Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Reviewed by Terry "Java Man" Meehan Originally appeared in LakewoodBuzz.com December, 2005.
OVERVIEW
The film opens in a large stadium where the Quidditch World Cup is in progress, and Ireland and Bulgaria are about to take to their brooms. As Harry and his pals (Radcliffe, Grint & Watson) are about to enjoy the spectacle, the stadium is attacked by a hoard of Klan-like pointy heads known as the Death Eaters -- minions of the feared Lord Voldemort (Fiennes), the arch-fiend who will be Potter's likely nemesis for the balance of the series. The Death Eaters are repelled, for now, and so its back to Hogwarts for the film's main storyline... the Triwizard Tournament. The other two competing schools are the husky, pumped-up boys from Durmstrang and the lithe and lovely girls from Beauxbaton. The imaginative arrival of the visiting teams sets the exciting tone for the rest of the film. The Goblet of Fire chooses the finalists -- one from each school -- each of whom must be at least 17 years old. As wide-eyed, 14-year old Harry looks on, he is astonished that the Goblet spits out an unprecedented fourth name... his. As Harry battles dragons and Death Eaters through mazes and lagoons, he must face up to the most daunting challenge of all... getting a date to the Triwizard Ball.
REVIEW: 3 1/2 Java Mugs out of 4
If Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry were located anywhere in the real world, it would be forced to close its doors by protesting parents and outraged lawmakers. But,thankfully, the paranormal prep school exists in the imagination of author J.K. Rowling, and in our own collective imagination, thanks to Klove's bewitching screen writing and Newell's wizardly direction.
Though some of the miniature sets are given away by hasty camera moves, the film's production design more than adequately creates a wondrous world where witches and warlocks can live and work. England and Scotland provide stunning exteriors, while an endless supply of British prep schools contribute fascinating interiors.
The spine of the story, the Triwizard competition, is compelling and easy to follow, even for those unfamiliar with Rowling's rambling prose. Some younger viewers, however, may cringe at the scarier scenes, and thus the PG-13 rating. Subplots abound, and add immensely to the film's entertainment value... Coltrane's giant Hagrid finally finds romance with the even taller headmistress of Beauxbaton; and the 14-year-old leads agonize over how to get dates for the Triwizard Ball.
Radcliffe gives his best performance yet, and Watson continues to blossom into a sexy-smart scene stealer. The supporting cast is once again a who's who of a seemingly never-ending pool of Irish-English master actors and actresses. Especially welcome is the addition of Gleeson as "Mad Eye" Moody, the professor who teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts. His quick-pan, zoom-lens eye can spot a student goof-off from across the commons. Though Smith has fewer scenes this go-around, her Jean Brodie-esquire comment to a fellow faculty member is one of the funniest lines in the film.
This is a cinematic treat for anyone, young or old. And, you'll be happy to know, according to the credits that "no dragons were harmed during the filming of this movie."
OVERVIEW
The film opens in a large stadium where the Quidditch World Cup is in progress, and Ireland and Bulgaria are about to take to their brooms. As Harry and his pals (Radcliffe, Grint & Watson) are about to enjoy the spectacle, the stadium is attacked by a hoard of Klan-like pointy heads known as the Death Eaters -- minions of the feared Lord Voldemort (Fiennes), the arch-fiend who will be Potter's likely nemesis for the balance of the series. The Death Eaters are repelled, for now, and so its back to Hogwarts for the film's main storyline... the Triwizard Tournament. The other two competing schools are the husky, pumped-up boys from Durmstrang and the lithe and lovely girls from Beauxbaton. The imaginative arrival of the visiting teams sets the exciting tone for the rest of the film. The Goblet of Fire chooses the finalists -- one from each school -- each of whom must be at least 17 years old. As wide-eyed, 14-year old Harry looks on, he is astonished that the Goblet spits out an unprecedented fourth name... his. As Harry battles dragons and Death Eaters through mazes and lagoons, he must face up to the most daunting challenge of all... getting a date to the Triwizard Ball.
REVIEW: 3 1/2 Java Mugs out of 4
If Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry were located anywhere in the real world, it would be forced to close its doors by protesting parents and outraged lawmakers. But,thankfully, the paranormal prep school exists in the imagination of author J.K. Rowling, and in our own collective imagination, thanks to Klove's bewitching screen writing and Newell's wizardly direction.
Though some of the miniature sets are given away by hasty camera moves, the film's production design more than adequately creates a wondrous world where witches and warlocks can live and work. England and Scotland provide stunning exteriors, while an endless supply of British prep schools contribute fascinating interiors.
The spine of the story, the Triwizard competition, is compelling and easy to follow, even for those unfamiliar with Rowling's rambling prose. Some younger viewers, however, may cringe at the scarier scenes, and thus the PG-13 rating. Subplots abound, and add immensely to the film's entertainment value... Coltrane's giant Hagrid finally finds romance with the even taller headmistress of Beauxbaton; and the 14-year-old leads agonize over how to get dates for the Triwizard Ball.
Radcliffe gives his best performance yet, and Watson continues to blossom into a sexy-smart scene stealer. The supporting cast is once again a who's who of a seemingly never-ending pool of Irish-English master actors and actresses. Especially welcome is the addition of Gleeson as "Mad Eye" Moody, the professor who teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts. His quick-pan, zoom-lens eye can spot a student goof-off from across the commons. Though Smith has fewer scenes this go-around, her Jean Brodie-esquire comment to a fellow faculty member is one of the funniest lines in the film.
This is a cinematic treat for anyone, young or old. And, you'll be happy to know, according to the credits that "no dragons were harmed during the filming of this movie."