It's a shame that we didn't see a lot more of the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament, these parts were rushed. However, the conclusion with Lord Voldemort was really good and Ralph Fiennes didn't disappoint.

Some good and some bad. The pacing issues are understandable, as the fourth book was the longest yet in the series and they still had to cram it into a 2.5-hour movie. A major continuity error (the awning ripped in half by Harry's dragon magically is repaired for a later wide shot) and incorrect application of the Expelliarmus spell (Krum is still holding his wand after landing on his back, unconscious) drag it down a bit, as do editing shortcuts that mangle character in a few spots.

Wisely retaining the visual aesthetic of Azkaban, albeit with a little more colour, this does lack the visual flourishes and background details that characterised the previous entry. The filmmakers have also recognised the need to streamline Rowling’s novels and keep the focus largely on Harry, though Brendan Gleeson is also a great addition to the secondary characters as Moody. It’s a shame then that a large portion of the plot focuses on a tournament that offers very little except some fun set pieces and the coming of age themes involving teenage jealousy, friendship difficulties and attraction don’t feel as integrated into the plot as last time. Part of the problem is that much of this feels largely inconsequential to the impending return of Voldemort. His return has been teased for three entries and right from the start, it’s clear the film is building to it. Fortunately, the final portion of the film doesn’t disappoint and Ralph Fiennes is deliciously arrogant, evil and appears to be having a great time. There is an intensity and ultimately a sadness to the end of the film as the central trio are faced with mortality and death that takes the series forward into more uncertain times and a recognition that a darker more adult world awaits them beyond the seemingly safe confines of their environment.

Now, maybe it’s because I’m reading through the books and then watching the respective movies and just haven’t noticed in previous viewings, but I feel like this movie furthest deviates from the novel. For so much content, and even entire characters, to be left out bemuses me. I think Bagman would’ve added a great level of humour to the movie. I also think that Hollywood forgot that the Triwizard Tournament is supposed to be a spectator sport. When all three tasks are completely unwatchable, I would’ve been a very disgruntled spectator. Aside from my criticisms, I loved the movie. Madeye (but not) is so funny and it amuses me how much Rupert Grint obviously had a growth spurt and left the others behind.

It's nice to see that the film's are maturing in terms of their content. Seen as though, at the time of their release, the main trio of characters were growing up with our audience demographic it is nice to see it age content wise aswell. This is a really good Harry Potter, though not my favourite.