A
dangerous contest tests Harry’s magical skills, while quarrels with his friends
and a school dance reveal gaps in his social skills. The emphasis on character
dynamics as well as the contest effects (particularly dragons) make this fourth
film in the series perhaps the most enjoyable yet.
In
the previous Potter films, I’ve always enjoyed the parts detailing the Hogwarts
school rituals and the character dynamics more than the parts about the various
nefarious plots against Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his friends. This fourth
entry, which might have been subtitled “Harry Enters Puberty,” leans in that
direction. Harry’s bad dreams about Voldemort mean evil will crop up
eventually, but meanwhile he faces the toughest test yet of his skills, a
dangerous contest against three older students. Included is a brilliantly
staged battle against a dragon. The most significant new cast member, Brendan
Gleeson as a mildly demented new instructor, teaches an amusing lesson
featuring some new spells. But, as Harry learns, being the star pupil doesn’t
make it easier to find a date to the school dance. The contest and the dance
reveal fissures in the friendship among Harry and his pals Ron and Hermione, as
well as hints of sexual tension in the boys’ relationship with Hermione. No
doubt Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will pursue this tension
further. This nicely paced entry (thanks to new director Mike Newell and
returning screenwriter Steve Kloves) has me looking forward to 2008.
circulated via email 11/23/05 and posted 9/21/13
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