Director:
Mike Newell

Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe
Emma Watson
Rupert Grint
Ralph Fiennes

Official URL:

http://www.harrypotter.com

Country: USA
Rating: PG-13
Studio Name: Warner Bros.
Running Time: 2 hr 0 mins
Release Date: November 18, 2005

Critics's Rating:
(3 1/2 Reels) 

November 18, 2005

By Veronica Mixon

Harry Potter is a teenager! Yes, Harry (Daniel Radicliffe) and his best friends, Ron ( Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) are growing up and in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, they face not only mortal challenges but equally dangerous tasks like dating and getting their feelings hurt! Furthermore, Harry’s arch nemesis, Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) finally appears.

The film opens with Harry having a nightmare about an evil presence. Later at the Quidditch World Cup, Harry and the Weasleys are attacked by some Death eaters, the mysterious loyal followers of Voldemort. At Hogwarts, Dumbledore announces that the school will host a series of magical competitions and two additional schools – Durmstrang Institute and Beauxbatons Academy – will participate in the dangerous games in pursuit of the coveted Triwizard Cup. Durmstrang’s champion player Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianevski) and Beaubatons’ champion, Fleur Delacour (Clémence Poésy) are set to challenge Hogwarts’ golden boy Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattison) when Harry’s name is also entered. Everyone is upset especially Ron when Harry fails to explain his plan. But, Harry doesn’t have any secrets and the two friends argue continuously.

You see, Harry, when he’s not dreaming of evil, has a crush on the lovely Cho Chang (Katie Leung) but his shyness prevents him from asking her to the Yule Ball in time. Furthermore, Ron loses Hermione to the virile Viktor. It seems the boys are more adapt at dealing with dragons and evil spirits than with dating. And, to matters worse, muckraking journalist Rita Skeeter (Miranda Richardson) seems content to write gossip rather than cover the competition. Harry has to deal with the press!

Eventually, the dangerous contests which include outwitting a dragon and sea monsters underwater as well as surviving a hungry maze lead to the ultimate confrontation for Harry. He finally meets Voldemort, the man who killed his parents 13 years ago and who is set to murder him as well. Of course, Harry must rise to the occasion alone and without the support of Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), his teacher, Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody (Brendan Gleeson) or Professor Snape (Alan Rickman). Ralph Fiennes is wonderful as the snaky Voldemort, who is so angry that his devoted followers are such lame wizards that he kills them for keeping him waiting for 13 years! We look forward to Harry battling him in a future film.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is exciting, funny and thrilling. British director, Mike Newell takes over the helm from previous directors, Chris Columbus and Alfonso Cuaron and he cleverly combines dark magical fantasy with contemporary teenage angst. The Harry Potter series has always included a multi-racial cast and it’s wonderful to see Harry dating pretty girls of color. Daniel Radcliffe is rather dashing! And, I must mention that Emma Watson has grown into a startling beauty, too.

However, I do have one criticism of the film. In past films, Hermione was an action heroine. In Newell’s film, Hermione is shelved and Fleur Delacour is a weak contestant in the competition. She either gives up or she’s saved by Harry repeatedly. What gives?! I think that this filmmaker doesn’t want the teenage girls to compete with the boys – and possibly win. This is not a positive message to send in Harry Potter series because each individual has special gifts. I hope this isn't the beginning of a trend in the series.

Nevertheless, I do recommend the film. It will delight Harry Potter fans everywhere!

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