harry potter and the goblet of fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

By Oggy Bleacher

When head wizard Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) warns that Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliff) will soon face a choice between “What is right…and what is easy,” he could have been talking to the filmmakers adapting author J.K. Rowling’s epic coming-of-age-as-a-wizard novels. Fortunately, the three separate directors of the first four movies have chosen to do what is right, which is to honor the books by not stripping them down to an episode of Bewitched or Charmed. Important themes of friendship, respect, trust, sacrifice, and love are developed here. Things are changing at Hogwarts: a moody Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) is very PG-13, exclaiming, “Bloody, Hell!” Hermione (Emma Watson) gets dolled up for a date. Harry develops a crush on a fetching Witch. Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) regains his form and takes the life of one of Hogwart’s best and brightest. Be not fooled: 3rd graders who met Harry are now in 10th grade. They’ve been around the block. Childish pranks have been set aside for some serious meddling. If the Potter Empire intends on keeping fans loyal then it must grow up with them. And so it has with Goblet of Fire.

The impending doom of this latest film is so welcome because heartbreak is first necessary for true triumph. Forces of Evil are on the move. The Death Eaters, dressed in KKK cloaks, are afoot. Voldemort summons his wicked servants. Characters and events abound: Dragons, Mermaids, Living Mazes, Port Keys, Rita Skeeter, Sirius Black, Quidditch World Cup, Triwizard Tournament, crowd-surfing wizards, a Gothic rock band (with Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood and Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker), and more! Dorothy of OZ fame had a walk in the park compared to Harry.

This latest chapter highlights out-of-classroom activities more than the first three movies. The Triwizard Tournament and conflicts arising from adolescent moodiness stand in the forefront as Harry puzzles over a growing panic. The Quidditch World Cup plays a dual role of presumably forecasting an important event in Harry’s later life, and is also the first place we see the Death Eaters. Why the entire Wizard community must flee a handful of Death Eaters is not clear. Sure, they are hands of Voldemort, but how powerful are they? Perhaps we shall find out in the next installment. Ralph Fiennes bringing Voldmort back to life is sure to drop some jaws. Fiennes brings enormous skill to this role and his greater participation will be a delight to watch.

157 minutes is a chunk of time for your average 15 year old. The English Patient (1996) is 160 minutes and it still takes most adults two nights to get through it all. But The Goblet of Fire has so much going on that the time is not allowed to drag. Nor are the characters cheated of their due development. As many questions are asked as they are answered but this is very satisfying entertainment. Spellbinding special effects, breathtaking landscapes, commanding performances, multi-dimensional storytelling all add up to an excellent, worthy addition to the Harry Potter saga. For those who are hooked on Harry Potter, no review, positive or negative, will make them think twice about seeing this installment. But if you aren’t hooked yet then I recommend getting in line. This series will not be soon forgotten.

Grade A

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Opening 11/18

Cast: Daniel Radcliff,

Director: Mike Newell, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 157 minutes

Release Company: Warner Brothers

www.harrypotter.com