‘Harry Potter’ works magic in BLC

By Rayna Lewis

The dark tones of the opening song foreshadow the changes that are to come. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire takes a grim plunge into the despair and fear of a nation attacked by the most frightening of enemies.

This change from a whimsical movie about a wonderful, magical land pulls the viewer into the dark side of the wizardly world, and it provides a far more entertaining movie than the previous installments. Even those who read the books are left thinking, “What’s going to happen next?”

The story thrusts the viewer headfirst into a murder, and the plot flies from there. Lies, betrayal and stunning truths are brought out, all in the midst of the uprising by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Also, there is a dangerous tournament to boot.

Harry, of course, finds himself in the middle of everything, especially when his name is chosen out of the Goblet of Fire. Not only does nobody believe him that the Dark Lord is rising, but now all his peers despise him, thinking that
he cheated.

As always, the acting is amazing. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione) and Rupert Grint (Ron) are stunning together and seem to have a real bond. Radcliffe seems so innocent, and occasionally very dependent. Watson strengthens Hermione because the group needs a level head, although sometimes the character breaks down with emotion. Grint portrays Ron as the stereotypical “geeky boy going through puberty,” which is emphasized in the scene the director added, where Professor McGonagall teaches everyone how to dance.

What is most surprising is the acting portrayed by Michael Gambon (Dumbledore). He actually shows emotion this time! Not only that, but Dumbledore is scary when he is mad. However, it is David Tennant as Barty Crouch Jr. who puts on the most stunning performance. He has this little tongue-twitch that makes him look like a sadistic chameleon. Audience members will have trouble forgetting this character. The rest of the cast continues to impress, while the new actors hired are purely magical.

The movie makes a very strong statement and proves that computer animation is continuing to get better. Every setting and piece of magic look real enough to reach out and touch. The only down point is the Weasleys’ haircuts, which are somewhat distracting. Also, the director added scenes that are positively hilarious, but may offend strict readers of the book.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is at times entertaining, but is filled mostly with heart-stopping, pulse-racing action. Fans of the book will be equally as surprised as first-time viewers. This is a truly enjoyable film, so people should go out and see it when it hits the BLC Theater this weekend.