Mike Newell definitely emphasized the fact that the fourth installment marks the point where "everything will change". Personally, I felt Hermione's character could have been better developed. She had some good lines, but the overemotional part, I’m not so fond of. On the other hand, Ron was a good exposition of the character from the book. I also liked how the beginning was a bit humorous but it also undermined the seriousness of the ending; it seemed like it was two distinct parts. The Yule Ball was done wonderfully because of the choreography and camera angles. I felt even more sorry for the Patil twins in the movie than the book (don't get me started on why they were wearing traditional Indian attire and Cho was in an Asian garb). I was even more disappointed in the casting of the girl for Cho because I think she would've lost her New Zealand/Singapore/weird accent in the movie, but she didn't. I am a bit torn between whether Dumbledore's change in personality was good or bad. He definitely seems more human because he has more emotions in this one. It came off a bit strong at points, but they were there. I also liked the awkwardness between Harry/Cho and Ron/Fleur. However, I think Daniel emphasizes that too much in interviews with the press. This leads me to something that was very disturbing in my opinion. The scene with Moaning Myrtle and Harry in the tub seemed funnier in the book. In the movie it was more like "Ew. Moaning Myrtle stop rubbing yourself against Harry’s naked body.” This also reminds me of the end of the Yule Ball scene. Was it just me or did everyone else think back to senior prom and think, “I wonder how many people are gonna get some tonight.” But then you think, “Whoa! These people are like 14 year old.” Also, Krum and Hermione, can anyone say pedophile? He is probably older than 18 to be competing with the pros in the Quidditch World Cup and he’s hitting on a high school freshman? That’s a bit creepy. At least it was Hermione and not Ron, cuz that totally would’ve been too Michael Jackson. “[Krum] is more of a physical being.” Hagrid and Madame Maxine were funny at times except that one time where they almost kissed. And what the heck happened to Malfoy? He’s turning from a minor character to a non-existent character. While we’re on the topic of non-existent characters, it brings me to my final point of Cedric. His death seemed way sadder in the movie than the book. I dunno, it struck a chord with me. I loved how during the scene where the whole school is assembled in the Great Hall, the visual details of the scene beautifully showed the emotion in the room. First, the Hall had black cloth hanging from the ceiling like it was his funeral. Second, the Hall resembled the inside of a cathedral, which I’ve never noticed before. Lastly, the ceiling was completely devoid of the usual sky façade and you were able to see the bare woodwork that actually holds up the ceiling completely exposed and vulnerable. Overall, it was a good transition to what the future has in store for Hogwarts and Harry.
3 stars out of 5
PS. i have been corrected that Krum is just a good Quidditch player and still in secondary school. but he looks like he's gotta be at least 20.
