Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
Directed by: Mike Newell
Written by: Steven Kloves (screenplay); J.K. Rowling (novel)

Finally, a movie I didn’t despise. I couldn’t tell you what was the last movie that I had seen in the theater that I really enjoyed before this one.

This is the fourth installment in the Harry Potter movies. Harry, now fourteen, faces some new challenges, as always. This time around, his challenges include The Wizard’s Tournament and dancing with girls.

I haven’t read any of the novels, but I have seen all the previous flicks. I have to say that it’s films like these that keep me going to the movies, hoping that each film I see has even a tenth of the greatness these films do.

I see all sorts of films and honestly don’t expect that each film will be that great. But you can easily distinguish what movies were made by people passionate about the medium versus those who are just in it for profit. Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter – sure, there are some producers, actors, etc…, raking in the dough, no doubt. But they can only do so because of the creative geniuses behind it all.

Oh, how I love my epic serials.

What I love most, beyond the passion, is that these films typically are able to mix in special effects and story in a way that is highly entertaining but also carries a message. So many films these days get carried away with special effects and forget about the story. Star Wars Episodes I & II fell victim to that.

But still, the Star Wars series, like all the epic serials, really, demonstrates the ever present battle of good versus evil. I suppose any story must have that – it’s the protagonist and antagonist. But in few films are the two sides as clearly defined as in the epics, nor as much fun to watch.

And while almost any movie is more fun in the theater, watching the epics on the big screen is virtually essential. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is no exception.

So go see it already!