Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire DVD, 2005

When Harry Potter's name emerges from the Goblet of Fire, he becomes a competitor in a gruelling battle for glory among three wizarding schools - the Tri-wizard Tournament. But since Harry never submitted his name for the Tournament, who did? Now Harry must confront a deadly dragon, fierce water demons and an enchanted maze only to find himself in the cruel grasp of He Who Must Not Be Named. In this fourth film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, everything changes as Harry, Ron and Hermione leave childhood forever and take on challenges greater than anything they could have imagined.

Stating that this is the best of the Harry Potter films to date may sound like damning with faint praise; although the first three adaptations of J. K. Rowling's novel... more >

Stating that this is the best of the Harry Potter films to date may sound like damning with faint praise; although the first three adaptations of J. K. Rowling's novels had great moments, they still suffered from weak performances from some of the child actors, and lacked a real sense of menace. Yet in the hands of director Mike Newell, new energy has been injected into the franchise, lacing the film with moments of real terror. A scene in a perilous labyrinth towards the end of the film is particularly spine-chilling.
Newell's flare for comedy is much in evidence, such as the lead-up to the Yule Ball set piece, in which apathetic students need to pair up for the dance, whilst the visual gags involving magic spells are as amusing as ever. Where this film really advances on its predecessors, however, is in its acting; Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) and Emma Watson (Hermione) have noticeably improved, and add a much needed dose of emotional depth to the proceedings. With ever-brilliant special effects, exciting action sequences and a newly sinister atmosphere, Newell has created the first great Harry Potter film. < less

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