quality aspects in the film.
Now for the second part of my review. It is obvious that those who read the book are put at an advantage here. There were many events that were unfortunately excluded. The Quidditch World Cup Final match would have been nice to see. The Sphinx in the Third Task; where was that? I thought that the Third Task was ruined in the film. The maze isn't that big. Also, for a maze this big, you would expect more traps than bushes that close in on you! You might understand that some parts may have been deleted since this is a film, and not everything from the book may be included, but then you see that there is some sort of biting licorice? Where did that come from? Also, the battle with the Horntail is unnecessarily long. Harry and the dragon did not go around the school in the manner portrayed in the film. It was a simple process of ascending really high and then swooping down to grab the golden egg, which I am sure that the movie makers (seeing the other effects in the film) are able to make more exciting than it sounds. If the movie was made one half of an hour longer, many more things could have been added, such as Harry's stay in the Burrow at the beginning of the story, or even some more of the lessons.
Another thing must be pointed out: not all of the characters were portrayed in the movie in the same way in which they were portrayed in the book. Fleur, who is supposed to be snobbish, is rather a naive girl in the film. Mad-Eye Moddy seems to be clumsier and more of an occasional joker in the film, while he is portrayed, in the book, an impressive character. Cedric was portrayed,in the book, as a collected character, not one who spreads shrewd smiles around.
Still, the movie gets the main plot and the story right, and that is mainly what really matters. And while the movie was amazing, I admit it could have been more. Still, it is an impressive accomplishment.
Rating: 9/10 Watch It!
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