"Difficult times lie ahead, Harry."

Last night I filled up on coffee and went to the 11:59pm showing of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I was still completely impressed and amazed by the magic of the Harry Potter films. I prefer the 4th book over the movie, but Mike Newell's use of light, setting, and camera angles make this action-packed work that I will most likely see again.

The first two Harry Potter Films (2001's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and 2002's Chamber of Secrets) were directed by Chris Columbus. Even though the plot of these two books was not very dark, I still think Columbus put a "little kid" edge on them. However, with the 3rd Film last summer, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the transition into a darker, more serious film was well done by Alfonso Cuaron.

I could tell the differences in approaches to scenes and perspectives of the two directors, but that is understandable because of the difference in the films. Firstly, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, I believe, held more action and especially at the end, more darkness. I thought Lord Voldemort was amazing and I will certainly have nightmares.

The downside of this film is the changes that occured during filming. Many of the details that I loved were left out, as well as some seens were made more "Hollywood"; i.e. a scene where Moaning Myrtle approaches Harry in a very PG-13 manner. That really upset me. Other than that, it was an amazing and magical film and I cannot wait for the next.


enjoy...

candice :)