Reviewed by: Matt

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Directed by: Mike Newell Written by: Steven Kloves Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Eric Sykes, Timothy Spall MPAA Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 157 min Release Date: November 18, 2005 Matt's Rating:

All I can say is: wow, what a movie. I will preface this review by saying I have not read the books, though I do own all of them and will begin reading them once the final volume has been released. However, one need not read the novels to enjoy the marvels of this film or any of its predecessors. Harry Potter is a series built strictly for children, but if only children can enjoy this masterpiece, then I must be a really grown child.

Since I haven't said anything that no one already knows, let's stick to the facts. This movie is rated PG-13, the first in the series to do so, for a reason. It is much darker than any of the rest, and the ending is certainly not a happy one of sorts. Harry somehow is unexplainedly entered into the Tri-Wizard competition, the winner of which will receive eternal glory. Each participant, of which there can only be three, is to perform three dangerous tasks—tasks so dangerous that their very lives are at stake. Harry somehow is chosen as a fourth contestant, and the competition begins. As always, danger is looming, and Lord Voldemort is on the verge of returning. What happens? Well, that's for you to find out.

The acting is nothing new if you've seen the first three; all of the same actors are back in full, with the addition of a very wicked, chilling, and awesome cameo by Ralph Fiennes. The direction is crisp, and only once or twice did I almost get dizzy from motion sickness—an all-time low, I think. Nonetheless, as a sign that both the actors and characters are maturing, this film focused more on the relationship between the three main friends and their fellow students, especially each other. I really enjoyed that and hope this trend continues in the next three films.

While I am praising this movie, really this article is about the Harry Potter franchise. The story is captivating, the characters are extremely loveable, and for a lover of fantasy such as I am, this is an extreme treat. I will say that Goblet of Fire is the best in the series so far, by a longshot, and I didn't think Prisoner of Azkaban could be topped.

If you're a fan of the series, fantasy genre, or even just pure entertainment, this film has it all. Go out to the theater right now and immerse yourself in the world of Hogwarts. I promise you will leave the theater simply awed.