Harry is unwillingly entered into a risky series of tests in a wizard's tournament.

Although there are contrivances in how some of this story played out, I appreciate the way it sets up so many other things in the later books (which aren't necessarily part of the movies). It's amazing how shortened the start of the movie is, as I was still waiting for some of the things I remember, but from the book. The three challengers were neat, though the spat with Ron wasn't great. As with the previous movie, I found Harry's extended chase with the dragon to be excessive -what did the spectators see when Harry left? Did they wonder if the dragon killed him, or did they have some sort of viewing device? The first challenge was accomplished complately off-screen, as far as the arena was concerned. Not to mention that the secrets of the trials were let out way too easily, but I suppose that's normal in a school environment. Still, taken as a whole, the movies and the experience are more than the sum of their parts, especially after being to the Wizarding World theme in Orlando, where it's brought to life. I noticed for the first time the lip-licking tell that gave away Barty Jr to his father, something that goes completely unexplained in the movie.

While well executed, I have trouble with a number of things, mainly that the cup could be bewitched at all, and that the aurer could provide such a good act day by day, every day, that even Dumbledore could be fooled. Crouch wasn't fooled, and died because of it. However, the movie builds on the previous one, adding to the cast and to the story. We even learn about Neville's parents, though only in passing, felled by one of the unforgivable curses.

The movie moves along at breakneck speed. I liked the way Ron didn't stay angry at Harry for too long, and how he still cared by trying a roundabout way of warning Harry about the dragons. As usual, the cast did an awesome job at their roles. The boys are getting so much taller, and the girls more beautiful. There wasn't much to Krum, but I liked the way Carouch Jr's role was expanded. It made things easier to understand, especially in the super-compressed storyline.

After reading the novel, this movie turned into Harry Potter Lite. The movie touched almost all points from the book, but it was more like connect the dots, because there was no depth to any of it. Without reading the book, the story is probably fine, but now knowing what goes on in the background, it's a wonder the movie makes any sense at all.

Some of the movie felt rather contrived, and I had a lot of questions, some of which would undoubtebly have been answered if I had read the book. Would any member who hadn't figured out the egg riddle have been allowed to compete in the next round? Or was it just the clue that was essential, like being able to breathe under water for an hour? I also don't know why somebody had to shapeshift into the professor's body. Neville could have been smart enough to know about gilliweed, and the other boy could have easily figured out to open the egg under water. It makes Hogwart's school look like dimwits. Actually, Harry is not very smart, either. I could have done without the rock concert (Billy Idol?) at the dance, too. Why would the Goblet spit out four names, anyway? If it had been bewitched, then it should have chosen Harry's name only. However, the film was nicely dark, and I always like when a sacrifice is necessary, like at the end of this one.

No review.