Best film of series

Rating: 8/10 (1 February 2013)

By January 2013 I had never read a Harry Potter book or seen any of the movies. I decided to start with the movies.
At the time of writing I have now watched the whole series of Harry Potter films in a single week and this is probably my favourite because it seems to have more flair and more fun than the rest. The tri-wizard contest which is the heart of this film gives a good structure to the story and the opportunity for a series of exciting set pieces. The introduction of teams from the wonderfully named Beauxbaton and Durmstrang schools adds more colour and a great sense of the absurd.
It doesn't start well however. Very early on we find ourselves at the Quidditch World Cup and my heart sinks at the thought of more broomsticks and balls. Thankfully though, the dark forces share my view that Quidditch is an insufferable bore and just a rugby match by proxy and send dementors to punish and kill participants. The battle with the dragon which becomes the first task of the tri-wizard tournament gives us a real arena for aerial combat and reinforces the pointlessness of Quidditch.
There's a bit of a dip near the end with an attack of killer hedges reminiscent of the end of the Shining but the revival of Voldemort and subsequent battle livens things up. (Think, Dracula Has Risen from the Grave followed by a light sabre battle from Star Wars).
It's difficult not to make fun of how the Harry Potter films cannibalise lots of other films and books but this is a great film to watch especially if you don't take it too seriously.