Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (2005)

3 out of 4

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Brendan Gleason, Robert Pattinson, Stanislav Ianevski, Clemence Poesy, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, Timothy Spall

Director: Mike Newell

Time: 157 mins

Viewed: Loews Lincoln Square, New York

Fourth instalment of the adventures of teen wizard Harry Potter (Radcliffe) finds him thrust into a dangerous tournament featuring contestants from other schools of magic. Meanwhile, he and his friends Ron (Grint) and Hermione (Watson) grapple with dating, dancing, and the return of evil Lord Voldemort (Fiennes). Lengthy film wisely condenses the bloated World Cup of Quidditch sequence that opens the book, concentrating instead on the tournament, the awkwardness of teenage relationships, and the humour of the Weasley twins. Highlights include a thrilling encounter with a dragon, a race through a hazardous maze, and the delights of the Yule Ball. Acting wise, the three leads acquit themselves well, though Grint still pulls one face too many. Climactic graveyard scene is a little protracted and may be confusing for the uninitiated, but fans will lap this up. A worthy and entertaining entry in the series.

(c) Joe Wong (17 November 2005)