As I am too ill to venture out to lectures (think I have tonsillitis again) and the doctor's does not open to students till 4pm, I have a lot of time to kill. So I shall review the latest Harry Potter film which I saw yesterday.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Overall Rating: 85%
I should start by saying that I find it hard to review the HP films objectively as the books hold a special place in my heart. Goblet of Fire is my favourite book of the series as it marks Harry's last few childhood moments of innocence before JK decides to destroy his life completely in books 5 and 6! The book also marks the transition from children's literature to darker adult storytelling. I won’t bother summarising the plot as I think most the population have read it. If you haven’t - why the hell not?! Do it NOW.
I was looking forward to this film but also dreading it too. The first two films were quite frankly wank - which didn’t matter so much as the books don’t contain the vital plot elements. The subsequent change of director for ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ was much welcomed; Alfonso Curon dimmed the lights on Harry and set the tone for Mike Newell, the newest man at the helm, to turn them off completely.
The result is a fast-paced visually stunning thriller. Starting with the scenes of terror at the House of Riddle the film rarely goes stale. From the awesome chaos at the World Cup, the battle with the dragon, the underwater mission and, ultimately, Voldemort’s return, the special effects are truly astonishing. I don’t usually advocate the excessive use of CGI, but when dealing with things not of this realm it seemed the perfect way to add a touch of magic (which in my opinion has been devoid from the other films).
Even the more subdued scenes such as the Yule Ball preparations and trying to fool the age line are all handled with great humour and a refreshing sense of normality. For the first time we really see the main characters as teenagers; everyone can identify with bullying, not having dates and torment from siblings. The extension of Fred and George Wealey's, and Nevillie Longbottom's characters was a much needed improvement.
Some new characters such as the Triwizard contestants, Cho Chang, Barty Crouch, Madame Maxime and Karkoroff were all given minor roles which disappointed me a little. But this was all made up by Mad Eye Moody; a brilliant performance from Brendan Gleeson, you could feel the tension as he demonstrated the unforgivable curses in a classroom. Fleur Delacour should also have looked a little older, considering her involvement in book 6. Oh and Victor Krum was way more attractive than Cedric Diggory!
Although I have been more than critical of Daniel Ratcliffe's acting I have to admit he excels himself in this one, showing a much greater emotional range (I was almost crying as he clutched Cedric's body!). Ron is also much better, providing some amazing moments of comic relief giving me a newfound love for him. Emma Watson gives it her all as the voice of reason but with sensitivity, slightly relieving the annoyance factor that Hermione gives off (which makes me glad as I love and empathise with her so much in the books). The only person I felt was off-key was Michael Gambon, he managed to turn Richard Harris' quiet, dignified Dumbledore into a bumbling loser with a stupid accent!
Obviously some elements of the book were missed out which I feel really should have been included. For example the omission of house elves; Dobby and Winky have vital roles in the book (though I’m glad of the lack of that irritating SPEW subplot). Once again there is no mention of the Marauders map and its creators, and the lack of Sirius and his past does not bode well for character development in the ‘Order of the Phoenix’ film. I would have liked to be introduced to Bill and Charlie Weasley. I also wish they had included the whole Rita Skeeter animagus issue as I believe it is rather important in book 5.
Despite the fact that it ended on the wrong note (there should have been more of a sense of dread and uncertainty), ‘Goblet of Fire’ is a most entertaining way to pass the best part of three hours. I did not look at my watch once, which is amazing considering I know the plot inside out.
Summary:
It will never compare to the book, but this is definitely the best adaptation so far. A very entertaining experience that doesn’t leave you half as pissed off as the first film did.