Rating of
3/4
Another Great Potter Film
JLFM - wrote on 08/14/13
Well, here I am reviewing another Harry Potter film- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - trying to narrow down what makes them so entertaining. Is it the story? For while the story for the first film was a bit weak, they've certainly improved as the series continues. Is it the characters? I can complain all I like about how little screen time some of them get (and indeed, this problem plagues this chapter as well), but those complaints do stem from a love for the characters in the film. Of course, there is the music, the visuals, and the storybook feel that all of the films seem to possess. Flaws aside, the Harry Potter films have given me many reasons to return to Hogwarts, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is no exception.
The students of Hogwarts are anticipating the Triwizard Tournament, though they are dismayed that students under the age of 17 are not permitted to enter the tournament. Despite this, Harry Potter is somehow selected to compete- even though he is not of the appropriate age. A mystery now surrounds the tournament, and it's important that it be solved before any harm comes to Hogwarts.
Everything that has made the previous films so enjoyable is here in this film. The characters are just as loveable as ever, and the new additions (specifically Rita Skeeter and Mad-Eye Moody) are excellent. The visual effects are fantastic, and the overall story continues to develop.
There truly isn't much more to say that I haven't already said in my previous reviews of the Potter films. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is entertaining, well made, often exciting, often funny, and occasionally magical.
The acting is well done. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are growing more and more at home in their roles as Harry, Ron, and Hermione respectively. Brendan Gleeson is fantastic as Mad-Eye Moody, and Miranda Richardson is hilarious as Rita Skeeter.
The most worthy of note, however, may just be the music, composed by Patrick Doyle. While John Williams scored the previous three films, a change in composer still seemed like a refreshing idea. And Doyle's score might just be the best Potter score thus far. With a strikingly beautiful arrangement of Hedwig's theme at the very beginning, and many memorable cues that even those not listening to the score should notice, Doyle's score is a breath of fresh air from the already superb work by Williams. The only problem that some might have, is that many of Williams themes are underused or omitted entirely, but Doyle's new additions to the score easily make up for this.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is fun, but also has substantial depth. A delight to watch, and just as wonderful to listen to, this is exceptional fantasy entertainment.
