Good show all around

Rating: 9/10 (18 November 2005)

I was a bit concerned going in. How would a 600+ page book translate into a 2 hr and 37 minute movie? After seeing the film, I have to say that they translated it admirably. They obviously skimped on some of the details, but less noticeably than in Prisoner of Azkaban.
The actors are aging well within the characters, and in doing so seem to be more comfortable in their skin as each movie comes along. Daniel Radcliff as Harry, comes across still naive enough about the wizarding world, and yet wise beyond his years with all that Harry has gone through. Emma Watson, as Hermione, is much less "geeky" and more graceful and she handles the transition well. Rupert Grint, as Ron, gives us much more than the one-dimensional "scaredy cat" that has been portrayed in the last three films. He, and the twins, provide some of the movie's best comic moments.
I don't want to throw in any spoilers so I will leave it that some of the missing characters are sorely missed, and I would have loved to have seen a more expanded Quidditch World Cup, but the focus is rightfully on the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The effects used for the tournament are so well done that it is easy to get caught up and taken away into the story.
All in all, with Mike Newell at the helm, GOF has exceeded expectations.