Harry Potter maturing along with his audience; 'Goblet' merits 3 stars

By Jen Pulham

November 19, 2005 | Harry Potter fans and movie-goers alike will take delight in the most recent Potter film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the fourth to be released.

No longer are the films designed for children; they now target teenagers and adults.

In this recent film adaptation, directed by Mike Newell, Potter is mysteriously chosen to be a Hogwarts champion in the dangerous and even sometimes-fatal Triwizard Tournament. Harry also faces a challenge that he has before managed to avoid successfully . . . asking a girl to a dance.

In addition, Harry faces a number of creatures and curses that are enough for any grown wizard to throw in his or her towel -- or wand, in this case. The challenges range from getting past a dragon, to spending one hour underwater, to taking on unforgivable curses, the likes of which are enough to send the caster of the spell straight to Azkaban, the wizard prison.

As if that isn't enough for a boy of 14, Harry also watches as the threat of Lord Voldemort, the darkest and most evil wizard of all time, continues to grow. Harry is warned by many to be careful, but who can protect him when he must face the challenges of the Triwizard Tournament alone?

The acting and special effects in the fourth movie are at their best, and the screenplay is decent, with a good dose of comic relief.

The movie follows the book fairly closely, and the minor changes do not detract from the story. Toward the middle of the movie, however, things tend to feel a little rushed, as if Director Mike Newell were trying to squeeze most of the book into the last hour. Nevertheless, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is worth seeing at least once in the theaters.

Rating: 3 stars

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