Harry Potter
AND THE
GOBLET OF FIRE

2005 ****1/2 157 mins.

My second favourite installment in the series is this, the fourth film. The pacing is exsquisite, the action and excitement are genuine, and almost everyone has a firm grasp on what he or she is doing.

Notice that I said, "Almost everyone."

There are a few performances that get on my nerves in this film. The actor playing Victor Krum is a perfect example. Otherwise, this is, almost, as perfect as the previous film. I don't think we'll ever see a Harry Potter film or book as good as Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. At any rate, the cinematography and special effects are superb, and even the oddly-placed rock song is fitting (after thinking about it for a while, at least).

In this, Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts, two other wizarding schools have joined with Hogwarts to participate in what's called the Tri-Wizard Tournament. In this tournament, one wizard from each school competes in three different difficult tasks. Someone, though, mysteriously got Harry into the tournament, even though he is too young. This leads to a climax that is enthralling and more than foreboding.

And, of course, my wife (then fiancee) dragged me to the midnight showing of this film when it came out. Then, I had to go again with her little sister. Luckilly I had my movie buddy with me that second time. Thanks, Matthew!
Rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images.

• Original theatrical aspect ratio: 2.35:1 (Super 35)
• Premiered in London on November 06, 2006

• ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATION: Best Achievement in Art Direction (Stuart Craig [art director] and Stephanie McMillan [set decorator])