Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Rating: B+

Harry Potter is growing up and experiencing all the normal changes a teenager goes through; noticing girls, straining friendships, awkward sexual moments, goofing off in class, fighting dragons, getting blasted by evil wizards, you know, normal stuff.

We find Harry starting his fourth year at Hogwarts, and there is more villany afoot. This year, Hogwarts has been chosen to host the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Two more schools show up, a all-girl Frenchie school and a Bulgarian school. Oh, will Harry win the tournament? Gee I wonder.

This is probably the best Harry Potter movie so far next to the first one. I have a hard time remembering everything that's happened up until now, so I got lost a few times, and I'm sure I didn't get one or several jokes or insights that I should have had I read the books or watched the other movies more intently.

The characters are portrayed very well as awkward teenagers. They are falling in love, experiencing jealousy, and starting to realize what growing up a wizard is all about. Harry is probably the most out of place ironically, but he's got the tournament to worry about. The movies are gradually focusing more on him than the others, but that's to be expected. Ron's brothers provide a ton of comic relief.

This Harry Potter is darker, scarier (not for the littler ones), and in fact funnier than the others. The special effects are top notch. Alan Rickman is hilarious. Brendan Gleeson is fantastic as Mad Eye Moody. Of course the main three are good as usual.

This one is worth checking out and no doubt will make a dragon-load of money. Plus, there is the King Kong trailer and the Superman Returns teaser before it. Now get on your broom and go see it!