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There is an unwritten law in movies that sequels are generally not as good as originals. But occasionally, this is not the case. Take 1974’s "The Godfather: Part II" and 1986’s "Aliens," which seem to be exceptions that prove the rule. The Harry Potter franchise, which began in 2001 with "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone," seems to want to prove that axiom wrong, as well, as each film is markedly better than the previous one. With the release of the fourth film, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," this is still very much the case. Not only is it the best in the series, it also is one of the best films of the year.
Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is now in his fourth year at Hogwarts, which is especially different as the school is hosting the Triwizard Tournament. The tournament has representatives of three schools compete against each other in three increasingly difficult challenges. Interested parties are invited to write their name on a piece of paper and put it into the Goblet of Fire, which will choose the contestants.
Although the age minimum is 17, inexplicably the 14-year-old Harry is chosen as the unprecedented fourth contestant. What follows will test not only Harry, but his friendship with Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), as well.
I, for one, long for the days when special effects alone did not a movie make. That being said, I do love it when state-of-the-art effects are seamlessly integrated into a film. Here the effects are not only spellbinding, but they make perfect sense. When in a world where wizards, dragons and all sorts of creatures are the norm, why not make the best of it? The effects in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" are easily the best of the series. If I didn’t know dragons didn’t exist, after seeing this movie, I might actually think they did.
Yet the special effects by themselves are not what make this film so good. Director Mike Newell (1985’s "Dance with a Stranger" and 1994’s "Four Weddings and a Funeral") has infused the series with an unlikely combination of humanity and majesty. There are times when "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" has the look and feel of a much older Hollywood production, which is not an insult by any means. Then there are times it has an almost contemporary edge with nice, quirky, humorous moments. Both aspects seem to complement each other. Newell, who started making TV movies for the BBC in the mid-1960s, is a marvelous storyteller and is a welcome addition to the franchise.
The fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," is slated for 2007. At the helm is David Yates, a British director not well known in this country. If the progression of the series is any indication, the producers know what they are doing. And I can’t wait.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
PG-13
In theatres Thursday
Four out of four
Recommended Rental
War of the Worlds
PG-13
Available Tuesday
I can’t think of a better choice than Steven Spielberg to direct the updated version of H.G. Wells’ sci-fi classic "War of the Worlds." Although, truth be told, the powerful producer/director usually does his own choosing and not the other way around.
Tom Cruise plays Ray Ferrier, a man who has seen better times. He’s estranged from his family when aliens come en masse to destroy the planet. Ray must rise to the occasion and, not only save his children (Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin), but help in saving the Earth, as well.
