Letters to the Editor
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Best movie of the series
This movie was undoubtedly the best movie of the series, in my opinion. I am a fan of the books, but the movies up to now have left me somewhat disappointed. The first two were just simple retellings of the plots of the books, it seemed to me, and lacked enthusiasm. The third movie was not very good at all, I thought. Major elements of the plot were missing, even ones that would have taken little time to explain, such as just who "Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs" were. They never explained why Harry's Patronus was a stag. Maybe the setting was beautifully filmed or something, but aside from film critics and those who wish they were, who really cares about that? If the plot and drama isn't there, I don't care about the scenery. Same with the colors in this movie: I just don't have a clue what the reviewer is talking about. That doesn't mean she's wrong or anything, but just who cares? I mean, I'm sure 95% of moviegoers don't even notice that kind of thing.
"Goblet of Fire" was my favorite book (with the newest book a close second) because of the plot and the drama of the story: the romantic subplots, the growing threat, the sadness of the ending. The movie captured all that very well. Yes, they had to leave some good things out for time's sake, but they didn't leave things out that were crucial to either this story or the series as a whole. This movie was the best at making the bad guys seem truly frightening, it was the best at portraying the three kids as awkward teenagers, it was the best at capturing the emotions of all the interpersonal relationships in the movie, and it was the best at making us sad. Some of that is the plot from the book, but it is also the growing capabilities of the actors.
But the number one reason that this was the best movie of the bunch was that it was funny! I laughed out loud several times, whereas I don't remember doing it even once in previous Harry Potter movies. It was great. I highly recommend it. And my girlfriend, who hasn't read the books or even seen all the past movies, didn't have trouble following it either. It's good as a stand-alone movie and as a part of the larger series. Thumbs up.
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HP IV disappointing for one main reason
Harry Potter IV is a disappointment. Especially after HP I & II, which were entertaining, and HP III, which was a masterpiece of fantasy filmmaking in my opinion.
HP IV is a disappointment not because of the acting, nor the sets, nor the directing, nor the costuming, nor the special effects, all of which were well done. My issue with HP IV is that I couldn't figure out why I should give a d**n about the silly contrived contest that is central to the story.
To me, HP IV is a big long 'so what'.
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Excellent movie, review
Usually I don't agree with S.Z.'s take on movies, and I waited to see this movie ...okay, I watched it twice... before reading her review.
And for once I think she watched the same movie I did. While I would have liked to see more of the elements from the book in the movie, I was very happy with it, and like SZ, see it as a powerful movie about growing up.
One of the criticisms I've heard of the movie is that the new Dumbledore isn't 'right'. Although I think Richard Harris was perfect, Michael Gambon brings an energy and urgancy to the character that is appropriate. And he ties it back to the growing-up-thing. One of the scary things about growing up is realizing that your parents and teachers, the already-grown-up, don't always have the answers.
Gambon's Dumbledore is aware of the gravity of the situation, of the past, of the future, and through a myriad of small cracks, he reveals it to Harry.