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| NOVEMBER 22, 2005 | Send
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Movie Review
Fourth Time’s a Charm
Higher rating, darker atmosphere
makes new Harry Potter film cater to all
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| -Courtesy art |
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By Mark
Roberts
The Shorthorn staff
I’m 24 years old, and I’m a Harry Potter fan. This is
my confession.
Before Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, I could never truly
admit to being a fan. Older moviegoers, like myself, may have hidden
affection for the previous movies or bypassed them altogether, perceiving
the story as too child-oriented.
Director Mike Newell remedied that problem with this gateway film.
For the first time, Harry Potter has a different rating, jumping
from PG to PG-13. This has been the subject of debate among movie
critics. A higher rating means fewer children, which can translate
into fewer box office bucks.
But with the other three films in the top-15 highest grossing movies
of all time, the Harry Potter franchise has nothing to prove. The
collaborators of this film have wisely opted to make a better product
as opposed to making more money. Similar to The Empire Strikes Back
in the Star Wars series, this movie is a darker chapter of the overall
story.
In round four, an adolescent Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) squares
off with friend and foe alike when he is mysteriously entered into
a wizardry tournament hosted by his school.
As the actor ages, the character’s successes become more credible.
He appears much less like a young boy who gets lucky and more like
a young man capable of fighting the dark side of magic.
As exciting as it may be to watch Potter duel against a dragon,
it’s just as fun to watch him battle the butterflies in his
stomach.
For the first time in this ongoing story romance creeps in, thanks
in part to the addition of several new male and female characters
to the story.
With this added element, the interaction between these characters
gives the story much more depth and connection to its viewers. Audience
members can relate to having a crush, the helplessness of rejection
and the awkwardness of a school dance.
Not surprisingly, performances by the usual cast members improve.
Again, the main actors prove they are no longer simply children.
Brendan Gleeson stands out in a huge cast as a new character, “MadEye”
Moody. He and his all-seeing eye steal the spotlight when on screen.
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HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
Director: Mike Newell
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma
Watson, Rupert Grint, Brendon Gleeson
Rated: PG-13
Ranking: 4 1/2
Stars
on a 1-5 scale
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