Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (DVD, 2006, Full Frame)

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" is the fourth movie in the Harry Potter franchise, based on the very popular children's book series. Please do keep in mind that this movie is based on the book, which means that as good as the movie is, reading the book is better.

Before I begin, I must make one point clear. There are 2 types of people who will watch this movie: the readers and fans of the books, and the watchers and viewers of movies. Each of these two groups will have a varying opinion of this story and that is due to their level of expectation. Almost certainly you will find that the fans of the book will not like this movie very much (as so much was edited out for time-constraints), but those who have not read the books almost all love the movie for it's action and adventure.

That having been said, this movie really races along in it's fast paced action. We begin with Harry and his friends excitedly attending a huge international sporting event. We do not get to see the actual event, just before and afterwards. During the post-game party, a terrorist attack by a group known as 'Death Eaters', breaks out. The plot moves along quickly to the beginning of the school year where Harry and pals are beginning their 4th year of instruction at "magical high school" Hogwarts. Immediately introduced are a gaggle of female students from a French wizarding school and a surly bunch of male students from a Bulgarian wizarding school. One student from each school will be competing with a Hogwarts student in an inter-school competition call the Tri-Wizard tournament.

But alas for poor Harry, a happy and carefree school year is not in the cards. Under very unusual circumstances, his name is drawn to also compete in the magical tournament...one that he is underage, underskilled and underprepared to compete in. Everyone is mad at Harry for "cheating" to get his name in the competition...even his best friend Ron. Luckily things pick up for Harry when he starts winning in the competitions and at least most people are not mad at him anymore...but he has other problems...such as the very awkward position of having to ask the girl he has a crush on, to the school dance. The plot culminates right where you think it would end...Harry wins the competition but is transported right into the arms of his most evil foe, Lord Voldemort, who now is reborn with a powerful new body. From this point on, the story gets darker, as Lord Voldemort and death go hand-in-hand.

To movie-watchers, this film is filled with fast-paced action presented at a break-neck speed. Excellent special effects male you feel that you are right in the story. To book-fans, you may feel that the characters in this story are oversimplified and presented in their very base terms. There is no complexity to their roles or to the story. The book that this film is based on is long and complicated and to film it just like the book would be near-impossible, however I feel this movie could have been better. But movie-only fans seem to like it.

Along with his DVD comes a bonus disk, which includes special features. Extra footage, a self-guided tour of the school, interviews with cast and crew and games and activities equal hours of interactive fun.

I hope that you enjoyed this review and that it has helped you in some way. If you found it to be insightful or helpful, I would kindly request that you vote "YES" (it was helpful). Thank you.