Few books translate well into film. The Lord of the Rings accomplished a three-peat, surpassing itself with every installment that director Peter Jackson churned out. While the Harry Potter films are surefire winners at the tills, they are less critically acclaimed than the aforementioned trilogy. The first two in the franchise by the same director, Christopher Columbus, were generally appreciated for their faithful adaptation of the well-loved books. Seeing the characters come alive onscreen felt nothing but novel, given that it's the first time. The second effort was a little less likable, but still acceptable. The third, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, was a little darker and decidedly better than the ones that preceded it. They say it's sweeter the second time around and third time's the charm, but for Harry Potter, the fourth proves to be arguably the best yet. Now with a Brit director at the helm, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire soars to new heights that none of its predecessors ever reached. Perhaps something is really best entrusted to its own people. Director Mike Newell's treatment of the text is such that although one has already read it, there is no escape from the suspense. It is a marvel how a 728-page book had been rendered in film without losing its core. While some elements had obviously been snipped--such as the Dursleys, Privet Drive, Dobby the house elf--the final output is still a compact package of thrills and cheers. The familiar characters have visibly grown, not just physically but unto themselves. The danger for the actors is being typecast, but to remove them from the latter movies sure to come may prove discomfiting to viewers. But whether or not Radcliffe, Watson and Grint would be around for the last three installments, it can be said that these three filled the shoes of Harry, Hermione and Ron with aplomb. Stripped of the CGI, Goblet of Fire would still stand as magnificently as it does with it. There is no letup on the magic, and well exceeds expectations--a feat, considering the magnitude of those expectations. J.K. Rowling must be mighty proud.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Action / Adventure / Family / Fantasy

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, Mark Williams, Miranda Richardson, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wrig

Director: Mike Newell

Released by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Year released: 2005

Running time: 2 hrs 30 m

MTRCB rating: GP

Official web site: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Synopsis: Harry is now 14 and is looking forward to watching the Quidditch World Cup with Ron and Hermione. In their fourth year at Hogwarts, Dumbledore announces that the school is hosting the Triwizard Tournament that was last mounted over a century ago. The dangerous tourney, traditionally engaged in by three European wizarding schools, entails three tasks that must be completed by its players who need to be 17 and above and are chosen by the goblet of fire. To Harry's surprise, he--who is three years below the age requirement--is to compete against Cedric Diggory who is also from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons' Fleur Delacour, and Durmstrang's Quidditch superstar Viktor Krum. There is no backing out of the tournament for the goblet's choice is binding. Meanwhile, the Dark Mark hovers on the horizon as the Death Eaters conjure it with their growing strength. Which will prove harder for the young hero: conquering the tasks, finding a date to the Yule Ball, or battling Voldemort incarnate?

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