Harry Potter: Wizards in Puberty
I went to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire this weekend. What a great flick! True to predictions (and its PG13 rating), this is a darker film than the earlier Potter pics. (Any Potter fan knows that in books four, five, and six, more central characters start biting the dust, and the Potter story begins to deal with some weightier situations.) In addition, there is a little bit of profanity in the movie, mostly spouting from the mouth of Ron, Harry's somewhat sullen friend.
The film begins with Harry, Ron, and Hermione starting their fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The students are 14 now, only three years away from the "adult" wizarding age of 17. Mad Eye Moody (played by Brendan Gleeson) is tapped by headmaster Dumbledore as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. (This position has rotated regularly among a variety of characters since the books/movies began. Apparently, Hogwarts just can't find a good dark arts teacher!) As the film opens, we are informed that Hogwarts has been chosen to host the Tri-Wizard Tournament, a battle for glory among representatives from the three schools of wizarding. Each school may select one representative for the tournament, and the competition is widely recognized as a dangerous endeavor for the students chosen. Althoug he is technically too young to compete, Harry is chosen as one of the student representatives, and adventure ensues.
Emma Watson is developing into a fine young actress. Her portrayal of Hermione Granger, a bookish young girl on the cusp of womanhood, was very well done. She also did a good job playing the ambiguity of her relationships with both of the central male characters. I look forward to seeing what she will do after the Potter series is over.
But the real star of the picture is the magic. Needless to say, the effects in this movie are amazing. Dragons, pegasus, odd little mermaids, various magical happenings - all are achieved with startling realism on screen. I continue to be impressed by the effects "wizards" that work on the Potter pictures. They are the real magicians of this series, bringing all sorts of wondrous creatures to life.
I thought the movie ran a tad long. Much was made of the ball that goes along with the Tri-Wizard Tournament, some of which I might have edited out, had it been my decision. However, I thought the film was very good overall, and I highly recommend it.
The film begins with Harry, Ron, and Hermione starting their fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The students are 14 now, only three years away from the "adult" wizarding age of 17. Mad Eye Moody (played by Brendan Gleeson) is tapped by headmaster Dumbledore as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. (This position has rotated regularly among a variety of characters since the books/movies began. Apparently, Hogwarts just can't find a good dark arts teacher!) As the film opens, we are informed that Hogwarts has been chosen to host the Tri-Wizard Tournament, a battle for glory among representatives from the three schools of wizarding. Each school may select one representative for the tournament, and the competition is widely recognized as a dangerous endeavor for the students chosen. Althoug he is technically too young to compete, Harry is chosen as one of the student representatives, and adventure ensues.
Emma Watson is developing into a fine young actress. Her portrayal of Hermione Granger, a bookish young girl on the cusp of womanhood, was very well done. She also did a good job playing the ambiguity of her relationships with both of the central male characters. I look forward to seeing what she will do after the Potter series is over.
But the real star of the picture is the magic. Needless to say, the effects in this movie are amazing. Dragons, pegasus, odd little mermaids, various magical happenings - all are achieved with startling realism on screen. I continue to be impressed by the effects "wizards" that work on the Potter pictures. They are the real magicians of this series, bringing all sorts of wondrous creatures to life.
I thought the movie ran a tad long. Much was made of the ball that goes along with the Tri-Wizard Tournament, some of which I might have edited out, had it been my decision. However, I thought the film was very good overall, and I highly recommend it.
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