2008 Woodie Awards
New film brings new magic to 'Harry Potter' series
Movie Review: "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
By: ERIN DULEY
Issue date: 11/17/05 Section: LifeStyle
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The Harry Potter franchise has struck new territory in its fourth film installment "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." As the first film of the series to bear a PG-13 rating, the film thrusts the Hogwarts gang headlong into the "real world" of magic that makes Quidditch look like croquet.
While directed by new-comer to the series Mike Newell, "Goblet" maintains the former films' somber tone and dedication to first-rate fantasy computer animation. However, the plot for this film offers a greater range than any of its predecessors. The higher highs and lower lows provide for a wider audience appeal, although some of the younger fans may be disadvantaged by the stricter rating.
"Goblet" centers on the Tri-Wizard Tournament, which pits wizard representatives from three different schools against one another for the coveted Wizard's Cup. The competition features three death defying feats for the competitors and everlasting glory for the victor. The tournament scenes are actually so extreme it makes one hope these wizards have some sort of enchanted insurance.
Through forces unbeknownst to Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) or his professors, the titular Goblet of Fire responsible for selecting the competing wizards spits out Potter's name after selecting the other three, making four in this year's competition. Since the Goblet's decision is always final, the infamous wizard has to comply.
As intimidating as the tournament is, the Yule Ball that takes place during it is downright terrifying. Harry and the gang are 14, after all. All of the drama involved in pairing off for a middle school dance ensues. Beyond that, the magic of formal wear and updos on the night of the ball confirm that Hermoine (Emma Watson) has grown up and that none of the boys are likely to see her as a bookworm. The night ends more lachrymose than dreamy for the tender teens, which is pretty much on par for any middle school social gathering.
After the wizards' romp, it's time to enter PG-13 land as the tournament becomes more intense. The final challenge of the event reveals that Lord Voldemort has had his hand in the competition with the intention of procuring Potter. Hoping to regain human form, "he who shall not be named" needs Potter for his spell. Wormtail (A.K.A. the traitor formally known as Ron's rat) orchestrates the spell by mixing up a gruesome brew composed of various bits of blood and gore. Although not graphically displayed, the implied violence in this scene is intense by children's story standards.
The climax of "Goblet" comes when Potter must face off against the Dark Lord for the first time since he killed Potter's parents 13 years ago. Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of the ultimate evil in the wizard world is arresting, particularly considering his recent turn as the passive widower in "The Constant Gardener." Surrounded by Death Eaters, Voldemort's henchmen whose pointed hats resemble Ku Klux Klan garb, the evil wizard appears inbred to the point of being reptilian as he faces off against the precocious Potter.
Several fatalities, revealed identities, adolescent tribulations and ultimate battles between good and evil later, "Goblet" ends in a state of uncertainty. Pitch perfect for a series that has three more installments yet to come, "Goblet" plays out the greatest drama thus far as well as baits the hook for the remainder of the Hogwarts tales.
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" opens Nov. 18.
While directed by new-comer to the series Mike Newell, "Goblet" maintains the former films' somber tone and dedication to first-rate fantasy computer animation. However, the plot for this film offers a greater range than any of its predecessors. The higher highs and lower lows provide for a wider audience appeal, although some of the younger fans may be disadvantaged by the stricter rating.
"Goblet" centers on the Tri-Wizard Tournament, which pits wizard representatives from three different schools against one another for the coveted Wizard's Cup. The competition features three death defying feats for the competitors and everlasting glory for the victor. The tournament scenes are actually so extreme it makes one hope these wizards have some sort of enchanted insurance.
Through forces unbeknownst to Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) or his professors, the titular Goblet of Fire responsible for selecting the competing wizards spits out Potter's name after selecting the other three, making four in this year's competition. Since the Goblet's decision is always final, the infamous wizard has to comply.
As intimidating as the tournament is, the Yule Ball that takes place during it is downright terrifying. Harry and the gang are 14, after all. All of the drama involved in pairing off for a middle school dance ensues. Beyond that, the magic of formal wear and updos on the night of the ball confirm that Hermoine (Emma Watson) has grown up and that none of the boys are likely to see her as a bookworm. The night ends more lachrymose than dreamy for the tender teens, which is pretty much on par for any middle school social gathering.
After the wizards' romp, it's time to enter PG-13 land as the tournament becomes more intense. The final challenge of the event reveals that Lord Voldemort has had his hand in the competition with the intention of procuring Potter. Hoping to regain human form, "he who shall not be named" needs Potter for his spell. Wormtail (A.K.A. the traitor formally known as Ron's rat) orchestrates the spell by mixing up a gruesome brew composed of various bits of blood and gore. Although not graphically displayed, the implied violence in this scene is intense by children's story standards.
The climax of "Goblet" comes when Potter must face off against the Dark Lord for the first time since he killed Potter's parents 13 years ago. Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of the ultimate evil in the wizard world is arresting, particularly considering his recent turn as the passive widower in "The Constant Gardener." Surrounded by Death Eaters, Voldemort's henchmen whose pointed hats resemble Ku Klux Klan garb, the evil wizard appears inbred to the point of being reptilian as he faces off against the precocious Potter.
Several fatalities, revealed identities, adolescent tribulations and ultimate battles between good and evil later, "Goblet" ends in a state of uncertainty. Pitch perfect for a series that has three more installments yet to come, "Goblet" plays out the greatest drama thus far as well as baits the hook for the remainder of the Hogwarts tales.
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" opens Nov. 18.