Muggles Enchanted, Harry Potter Is Back!
Editors Note: Thanks to Guest Critic Jamie DiBene-Gorger. She isn't very funny but she knows her Potter...
TheWeeklyChuckle Without peers, the fourth installment of
"The Goblet of Fire" exceeded expectations at the box office.
The screenplay was finally written to parallel the book and Steve Kloves,
the screenwriter, captured the essence of the story. The new director
really got the most out of these amazing child actors. Alfanso Curan,
the director of The Prisoner of Azkaban, a butchered version of the book
if there ever was one, could not come close to the directing talents of
Mike Newell. The actors and actresses of the movie have matured tremendously
since the last movie. They really know their characters now and were able
to convince the audience that they were indeed, our cherished characters
in the book. Though a few scenes were tweaked from the novel, and many
more removed to accommodate the already 2 1/2-plus hours, they did not
detract from the screenplay nor from the tremendous excitement the movie
engendered in its viewers.
You will NOT be disappointed in this movie! The Prisoner of Azkaban, book
three, an unbelievable book, was destroyed by Alfanso Curan's bizarre
interpretation of the story. This did NOT happen this time. Thank you,
Mike Newell and Steve Kloves for giving the viewers their imagination
back. Thank you for NOT straying very far from the story and we understand
that time constraints forced you to leave things out. You really did an
amazing job!
Harry, our beloved wizard is growing up and has matured but is still our
shy and wary Harry. He has taken a fresh perspective on the Dark Lord's
role in his life. Hermione is coming into womanhood and not sure of her
role there. Ron and the twins, still funny and adorable, capture the audience
with their wit and lack of common sense! The twins really steal the show
with their escapades and most of the movie is actually very amusing, in
between the scary parts, that is. Snape has few lines this time, but seems
to loom in almost every scene. A favorite scene is of course, where Snape
keeps smacking Harry and Ron in the backs of the heads because they will
not stop chattering in study hall. You go Snape! He still gives viewers
the creeps!
Although the movie almost totally ignored the entire Quiddich world cup,
and what a disappointment that was, most of the time was spent on developing
the character of Mad-Eyed Moody and the Tri-Wizard Tournament in which
Harry was entered without his knowledge. Draco Malfoy plays a slightly
lesser role in this movie, but gets his when Moody comes to Harry's rescue.
Young ladies and tweens will get a sight when they see Harry bare his
chest in the bath tub scene. Ron and Hermione are at odds when Hermione
obviously has feelings for Ron, which are reciprocated, only Ron never
knows how to show it properly. Hermione, enchanted by her relationship
with the famous Victor Krum, learns the heartbreak of romance and is torn
between her fascination with Krum and her obvious love for Ron.
Victor Krum's character was really an exciting addition to the cast. He
most certainly had charm, albeit few lines, but for an actor who had never
acted before, he did very well indeed. You get a glimpse of the pensieve
(pronounced penseeve), and a view into Dumbledore's memories. Look for
this in Book's five and six as well. It plays an incredibly important
role! Notice what happens when/how/why Harry's scar hurts, too. This is
important, as some of truly believe that his scar may be the resting place
of the seventh and final horcrux in book seven!
The rebirth (literally) of Voldemort is amazing. The special effects alone
are absolutely worth the $10 ticket price. Not a dry eye was in the house
when Cedric Diggory was killed. Watch for the brief return of Harry's
parents when they are cast from Voldemort's wand and are able to help
Harry escape from Lord Voldemort's omnipotent powers. Only Harry could
escape the wrath of Voldemort's grasp.
This is an absolute MUST see for adults and kids over 10. The movie has
a number of very frightening scenes, although if you have read the book,
you are expecting most of them. Viewers not having read the book will
get a few scares. This movie is NOT for young children! The fear factor
and many death scenes alone preclude their presence.
I give this movie FIVE stars and if Hollywood ignores this movie come
the Oscars, they have even less intelligence than one had ever could imagined.
The movie was incredible and well worth the wait. One can only expect
that the fifth movie will be even more exciting, though even darker, as
Voldemort begins to take more power. Critics everywhere are hoping they
get Patricia Rutledge to play Umbridge. Wonder if anyone will notice she
played Vernon's sister?? Don't forget to read Goblet of Fire again after
you see the movie, so you can pick up the missing pieces the movie had
to leave out. Enjoy the show, and, "keep your friends close Harry!"
Jamie Di Bene-Gorger
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