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Monday, November 28, 2005

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I knew I had to watch the new Harry Potter within a week or two of it's release in order to keep my geek cred and so I did that Saturday.

ACCIO SPOILERS!

It's a great addition to the franchise; probably the best of the series so far. The script is an excellent adaptation of the book. It focuses completely on the Tri-Wizard Tournament and, by necessity, leaves out many of the subplots in the book. Thus, there are no Dursleys in this movie (thank goodness) and the business with the house-elves is also left out completely. It's a darker, more mature film, not requiring any of the goofiness from the previous movies. Not only does Harry face greater wizarding challenges, he also faces greater interpersonal challenges: puppy love and a bust-up with his best friend, Ron Weasley.

OTOH, I would not go as far as Orson Scott Card in saying that the movie is better than the book or that it's the best film of the year (I haven't seen that many theatrical releases this year, so I can't speak to that). In fact, I don't think the movie truly stands on its own. I believe some prior knowledge of Harry Potter lore is required to really appreciate this iteration of the series. Indeed as I was leaving the theater, I heard someone say about the movie, "I'm a little confused." Despite that, though, I recommend it. Go see it!