HARRY POTTER and the GOBLET OF FIRE

3 Stars - Challenging

            It is good to see this fourth episode of the Harry Potter films return to a clear distinction between right and wrong and a more magical fantasy.  Like the first episode in which love is the force that saves Harry’s life against the forces of evil, this fourth episode returns to this central theme of Christian faith.  Based on the books by J.K. Rowling, this film is directed by Mike Newell, a newcomer to the series and a seasoned director.

            As Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his two companions, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), are now fourteen and entering into what would be called “high school,” the story has moved from the adventures of children to the apprehensions of teenagers.  This has also moved the rating from PG to PG13.

Though they are students at Hogwart’s, we discover that this isn’t the only school of magic and wizardry in the world.  There are at least two others that participate when Hogwart’s is chosen to host the sometimes fatal Triwizard Tournament.  The other participants in the tournament are champions from the Beauxbaton girls school from France and the Durmstrang boys’ academy from Romania.  The fact that both of these schools are not coeducational is an added friction to the story which includes the characters’ first dance along with the stadium games reminiscent of high school sports.

The inclusion of Harry into the tournament is clearly against his will or desire.  The “Goblet of Fire,” which magically chooses the participants, gives the name of three older students who choose to compete in the tournament.  However, after giving the names of one champion from each school, the Goblet unexpectedly also gives the name of Harry Potter.  This sets the stage for the Rowlingesque plot of exposing the deadly game that is being played beneath the usual events of the school.

Though we won’t spoil the intrigue of the story, the film begins with the clear indication that it has to do with the banished evil Lord Valdemort whose symbiotic attempt to regain an earthly body in the first film is continued and the power of love to defeat evil is again reinforced. 

We also have a new twist in the series as the romantic struggles of adolescence are introduced in this episode.  The jealousy among competing males, the fears of dating and the gap between male and female social development are all a part of this film that is clearly geared for adolescent viewers.

The use of symbols such as snakes and skulls to define the difference between good and evil is masterfully done within the film as well as acts of compassion and displays of “moral fiber” within the characters.  The darker feel of the film, as well as the sense that critical decisions are being made are evident.  This indication that a deeper battle is going on is summed up by Albus Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) who says to Harry, “Dark and difficult times lie ahead, Harry. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right... and what is easy.”

 

Discussion:                                   

1.       It is clear that the power of love to defeat evil is still misunderstood by the evil Lord Valdemort.  It is also clear that Harry’s death is somehow necessary for evil to gain ultimate power.  What do you believe is the reason for this?  What do you think would happen if Harry died?

 

2.       Were you surprised at who Harry wanted to invite to the school ball?  Or who Ron and Hermione chose to go with?  Why or why not?

 

3.       The use of the tournament to accomplish a greater evil hints that sporting events are about more than just having fun, fair competition and school spirit.  Have you ever discovered that a contest was “rigged” or experienced something harmful, either for yourself or someone else, at a school athletic event?  What was it and how did you respond?

 

4.       Do you believe the mythical literature in which children are the heroes and youth are the champions is helpful or harmful in the development of children?  Why do you answer the way you do?

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Cinema In Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary.  Hal Conklin is former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman is pastor of the Free Methodist Church. For more reviews: http://www.cinemainfocus.com.