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Fans of J.K. Rowlings' phenomenal
series have come to love the
entire cast of characters as
portrayed so memorably on screen.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hagrid,
Severus Snape and the Malfoys,
Draco and Lucius, are as familiar
as family, and who could resist
a chance to revisit them in
their world in a new theatrical
release?
Harry Potter and the Goblet
of Fire is as irresistible
to Potter fans as the films
that have preceeded it, but
that's not to say that it's
without its unfortunate flaws.
The passage of time is not being
kind to the continuing saga,
and not because of the rapidly
maturing children at its center.
The trio of endearing young
actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma
Watson and Rupert Grint have
remained a constant, and retain
the same charm as ever.
With the passing years have
come new directors, and Goblet
is unfortunately the most
problematically directed Potter
yet. Choppy editing and questionable
story revisions make the film
confusing to those who have
not read the book and simply
puzzling or frustrating to those
who have.
Given, The Goblet of Fire
is a densely woven, 700+ pages
long novel, but with his Lord
of the Rings adaptation,
Peter Jackson set a high standard
for movie makers to follow that
director Mike Newell doesn't
attain. Even long-time screenwriter
Steven Kloves lets down his
source material in this outing
by omitting major characters,
shorting others and reweaving
the plot in ways that makes
one wonder how the narrative
tapestry that follows will hold
together and remain true to
the story.
Also left behind in time's wake
is Richard Harris as Dumbledore,
sadly missed now more than ever,
as actor Michael Gambon hits
false notes from beginning to
end in his portrayal of the
once-fatherly Professor, now
lacking in kindliness and charisma.
On the subject of false notes,
viewers of The Goblet of
Fire will decide for themselves
whether an encounter between
a naked Harry and the ghost
of Moaning Myrtle is amusing,
titillating, or uncomfortably
perverse and inappropriate.
Among the many saving graces
of Goblet are the always
delightful presences of Alan
Rickman, Maggie Smith and Jason
Issacs as Professors Snape,
McGonagall and Malfoy, and the
addition of colorful new characters
like Professor Alastor 'MadEye'
Moody and Madame Olympe Maxime,
the Headmistress of an all-girl
school of wizardry.
Equally inviting as the flesh
and blood characters are the
special effects, including one
of the most realistic dragons
ever seen on film. A scene in
which the fire-breathing wyrm
scrabbles across the tiled roofs
of Hogwart's in pursuit of the
nearly overmatched Harry is
exquisitely conceived and rendered.
And finally, the Lord Voldemort
is at last successful in regaining
his horrific and powerful form
to face off against Harry in
a scene that is shocking, tense
and thoroughly gothic.
Harry Potter fans can rejoice
that another Holiday gift has
arrived with many qualities
to enjoy, but an extended 3
1/2 hour version on DVD for
next Christmas would be equally
welcome and deserved.
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