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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