Classic Review #53: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Available on Netflix

After the series high-point that was Prisoner of Azkaban, Mike Newell’s Goblet of Fire feels like an overwrought misstep for the most part. While adapting the 636-page book could rightfully be construed as being an admittedly unenviable task, Steve Kloves’ screenplay feels like an unwelcome shift from the more humanistic and mature tone that distinguished Alfonso Cuaron’s predecessor.

Focusing mostly on the participation of Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) in the preposterously dangerous Triwizard Tournament, the film is bogged down by its overreliance on CGI, while the gimmicky premise of J.K. Rowling’s novel contributes to it being overstuffed with ‘blockbuster’ action sequences that see the protagonist duel with dragons, mermaids, and an improbably windy hedge maze.

On the positive side, Newell (of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame) does bring his penchant for sardonic British wit to proceedings, which enables Radcliffe (who has since proven himself to be a deft comedian) to deliver a lead performance that is far less constrained than his earlier efforts. There are also some memorable supporting turns from Brendan Gleeson, who plays the acerbic Mad-Eye Moody, and Robert Pattinson, who shines in the unfortunately short-lived role of Cedric Diggory.

However, Gleeson and Pattinson’s efforts are not as vital as those of Ralph Fiennes, whose belated debut as the returning Lord Voldermort essentially saves the Goblet of Fire from being an unfortunate slog. The list of memorable cinematic villains is long and varied, but Fiennes’ performance as the menacingly theatrical dark wizard is certainly the equal of many. With his antagonist finally in play, the Goblet of Fire can at least have the distinction of being the Harry Potter film that sets up its engrossing home run.