Mike Newell (1) (1942–)

The inexplicably tone-deaf casting aside (why is a mostly Caucasian American doing a British accent to play a Persian commoner turned prince?), this film is unfairly maligned. The visuals are quite lovely. The plot is rather nimble for its simplicity, and manages to keep a good pace while never being overly predictable (though it gets a bit too close at times). The action sequences, particularly the title character's acrobatics, are fun and give a different flair from most films of this show more type. And while the dialogue is nothing to write home about, the cast is largely good enough to make it work. Particularly, Alfred Molina is a delight, with him, the script and the director even managing to bring unexpected levels of emotional depth to his recurring line in its satisfyingly predictable (always a neat trick when you can pull it off) final iteration. show less

Like many people I absolutely loved the book so I wanted to see the film. I enjoyed the film but it doesn't do the book justice with its emphasis on the romance over the characters. But it's an enjoyable enough film.

Artfully made and well-acted, including the children, but the anxsty of the script is ultimately maudlinized by the ending.
Entertaining if you have an appreciation of the situation in Ireland (looked either pre-WW1 or mid-wars to me, but I'm not an expert); the cultural position of Travelers (Gypsies); or just like period pieces.
A bit dark for younger watchers: although nothing occurs needing a rating other than PG, the situation would be incomprehensible and unsettling.

The film is very well done, in my view. It keeps close to the important parts of the plot of the book while - inevitably - cutting out some storylines, and cutting down on others. It's two and a half hours long, and quite intense. I felt myself very tense at times. Some of the action scenes were so rapid that I had to close my eyes, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I think I would recommend this film overall, to anyone who likes the books or has seen the earlier films. It would rather show more be confusing for anyone who knew nothing about Harry Potter, however.

I deliberately didn't watch most of the climax at the end, knowing what was coming. Just listening was more than sufficient - and it was well done.

Latest longer review: https://suesdvdreviews.blogspot.com/2023/10/harry-potter-and-goblet-of-fire-dani... show less