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On the fourth summer and school year of Harry Potter (Daniel Radeliffe) at Hogwarts is
marked by te Quidditch World Cup and Triwizard Tournament, as well as the continued plot of Lord Valdemort to return.
The Quidditch Cup is ruined once Valdemort's Death Eaters attack the camp and the Triwizard Tournament takes an unprecedented turn when the Goblet of Fire chooses two representatives from Hogwart to compete: Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson) and the underaged and unqualified Harry Potter. The Triwizard Tournament requires the champions to compete in three different events: First, a battle with the dragon to retrieve a golden egg. Second, saving one's beloved from under the sea. And lastly, retrieving the Goblet of Fire within the enchanted maze. With some unsolicited but welcomed help from Hogwart's new professor Mad-eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson), support and prodding from Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) and good hearted courage and strive, Harry finds a way to overcome the challengers. However, little does Harry know how Lord Valdemort (Ralph Fiennes) has set a trap for him
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire boasts of technical superiority most especially the very imaginative production design, dynamic cinematography and tight
editing. The narrative unfolds slower than the first three series but very solidly and with a deeper dimension of the little boy turned wizard and his misadventures with his
friends and foes.
With a tang of initiation into adolescence, Harry, Ron and Hermione tackle their characters with suave and passion that audience can forget about the magical world and relate with the growing pains, insecurities and discoveries of the three friends. As expected, the visual effects are magnificent and breath-taking, particularly the Quidditch World Cup Tournament. Ralph Fiennes plays his spine shivering Valdemort role perfectly.
The fourth installment of the Harry Potter movie might be a little darker for younger children,
with more assaults and destruction shown on screen. However, complementing the extensive fantasy adventures and magical sceneries are the intensive insights on friendship,
courage and selflessness. Harry remains a good-hearted and compassionate wizard in a film that shares several lessons now tailor-suited for older and more mature characters.
Ron and Harry have a momentary fall-out because of jealousy—something unavoidable in life—but they manage to realize that their friendship is far more important. Harry constantly exemplifies kindheartedness for others when he rescues Fleur Delacour's sister and Cedric even at the expense of his victory. The professors always have that tender but firm way of teaching the students—which is most endearing because we appreciate teachers who share their lives with their apprentices and mold more compassionate persons. Recommended for the family.
(Date Reviewed: 18 November 2005)
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