Good, but not for Potter purists

Rating: 7/10 (30 November 2005)

Finally, they FINALLY had a British director. You wouldn't think it would be too much to ask, considering the book was written by an English author and SET in the UK. It certainly paid off as Goblet is easily the best of the films.
The good:
Special effects - the sequence with the dragon, though overly long, was superbly done The maze - one of the highlights of the movie. It was dark, creepy, atmospheric and just fitted perfectly to what Rowling was trying to write. One of the few instances where the film did live up to my hopes.
The acting - particularly the adult cast. Alan Rickman, as always IS Snape. And Miranda Richardson was easily the best. She WAS Rita for me, in a way that no other actor (except Rickman) has managed. Truly wonderful to watch. And Radcliffe has certainly improved. The aftermath of the Graveyard was his most notable scene, the part where he clutches Cedric's body with tears streaming down his face is heart rending. Hard to believe its the same person watching the utterly cringeworthy 'he was their friend' scene in PoA.
The bad:
A few moments that made me cringe - the entrances of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. Say no more. Also the music when Hermione enters and comes down the steps at the Yule Ball.
Dumbledore - sorry! Michael Gambon is a terrific actor. But he isn't Dumbledore. Richard Harris rather inconveniently died which is a shame, as he did the character so well. Gambon just doesn't have that...quality. And he would not SHAKE Harry. Ever.
The dragon sequence - too long. Instead, insert another scene that could contribute to character development or plot advancement.
Emma Watson's eyebrows - what was going on there? There was excessive eyebrow movement whenever she spoke. I was transfixed. By the end of the film, I wasn't listening to a word she was saying as they completely took my concentration.
The ugly:
VITAL CHARACTERS MISSED OUT - Winky was crucial to the plot. Where was she?? Sure, Dobby wasn't really needed once they had Neville give Harry the Gillyweed. But Winky! Winky! And where was Ludo Bagman? okay, so he wasn't VITAL exactly, but still.
VITAL PLOT POINTS MISSED OUT/CHANGED - Finding Crouch dead. Should have kept it how it was in the book. And how they conveniently managed to overlook the fact that everyone thought Barty Crouch junior was DEAD. They shouldn't have had him in Harry's dreams either, it made the ending less of a surprise.
Lack of explanation - not so much for me, but for those who haven't read the books. No explanation of Priori Incatetum in particular. Also, not enough was said about Neville's parents and who tortured them. You'd think they'd include this as Bellatrix is responsible for Sirius's death in book 5.
Unsatisfactory ending - no Fudge/Dumbledore clash. I don't know how they're going to work round this as its pretty crucial in book five. Also, how will they explain Hagrid's absence?
Goblet of Fire was certainly the best film, and a very enjoyable one at that. But such a long book can't hope to be well explained on film. They really ought to release an extended version when it comes out on DVD.