Harry Potter

The above link is to a NY Times review of "Goblet of Fire". If you haven't read the book and don't want the movie spoiled, don't read it. Stuff is given away in the first paragraph.

The newest Harry Potter movie comes out this weekend.. Think it opened today actually. I have to say that I really do enjoy this entire frachise. And I was skeptical about the movies because the books are just so rich. But I think what has happened is that the creative process here has been helped by directors who recognize that there is a big difference between a movie and a book, and that has made all the difference. The movie version of "Azkaban" worked because they adapted the essence of the narrative to a different medium. There were times when I nearly forgot that there was an element that wasn't in the book or presented in a new way.

As the film version of the series continues, that is going to have to be a crucial factor. These kids are getting older and the situations and dangers they are facing are getting more intense. In fact, this poor kid is facing things no kid should have to deal with. No grownup either for that matter.

Does anyone else feel really sorry for Harry? I mean, the kid's an orphan and gets dumped on abusive relatives, at school he's got the bully thing, which isn't so much about the Malfoy thing as it is about Snape. Then he's off dealing with the evilest wizard EVER and his main back up are Ron and Hermione. I don't know.... They're good books though and I hope this new movie is as good in it's own way.

Personally, I'm looking forward to Mad-eye Moody and how the film deals with Harry's expanded experiences with girls and the wider Wizarding world. The Quiddich World Cup look really cool too.