Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Theatrical Review

Review by Coralie Heiler
11/12/05

Can a film as highly anticipated as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire actually live up to the fans’ expectations?

The answer to that question is yes.

I was simply blown away by what I saw. Embarrassingly enough, this is also the first movie in the epic series that actually made me cry (more on that later). However, I also laughed, was amazed and, on occasion, very much startled (alright…scared!); but then again, I have strange phobias about man eating sharks and blank eyeballs.

This movie is action-packed from beginning to end. Under the masterful guidance of director Mike Newell, and scriptwriter Steve Cloves, the movie adaptation of the book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire comes to life in all its multi-layered technicolor glory. The Cinematography is visually stunning and, like in the third movie of the series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the use of sombre yet rich colours permeates the mood of the entire story. Whereby the Prisoner of Azkaban was, in my opinion, a huge step up from the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets, this new installment is by far superior to anything we have seen so far. In Goblet of Fire, the special effects and C.G.I. are so amazingly real. The attention to detail is so meticulous. Every pulse pounding moment (and there are many) keeps you on the very edge of your seat. As for the musical score, I admit that as much as I admire the work of composer John Williams, there is always a sense of déjà vu amongst the various blockbusters that he has scored in the past. Patrick Doyle’s soundtrack, on the other hand, is recognizable as ‘Potter’ and yet is totally fresh and new. It compliments the film perfectly from start to finish.

The graveyard scene at the end of the movie, in my opinion, actually borders on the psychological thriller genre. This scene is so rife with horrible images, gut-wrenching torture, and heart-stopping suspense that it is surely the reason why this movie was given a parental guidance classification. The Rebirth of the Dark Lord, chillingly portrayed by the brilliant Ralph Fiennes, is the embodiment of the classical horror genre. In other words, it is the stuff that nightmares are made of. One of the most heart-wrenching sequences in the entire movie is when Harry brings Cedric’s body back to his father after escaping from Lord Voldermort’s clutches. This small scene is so masterfully and powerfully acted out by Daniel Radcliffe that I (and a whole lot of other cinema goers) actually wept!

Fortunately for the more sensitive souls in the audience, there are plenty of lovely moments (the Yule Ball) to enjoy, as well as some downright comedic ones (Snape’s ‘book bashing’, almost anything involving Fred and George Weasley and, of course, the hilarious interaction between Harry and Moaning Myrtle in the prefect’s bathroom scene. Absolutely priceless!)

Most of our favourite familiar actors are back to enthral us: Alan Rickman (Professor Snape), Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), as well as the scene chewing Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy), to name a few. There are also a few new editions to the Potter Roster, including Miranda Richardson (the deliciously devious Rita skeeter), Brendan Gleeson (Mad Eye Moody) and, of course, Ralph Fiennes as the sublimely evil and psychotic Lord Voldermort.

Daniel Radcliffe, whose performances have always been sensitive in the past, has grown so much as an actor that he effortlessly manages to captivate audiences of all ages. His portrayal of Harry in Goblet of Fire is simply outstanding. Joy, hope, anger, fear and sadness are so well expressed by this young actor that you cannot help but feel total empathy for his character. Radcliffe brings strength and vulnerability to the big screen and, to me, he is now the quintessential Harry Potter.

Emma Watson as Hermione Granger has also grown into her part, not only in maturity but in beauty as well. There are moments when Emma is so believable when she portrays her character that the audience is forced to feel her joy, frustrations, and her very real fear for Harry’s life. She is changing into a lovely young woman, and many girls will be able to identify with her growing pains.

Rupert Grint, as Ron Weasley, manages to portray jealousy and betrayal in a very convincing manner in this movie. He continues providing moviegoers with well needed comic relief (although Daniel has quite a few witty remarks in the film as well). Some of his funniest moments include scenes such as when he’s confronted with the sight of his dress robes for the Yule Ball and the prospect of having to dance with Professor McGonagall.

The movie’s secondary characters such as Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis), the Weasley Twins (Oliver and James Phelps), Ginny Weasley (Bonnie Wright) and Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), each have their own special moments to stand out in the movie.

Fred and George Weasley and Neville Longbottom are especially noticeable; the first two in a purely comedic sense and the latter in a more poignant way. We now see Neville in a whole new light, nicely setting the character up for the fifth movie.

Young newcomers Katie Leung (Cho Chang), Stanislav Lanevski (Victor Krum), Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory) and Clemence Poesy (Fleur Delacour) each do a wonderful job at bringing their characters to life. Robert Pattinson is especially sympathetic and likeable, and his early demise at the end of Lord Voldermort’s wand is truly difficult to accept.

I absolutely loved this movie and it has now become my very favourite Harry Potter movie to date. It is a must see on the big screen and, if you have the choice, I even encourage you to go and experience Goblet of Fire on an IMAX screen for the ultimate Harry Potter film going experience. I guarantee it will be worth every penny!