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Back Shelf Beauties
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Harry Potter and He's 14-years old now, so Harry Potter has to face man's biggest challenge - asking a girl out on a date. Fighting evil incarnate is child's play next to that. I hope the poor little guy has a spell to keep his voice from cracking. Daniel Radcliffe is back as Harry Potter for Year 4 at Hogwart's Academy, but this year brings more danger than the kids have ever faced before (because, you can't have a movie unless the danger is more dangerous than ever before). Throughout the summer, the young wizard has been suffering from a recurring nightmare that brings him great pain, and makes him question the identity of all the characters who appear in it. When he returns to Hogwart's, Harry becomes the focus of even more scrutiny, when he mysteriously and controversially is chosen to be part of the prestigious and perilous Tri-Wizard Tournament. Each of the competitive tasks challenges all of the participants' abilities and promises great glory for the winner, but something more ominous is awaiting Harry Potter. Why was Harry chosen, even though he does not qualify? What is the meaning of his dream? Who is the mystery man he does not recognize? My jaw hasn't hit the floor this hard since I saw Nicole Kidman live and in person at the infamous DC press conference (In person, SHE LOOKS LIKE A GODDESS). Director Mike Newell has brought majesty and magic back to the tale after a grittier third installment, but he saves the best for last in an emotional, shocking and amazing climax that rocks the Harry Potter world. He reminds us we are watching a BIG TIME movie with sweeping scenes of ships sailing across the water, serene and Rockwellian looks at the Hogwart's Academy during the winter, frightening and fearsome dragons, the grand ballroom decked out for the high class society dance of the century and more. He makes the novel come to life in a way that challenges even the most powerful of imaginations, and that is an imposing task indeed. Newell, and writer Steve Kloves (based on the novel by J.K. Rowling), also being a great deal of fun and humor to the movie. The trio endearingly takes us through the young wizards' new, yet all too familiar, teenage issues like the possible romance between Hermoine and one of the boys, Ron's awkwardness in any social situation, Harry's dealings with the press and what happens when all of the kids need to learn how to dance for the ball. All of these scenes bring a nice, light touch to the movie, and help relieve some of the tension at all of the right moments, but Newell, Kloves and Rowling always make sure we understand the new level of evil Harry is battling and how he could lose his life at any moment. The entire movie gives the cast a chance to show new sides to their characters, but it's a new player who steals the show. As the new Defense Against The Black Arts teacher, Mad Eye Moody, Brendan Gleeson is the star of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Like the movie, he brings to life a character full of mystery, humor and danger that is the most compelling part of every scene in which he appears. Shockingly, he even makes Mad Eye a little lovable. However, the real treat in watching his performances is watching Gleeson skillfully drop subtle hints as to Moody's intentions throughout the movie. Just don't think Newell lets the new characters have all of the fun. Michael Gambon brings new life and vigor to Albus Dumbledore as he interacts more with Harry than he has since the first movie. He bounds around the set, dishes out fatherly advice with gravitas and gives the academy headmaster the kind of commanding strength we expect from such a powerful and important figure. Meanwhile, Radcliffe moves to the center of the action more than he has in past movies. Yes, Harry still needs help from his friends, but the magnitude and uniqueness of his path in life is becoming more and more apparent, which forces Radcliffe to carry most scenes all by himself without kiddie cuteness to save him. He is shaping up into a fine, just and honorable hero as he brings a wonderful mix of fear, duty and courage to Harry Potter. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire stands out as one of the best movies of 2005, and a truly magical adventure for the audience. 5 Waffles (Out Of 4) Copyright 2005 - WaffleMovies.com
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