Harry Potter

The long awaited Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire finally made it's appearance at theaters this weekend. Steve and I were really looking forward to seeing it!

Steve was in Columbus on Friday, so we had to wait until he got home...unfortunately by the time we had dinner and went to Interstate Park 18, (they had more theaters showing the film than our usual Tinseltown theater), it was a bit late - after 7 when we arrived at the theater.

We were in time for three shows by the time we got to the theater...or so we thought! Those three shows were SOLD OUT. BUMMER. So, we thought maybe we'd look at other theater options -- there were none. So, we toyed with going to the late movie, but they didn't start until after 10:00! I told Steve I'd spend all my time trying to stay awake and not follow the plot line of the movie at all!! It didn't seem worth it to try to stay up until 1:00 in the morning - so, we decided to wait until later in the weekend!

So, we finally got to the theater on Sunday morning at 11:30 - it wasn't too crowded, although we didn't get to sit in the center section - mostly because I really prefer to sit on the end and Steve accommodates my claustrophobia!

The show was great. The kids have grown so much and the plotline has gotten darker as Harry gets older and stronger in his magic, Voldemort has escalated his attempts to remove Harry. I loved the effects - they always seem so real that you don't feel as though you're watching fantasy at all - hats off to Industrial Light & Magic!

The book was so long that including all of the detail would have proven difficult; however, I really would have enjoyed at least some Quidditch - which other than seeing Harry, the Weasley's and Hermione in the stands, there was no action on the field. The Goblet of Fire was really an amazing effect and George and Fred Weasely's attempt to trick it were hilarious. The way the names came flying out just look so real - they do a great job of capturing the essence of the imagery. The Tri-Wizards contest was great - fortunately no dragons were harmed in the making of the film. What, dragons aren't real? Well, you might feel differently when you see the movie!

It was fun watching Harry, Ron and Hermione deal with crushes and first dances - it reminded me of how excited and yet uncomfortable I felt at those first dances!

Anyway, the movie follows the book and leaves you wanting the next installment. I give it: **** (4 stars!)

Plans for this weekend include: Harry Potter (again); Rent; and Walk the Line

Awesome movie but a little dark--Steve