Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire opened in theatres November 18th and grossed $101 million in its first weekend.

This film is by far the darkest of the franchise, showing in the first few frames how the simple act of making tea can turn to murder. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is in his fourth year at Hogwarts when an ancient competition called the Triwizard Tournament comes to the boarding school. The tournament brings together two other schools along with Hogwarts; Beauxbatons of France and Durmstrang of Bulgaria. Because of safety issues and the risk of the dangerous tournament, only wizards of the age of 17 may compete.

Things take a dramatic turn when we find out that Harry has been entered into the tournament although he is three years too young. The tasks, the plot, and the darkness warranted the film a PG-13 rating, the first of the Harry Potter films to be rated so high.

The three actors that play the trio return for the fourth installment, revealing more mature skills and focused acting. Daniel Radcliffe was amazing as Harry, showing exactly how uncomfortable Harry is with his “boy who lived” label and “hero” status. Rupert Grint returns as Ron Weasley, Harry’s ginger-headed best friend. Grint’s humor is shown throughout the film, offering comic relief in the darkness. Emma Watson also was notable with her performance of bookworm and know-it-all Hermione Granger.

We also see the familiar face of Albus Dumbledore, played by Michael Gambon. We begin to see the aging headmaster struggle with problems as the wizarding world begins to look to him for help in dark times. We see the first of Dumbledore’s flaws and we also begin to see that Harry is realizing that Dumbledore may not have all of the answers. Notable returns are also Minerva McGonagall (Dame Maggie Smith), Severus Snape (Alan Rickman), Rebeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), and Lucius Malfoy (Jason Issacs).

We are introduced to Mad Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson), a more than mad professor with an uncanny way of showing up when Harry needs him most. Gleeson brings a disturbing presence with his dodgy character who also offers some comedy in the film.

The film’s thriller like status entrances us with its magic, malice, and even death. The crux of the series marks the return of the wizard most feared, Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire more than accurately portrays the fear, anticipation, and excitement that intrigued us in the novel. Potter fans will be delighted and newcomers will be turned into believers.