"goblet of fire" is arguably the best - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Reviews

After the last three films almost achieved being great adaptations of the book, "Goblet of Fire" finally lives up to expectations and then surpasses them. Chris Columbus was steering the films in the direction of child's play...not where the books are going at all. The last director wanted to create a more "real" Potter world and succeeded in breaking the mold set by Columbus. And now with Newell's film, we have a Potter story that takes no risks and makes the characters come to full life. All three actors that portrayed the story's leads (Radcliffe, Watson and Grint) have grown into their characters so much that I cannot see anyone else playing these roles better. The emotional aspect of what each of these characters now starts to deal with was conveyed with perfection. The direction definitely had a good hand in this. The adaptation was good...if you have read the book. As with the last film, there were a few holes that, unless I had read the book, would have made the story a little confusing. But overall, it was a faithful and spellbinding adaptation. The musical score, having been previously composed by John Williams, was good. Patrick Doyle's music is generally well written. However, there was no distinct theme present for the film...aside from Williams' "Hedwig's Theme". This was the most disappointing aspect of the film--but it was not a big disappointment. The visual elements were the best yet. The cinematography from "Azkaban" was beautiful and this film took that and added CGI that really expanded the world of Hogwarts and other locations very well. I would venture to say that the computer animation was the best yet...ILM has really stepped it up since the near disastrous animation from "Sorcerer's Stone". Overall, the film was absolutely stunning and a wonderful addition to the Potter franchise. I was very impressed...and I am very cynical when it comes to film adaptations of some of my favorite books...like Harry Potter. I can't wait to see this film again and again.