Harry Potter (Movies 1-4)

Created by: JK Rowling

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Richard Harris (Albus Dumbledore), Richard Harris & Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore), Maggie Smith (Minerva McGonagall), Alan Rickman (Severus Snape), Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid) 

Note: Post fully revised 7/22/2020 and covers movies 1-4.

I'm not a heavy reader. 

I'm also not a fast reader. Don't get me wrong -- I really enjoy reading -- but I wouldn't say it's my first passion, and I'm generally not enthusiastic to add a lot of books to my reading list, especially if they're part of a long series. I was also raised in a Christian family who discouraged these books (and I love my parents and remain active in my Christian faith). All these factors led me to be very late on the Harry Potter train. I was in university, probably my Sophomore or even Junior year (as in the second or third year of the four-year program; around 20 years old) before this series was even on my radar. Even if the series sounded interesting to me (which it did), I was very resistant to signing myself up for 7 large books. I probably would never have even tried if it weren't for some friends around me. "Just try it," they said. "If you like Avatar, you'll enjoy these. Just try to the first book. If you don't like that, you can quit." Typical drug dealer language -- first one's free! 

Directed by Chris Colombus

Produced by David Heyman

But of course, that's all it took. 

I was excited, as I started, to get a feel for how the magic would work. What did the spells look like? I was delighted to find that "Repairo" was a legit incantation that fixed Harry's glasses just by a wand pointing at it. (And I was very happy that Ron's "butter mellow" spell was fake and didn't work.) The first book as a whole wasn't particularly stellar to me, but several themes did stand out. Why were the Dursleys so mean? (The answer to which still eludes me; sure, they hate magic, but still- why?) Why was Snape so mean to Harry, especially when Harry wasn't doing anything wrong? 

I loved the castle, I loved the non-Snape professors, and I was enamored by Dumbledore's wisdom and presence. Most of these opinions honestly would remain throughout the series! I also remember wondering why Madam Hooch didn't use magic to catch Neville. I wonder the same in retrospect; she watched him fall, couldn't she have whipped out an Arresto Momentum on him? I remember absolutely loving the first Quidditch match and being enamored (again! The books have that affect a lot) by Rowling's wonderful depiction of flight. I could easily feel the wind rushing through my own hair, as if I were up in the air with Harry myself! 

Watching Harry catch his first snitch was one of my favorite moments in Philospher's Stone

I remember thinking the Mirror of Erised was a fascinating concept and I loved the idea that Harry was able to see his parents again. Even if it wasn't real, if though they weren't really there; since they died when Harry was an infant and he never truly got to meet them, I was really happy he got to see a magical representation of him. I felt this doubly when he and Voldemort dueled in Goblet of Fire and he saw them via Priori Incantatem, and again with the resurrection stone in Deathly Hallows. As for the Mirror, I never felt afraid for Harry's safety because obsession isn't in his character, and I knew he would respect Dumbledore enough to heed his advice. Lastly, I appreciated the Forbidden Forest detention scene for sake of meeting a centaur. I thought Hagrid was a little less than capable / wise and Malfoy was a liability, but it was cool to see a unicorn (even if deceased), and the centaur was a fascinating character well worth the trip.

And the movie was fantastic! Of course, I loved every movie. I thought the adaptions were incredibly faithful to the books and, though they left out many details, it was excusable. When I watched the Philosopher's Stone movie for my first time after reading the book, my imagination went absolutely wild and my heart exploded with passion and love. I'm a very visual person and for that reason I tend to prefer visual adaptions over written originals, however unpopular that opinion may be. I felt a tremendous sense of excitement as I watched Harry and the first years approach Hogwarts for the first time over the night-darkened black lake. And I was overwhelmed seeing Hogwarts' corridors as Harry strode to his first classes. This is Hogwarts, I thought to myself. This is what it would look like. If i was there, this is how it would look. This is what I would be seeing. These walls, these uniforms, those bricks, those statues. That's Professors McGonagall standing in the halls, this is what it would be like to see her. This is the place where magic can happen. 

Just seeing the inside of Hogwarts on screen for my first time (after reading the first book) was exhilarating for me.

And that sensation remained throughout the movie-- and honestly, it remains today, for every movie. I loved all the magic VFX; I wanted to suspend reality and believe it, and I fully could. I thought every actor depicted their character perfectly and Emma Watson, Maggie Smith, and Richard Harris only made me fall more deeply in love with Hermione, McGonagall, and Dumbledore. I also distinctly remember thinking Sean Biggerstaff's Oliver Wood was very attractive 😂 The only lament I remember feeling about the first movie was Snape's potion challenge being left out, and even that i understand as not being very visually interesting.

Dir: Chris Colombus

Prod: David Heyman

After Philosopher's Stone, I approached the Chamber of Secrets book with slightly different attitude -- a margin trepidation mixed in with my excitement. At this point I understood Rowling's world and as I opened the first chapter I wondered to myself, "Now that he has Hogwarts and knows magic, why does he deal with the Dursleys?" I had also seen most of the movies in cinema as they came out, though I never quite understood what I was watching, and I remembered being legitimately terrified as a young kid watching this one. I hoped to the book would help me understand that fear. The first question continued to puzzle me as I read Chamber of Secrets, and only with retrospect and some older wisdom do i actually understand that he had no choice in staying with the Dursleys. The second quandary was more easily understood as I read. 

Dobby (voiced by Toby Jones) was ridiculous. 

But he certainly made the first chapters more interesting, especially considering I really didn't care to read more about the reprehensible Dursleys! I found the concept of a house-elf fascinating and immediately wished to know more about their culture and history as a species. How did they become subservient to wizard families? Did they have a community prior to this? Was there a place in this world where families of house-elves lived together, independent of wizards? Why did they allow themselves to be subjugated, especially when they seem intelligent and at least equally as powerful as wizards? I was sad that precisely none of these questions were answered through the course of the books. 

The Burrow became my new favorite place after Hogwarts, an opinion I think many fans share, and I think that's exactly how Rowling intended it. Ron's family was the most charming group of characters yet and I loved that they lived and breathed magic. It made me desperately curious what it would be like to live intimately with magic. Would chores be nonexistent, with dishes and floors cleaning themselves? Would sickness be eradicated? (Rowling answered this one on Pottermore, stating muffle sicknesses were not an issue, but magical sicknesses were much more threatening.) What kind of jobs do wizards have? (I still wonder this, outside of the Ministry and retail.) Did wizards have any non-magical education? What did wizard children do when they met up and played together? 

I was fascinated to meet Lucius Malfoy at Flourish and Blott's. (And entirely uncaring about Lockhart, I might add.) I figured Lucius wasn't going to be a stellar model of fatherhood based on Draco's character in the first book, but i was still surrogate surprised by just what kind of person Lucius turned out to be. It wasn't that he was aloof and uncaring... quite the opposite. Lucius himself was a bully, and was passing the art quite intentionally on to his son. Lucius believed himself legitimately superior to other wizards due to money and blood, he was proud of this perceived status, and he made it his business to step on other wizards as plainly as possible. Even more impressively, it seems to me this attitude led him to follow Voldemort, instead of the other way around. I was further impressed by his interactions with Mr. Weasley, and I respected Arthur all the more for the simple truth and dignity of his response. 

Lucius Malfoy: "Dear me, what's the use of being a disgrace to the name of wizard if they don't even pay you well for it?" 

Arthur Weasley: "We have a very different idea of what disgraces the name of wizard, Malfoy." 

Notice that Arthur does not engage at Lucius' level: he does not attack back, he does not insult Lucius or bring anyone down. I think this is significant. This brings up a strong difference I notice among antagonistic characters in Potter (and other media, too) from protagonists. Antagonists seem to focus their attention on other people, whether in specific attempt to deride them or simply in unhealthy obsession. See: Draco, Lucius, Petunia, Rita Skeeter, and even the controversial Snape. Whereas protagonists focus their attention and energies on things, ideas, or goals; generally which better themselves or simply bring joy. 

The brief dialogue between Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs) and Arthur Weasley (Mark Williams) was my favorite early moment.

Arrival at Hogwarts brought two sources of pain for me: more Lockhart, and the introduction of Collin Creevey. Both their heads seemed filled with hot air (though at least Collin had the excuse of age) and they seemed to bring only frustration (and in Lockhart's case, destruction) wherever they went. It made me wish 12-year-old Harry understood the concept of boundaries and that it's possible to say "no" respectfully. (Obviously that wouldn't work in terms of detention with Lockhart, but still.) 

Draco calling Hermione a "mudblood" was interesting to me because it brought depth to all characters involved, and to the world. So the wizards had a status slur, almost like the N-word? This deepened the world's history and politics. It also made the threat of Draco's character more serious to me; he seemed to really believe the poison his father was teaching him. Hermione's devastated, shattered heart was very telling; this was an intimate insult to the very core of who she was, extending up to her parents. In their culture, it was a very intimate hurt. The fact that Ron tried to curse Draco in response spoke to his character, and I loved Hagrid's counsel. I could feel the respect and camaraderie between each of them deepen in that moment. 

The writing on the wall was probably the first time I really felt fear reading the books. It seemed like a threat more foreboding and serious than anything they'd faced in the first book. It would be like a racial death threat on a university campus. I thought the professors mostly took it serious enough, though Filch annoying absorbed some of their attention by being a drama queen. But I was amazed when Draco more or less announced his support of the threat and the professors basically ignored it! I thought that would at least earn him a stern talking-to by Dumbledore or Snape, being the head of his house. 

The diary was such a fascinating magical concept to me. I was scared watching Harry open and use it, even after I'd read the book and knew what was going to happen. Be careful, Harry, at least have Ron supervise! 

I might've freaked out a little as Harry was sucked into a book. Even though I knew what was happening.

The events in the Chamber were wild! I loved every professors' response to Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh) and the chamber. "That's settled," McGonagall (Maggie Smith) says to him with a smirk, "we'll leave you to deal with the monster, Gilderoy. Your skills, after all, are legend." Classic McGonagall sass is classic. 

In the Chamber itself, the fight was pretty awesome. I loved seeing Riddle's physical form and I loved the reveal that he's Voldemort-- my thick skull didn't even see it coming. I loved Fawkes coming down, a perfect little spark of home that was exactly what Harry needed, and pulling the Sword of Gryffindor out of the sorting hat was beautiful. Gave me the exact same feels reading it as seeing -- though it was pretty cool to watch the effect of the long sword magically coming out of the shorter hat! 

Harry stabs Riddle's diary with Basilisk venom, destroying the soul contained within and releasing Ginny

Harry stabbing Riddle's diary was probably my favorite part of the whole movie -- better than the fight with the Basilisk, better than obliviating Lockhart. It was a really great moment of realization when Harry and the reader / viewer comes to understand that Voldemort was using the diary, using Ginny, to commit atrocities on the school, and that Ginny was such an innocent victim, and when Harry realized it was possible to kill this fragment of Voldemort's soul, a solution that even Riddle, his younger self, didn't quite foresee. And the way the movie depicted it was fantastic. Basilisk venom -- Voldemort's own pet and instrument of destruction. Riddle's memory-avatar slowly disintegrating with each stab. Ink spilling out of the pages like blood. Ginny, pale, lying nearby, close to death. Harry, exhausted and bloody, but a wave of bravery shining in his face as he realizes he found the way. Horror in Riddle's face as he's powerless to stop the boy. 

And then the moment after, when Ginny wakes up. Color returns rapidly to her face as she reclaims her soul. Not even sure where she is, lying in this dank, dark, watery chamber. Tattered diary next to basilisk tooth next to them -- and a flippin basilisk corpse nearby. Sword of Gryffindor next to all that. Harry standing next to her, smiling faintly in the recent victory. 

One of the final scenes of the movie had a pretty big impact on me. Harry is safely back out from the Chamber, in Dumbledore's office, where the two are discussing everything that happened. Dumbledore is explaining to Harry how a fragment of Voldemort's soul was in the diary. And then our favorite cold-blooded Death Eater shows up, a trembling house-elf in tow. The brief dialogue in the office is filled with between-the-lines accusations: 

DUMBLEDORE: Fortunately, our young Mr. Potter discovered it. One hopes that no more of Lord Voldemort’s old school things should find their way into innocent hands. The consequences for the one responsible would be severe. 

LUCIUS MALFOY: Well, let us hope that Mr. Potter will always be around to save the day. 

HARRY: Don’t worry. I will be.

And of course that brilliant line was an improvisation by Daniel Radcliffe! And then, outside the office, Harry has the idea to free Dobby with a sock in the diary. Lucius, in a blind, reactionary rage, whips out his gilded wand with a fierce "Avada --!" But not before Dobby retaliates with powerful elven magic! "You shall not harm Harry Potter!" Scene gives me chills every time!! 

Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs) enraged into casting the Killing Curse at Harry, just before a newly-freed Dobby (Toby Jones) retaliates. 

My only complaint here is that all this action happens a bit too close to the movie's end credits. I wanted a few more moments with my beloved characters to relish this victory before we all go home!

Dir: Alfonso Cuarón

Prod: David Heyman, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe

A lot of people say this movie / book is their favorite, and I can understand that. It's nice that we aren't dealing directly with Voldemort. It's fantastic to be introduced to the Marauders -- both in concept and in person, at the end. The Time Turner device is brilliant, especially in its use with the plot. It's not my personal favorite, but I can understand why it's so loved!! Plus - Lupin, Lupin, Lupin! That wonderful man. It's fantastic to have him in a main role for an entire year. 

Now, please turn to page 394!

The opening is refreshingly different, too. It was nice to have the addition of a new Dursley to shake things up (Aunt Marge, played by Pam Ferris) whose appropriate reprehensibility gave us fresh reasons to hate the family and a more mature Harry reason for a fresh wave of hatred.  It was a lot of fun seeing her inflate and bounce on into the sky! But not as much fun as the Knight Bus. What an exciting concept! It was such a roller-coaster to see the rickety, insane vehicle squeeze and rocket its way down London streets. 

I don't know why i thought the Chamber of Secrets' whispers were scary, compared to the Dementors. That first moment on the train was, in my mind, legit cinematic suspense and horror, job well done Mr. Cuaron. Not to mention the unknown, mysterious sleeping man in the car with them: the view of the rainstorm battering a lonely nighttime countryside with mysterious silhouettes creeping around set the mood for me. Then, the whole train darkened and the windows and water bottles begins to freeze. "I think something's boarded the train!" Ron utters in horror, removing his hand from the now-frosted window as the trio looks out into the hall beyond their dark car seats. The ambient sounds and voices muffle and a low melody plays just above the quiet, ushering in the tall figure in tattered, flowing, pitch-black robes floating above the floor. Then the camera zooms in on a grotesque, long-fingered hand the book describes as "scabbed," "decaying," and "slimy," that unfolds from the robes and magicks the compartment door open. A hood of only deep darkness gazes at the trio and fixes on Harry, closing in on the boy. It begins to consume his joy before Lupin (David Thewlis) intervenes! 

A dementor enters Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Lupin's train compartment.

What an awesome moment! I love watching it every time. Such a perfect introduction to the tone of the series, to the menace of the Dementors, and to our beloved hero Lupin. 

The next scene that really caught my attention the firs time I read and watched this story was Sybil Trelawney (Emma Thompson)'s apparently-faux prediction and McGonagall's flippant reaction. I was (and still am) surprised that Trelawney would not be reprimanded by Dumbledore for handing out death predictions year after year, especially when she's quite serious about them. Then when McGonagall hears about it next class period, she's like "Lol, who's dying this year?" It just seems like... wouldn't she and Dumbledore approach Trelawney and go, "We're gonna need you to stop telling students they're gonna die." But of course, all the other professors might just kinda know she's a fraud and nothing she says is really legit, and let everything go for that reason. I was also surprised that a professor as proud and regal as McGonagall would denounce Trelawney openly like that. "Don't worry class, she's always wrong," is a little harsh for the Deputy Headmistress to say about a fellow staff! 

Lupin teaching Harry the Patronus is probably, in retrospect, my favorite part of the story. Even though Harry doesn't quite know the full story of who Lupin is yet, their bond grows strong and quickly. Lupin has the kind-hearted demeanor that Harry falls right into and the practical skills that Harry craves. And Harry represents something that Lupin also needs: some semblance of James and Lily, his closest friends, and some of his happiest memories at Hogwarts. They find that they need each other strongly over the course of the year, especially toward the end when Lupin is vulnerable, and their bond never breaks over the remaining four stories. 

Professor Lupin (David Thewlis) tutors Harry in the Patronus Charm

Shortly after that, Sirius' wild dog form drags a screaming Ron into a hole beneath the Whomping Willow to what they don't know is the Shrieking Shack, and then the entire rest of the story is a very wild and fast-paced ride (Not unlike the final third of Goblet of Fire, my gosh) and I was emotionally on edge for very nearly all of it, but most especially this next part. 

First of all, after a screaming Ron is dragged by a wild dog into a hole (because that isn't traumatic enough), the Whomping Willow plucks up Hermone who proceeds to pluck up Harry, and the two of them go for a merry spin around the murderous tree. There's a lot more screaming involved (on both sides of the screen) before one of them gains the sense to let go, and are deposited (still violently) into the same hole Ron was. 

After that, the drama becomes a bit more human. Harry and Hermione discover the hole beneath the Willow leads to the Shrieking Shack, where a whimpering, injured Ron is sitting, and promptly points to the ragged man across from him who had just been the dog. "He's an animagus!" Ron cries in fear and shock. Then, one after another, Sirius, Lupin, Snape, and Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall) reveal themselves or are revealed as the latter's betrayal also comes to light. The true depth and wonder of this fast-paced sequence of reveals becomes apparent only after a second or third watch and mostly in context of the entire series. This moment was probably the first time all of the Marauders (sans James, rest in peace) have been together since the Potters' young deaths. Beyond simply being together again, it must have been a great moment for them because Sirius' innocence is finally revealed to Remus and proven by Peter's presence -- which had initially been hinted at to Remus earlier in the story, inadvertently by Harry and the map. I was especially amused in this scene at how Snape shows up too, hoping to arrest Sirius, and then Harry promptly Expeliarmus's him rather violently into the bed, knocking him out cold. 

You know the old saying? If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I feel that way in a lot of episodic sitcoms, when some negative status quo is teased at changing for the better, or maybe a beloved guest star is teased at becoming a regular: but rarely do these truly pan out. So it was when Sirius offered Harry to stay with him instead of the Dursleys. I was bewildered with excitement at the prospect. I hated the Durlseys from book 1 (and would continue to do so, though they do have their moments, like when Petunia recognized dementors in Order of the Phoenix, or when Dudley showed actual affection for Harry in Half-Blood Prince), and the idea of Harry getting to remain in the magical community year-round, getting to know his godfather, seemed like 1,000% a better offer-- and it seemed that Harry himself agreed with me. But Rowling wouldn't really make a change that drastic, would she? She wouldn't just dump the Dursleys out of the story? ....No, it seemed, she wouldn't. 

Then things went from bad to worse in quick succession. The merry crew, still jovial from their reveal party and enthused to achieve true justice, are quickly foiled by a cloud: the overcast nighttime sky parts just enough for the full moon to shine down. Everyone sees the moment before it happens, including Peter, who seizes the distraction to shrink into his true from (I think a slimy rat fits Wormtail better than human form) and scabber away. One can see the heartfelt grief and hopelessness in Lupin's eyes as the magic takes over and Sirius and Snape both come in defense of the trio. There's a quick but moving moment as Snape stands between the beast and the students, willing to risk his life to protect them, and then Sirius uses his Padfoot form to take Lupin on as a distraction. Now, I'm not a fan of Snape in general. He's a controversial character to be sure, and I personally lean against him, though I don't want to get into all that. But this moment was definitely one of his better, and I can appreciate that too. 

But soon they're saved by a howl (from another werewolf, what?), fully distracting Lupin and driving him to run into the Forbidden Forest. Later we learn that this was Lupin hearing himself, because of wibbly-wobbly-timey-wimey. 

Professor Snape guards the trio from Lupin's werewolf form

"Mysterious thing, time. Powerful... and when meddled with, dangerous. Sirius Black is in the topmost cell of the Dark Tower. You know the laws, Miss Granger. You must not be seen. And you would do well, I feel, to return before this last chime. If not, the consequences are too ghastly to discuss. If you succeed tonight... more than one innocent life may be spared. Three turns should do it, I think. Oh, and by the way. When in doubt, I find retracing my steps to be a wise place to begin. Good luck."

One of Dumbledore's many (many) wise lines, revealing that he pretty well always knows more of every situation than he lets on. (In fact, I'd be fascinated to re-read the entire seven books from both Hermione and Dumbledore's points of view.) In this one, he sanctions Hermione to use her time-turner to go back and rectify the many regrettable and deadly events that occurred that evening, saving Buckbeak and Sirius from Ministry execution and imprisonment. (I wish they could've snatched up Peter before that coward escaped, too.) 

The most fascinating part of this was, of course, when Harry saved himself from the Dementors. It was particularly striking to me in the moment when he realized that it was not his father who came to save himself and Sirius, but-- himself. It was kind of bittersweet because both Harry and the audience wanted to believe it was James. Wouldn't it be wonderful if James had found some way back from death? Found some way to save his son and best friend from that fate? For Harry to actually see his father again, outside of an enchanted mirror vision? And, as sad as it was that it wasn't James, it was also pretty incredible that it was Harry. The fact that he was able to produce such a powerful Patronus is, on its own, a pretty awesome thing. In a way, it was even more inspiring that Harry found the conviction and ability to save himself and his new father. It shows the true power of love that Harry has in his heart. 

Harry's Patronus saves Sirius (Gary Oldman) and himself from the Dementor's Kiss

Plus, that scene. Director Cuarón and Daniel Radcliffe work their magic again: the moment of realization in Harry, the way Harry steps forward in confidence, the incredible, piercing conviction, confidence, and power in Harry's voice as he screams "Expecto Patronum!" -- there's no hint of waver or question in his voice; he knows that he needs to save Sirius' life and he needs to do it now, the way the background music quiets and the purest white light from the spell fills the screen, the soft, reverberating sound effect from the spell filling the atmosphere. It was also an interesting choice on Cuaron's part that the Patonus was not an animal but more of a shield that spread out and filled the whole area, pulsing with power. I one piece that compared the pulsing to a heartbeat of protection and life, which I think is perfect. Overall it was an awesome scene and the director made it perfectly powerful and peaceful, a difficult balance to achieve. (Somewhat like the last Agni Kai in Avatar!) 

It's very sad to me that Sirius never tastes true freedom for the rest of his life. It's very sad to me that the end of this story failed to acquit him in the eyes of the Ministry. (Same for Hagrid in Chamber of Secrets.... it will always be tragic to me that Hagrid was not admitted back to Hogwarts at the end of that story, regardless of his age.) But at least he remained free of Azkaban, and that in itself is quite a big deal. Being on the run for a while and then under house arrest with the Order is still a better deal. Still sad, but better. 

Dir: Mike Newell

Prod: David Heyman

The beginning of this story is one of the few instances when (in my opinion) the book's telling actually does a significantly better job than the movie's. I really enjoyed the book's description of the Quidditch World Cup, the first appearance of Draco's mother, Narcissa Malfoy (Helen McCrory), and the fact that a house-elf was framed for producing the Dark Mark-- which is revealed through the Priori Incantatem charm, a very important foreshadow of the final battle. 

Quidditch World Cup stadium

The Cup itself, however, and the terrifying attack thereafter, were depicted well. It was invigorating to see a magical event of such enormous scale depicted on screen and I could feel the tremendous excitement as the cup began. I also loved Director Newell's idea of mega-screens magically produced by several fabric sheets coming together along the stadium walls. (At least, I think this was Newell-- I don't recall that detail in the book, though I could be wrong.) Then the Death Eater attack in the middle of the night was appropriately chilling. I could feel the sense of danger and horror as Mr. Weasley rushes the kids out of the tent and away from the area. 

I love Moody (Brendan Gleeson). I think Barty Crouch, Jr, portrays him with accuracy to a fault, a fault of Rowling's writing his cover too perfectly. I saw no difference between Jr's portrayal and the actual Moody. Their first class with him was fascinating and (again) appropriately chilling. I loved how Moody went right ahead to show them the three Unforgivable Curses and although I understand Hermione's horror and distaste, I still think Moody was right to show them what they're truly up against. I especially appreciated how, after the class, Moody specifically makes a point to speak to Neville (Matthew Lewis): he correctly assumed Neville would be emotionally affected by seeing the Cruciatus Curse, seeing as his parents were tortured to insanity by it. (Is that something Jr would do? I think not.) 

I also love Cedric!! (Cue sobbing.) This wonderful Hufflepuff-represent was probably my favorite "background" character in the series and Robert Pattinson did a fantastic job with him. I loved that a Hufflepuff represented Hogwarts in the Tri-Wizard Tournament and I loved that he still performed to Hufflepuff standards of honor and loyalty, displaying kindness to Harry and refusing to abandon him even at the end, with the Cup in sight. I'm only saddened at the precious little screen time Cedric got; being in a different house, year, and friend group, not to mention technically being competition, Harry had little excuse to spend much time with his schoolmate. 

Although not many of the events in the middle of this story really stood out to me, I do appreciate the subtle work of the Death Eaters hidden throughout the story that's all hinted at. Jr of course has his complex plot that he's orchestrating through the entire story, but Igor Karkaroff is also working a subtle, nefarious scheme in partner with Jr, and Snape is flirting with this around the edges. Everything they do is carefully hidden around the edges and none of it is really revealed toward the end when Harry returns from the third task and it all falls apart. 

As I mentioned and compared in the PoA part above, the long and complex ending of Goblet of Fire is where all the excitement comes out. It feels like the action doesn't stop once Harry enters the labyrinth up to the very end of the book. Climactic and horrifying events, one after another, keep throwing Harry for new loops and keep threatening his life. 

Harry and Cedric (Robert Pattinson) agree to work together to survive.

I already knew I liked Cedric from his and Harry's earlier interactions in the story, but the former's behavior in the labyrinth really cemented that. I always appreciate a character who chooses life and love above all, especially if the alternative is money, power, or fame. The fact that Harry and Cedric agreed in the midst of danger that they supported each other and survival made me incredibly happy. 

"Go," Cedric says to Harry as they stare together at the glowing Cup before them, "Take it, you saved me!" 

"Together," Harry responds, "on three!" 

In that moment, I wanted nothing more than the two of them to present the Cup together to Ludo Bagman, leaving the baffled Ministry official to sort out the details. Alas, it was not to be. When the duo grasped the Cup together as agreed, neither them nor I predicted they would then vanish. 

Every single proceeding event filled me with increasing shock. 

"Kill the spare," Voldemort's voice states flippantly. 

Wait. That means -- 

Green light flashes and Cedric sprawls on the grass next to Harry, limp. 

Harry is pinned to a statue by Wormtail, who proceeds to finish a potion with disturbingly poetic ingredients: Bone of the father, unknowingly given. Flesh of the servant, willingly sacrificed. Blood of the enemy, forcibly taken. 

Harry watches in absolute horror (and not a little pain) as the man who betrayed his parents completes the ritual and a new Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) rises, slimy and pale, from the brew. 

Voldemort then summons his followers for the first time since his fall. A multitude of masked faces begin Apparating in all around and Harry is further horrified to recognizes several voices and names, like Igor, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. Harry is forced to watch as this Death Eater meeting proceeds, unable to escape or fight. 

Until Voldemort vocally recognizes Harry's presence and, overconfident is his new body, releases him from the statue. The Dark Lord forces Harry to participate in a little duel just for spite before the meeting of dual wandcores produces the awesome Priori Incantatem effect, my favorite part of both the movie and book. 

Both wands vibrate violently, but neither combatant is able to let go. 

:

One by one, in reverse sequence, the effect produces an echo of Voldemort's recent spells which appear as a mirage around the battlefield. 

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Wormtail's new hand. 

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Cedric. 

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James and Lily Potter...

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It's the first time Harry has seen his parents since the Mirror of Erised in his first year and this reproduction is far more realistic, being an actual copy of their souls instead of Harry's mind reflected. 

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And then, as if I could take more emotional strain, the three deceased speak to Harry. "Take my body back to my father, please, Harry," Cedric's echo pleads. 

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"When you let go, run to the Cup. We'll distract him," James' echo instructs. 

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"Go," Lily's echo whispers. "It's time, let go now!" 

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And Harry is forced to let go of his parents again and return to his deadly reality and escape. Voldemort and his Death Eaters are similarly bewildered by events and Harry is able to "Accio!" the Cup back to him, grab Cedric's body, and vanish. 

Voldemort's and Harry's combined spells produce Priori Incantatem which releases echoes of James and Lily Potter (Adrian Rawlins and Geraldine Somerville)

Yet, even as Harry escapes this traumatizing threat to his life, he runs straight into another traumatizing threat to his life. The professor he's grown so fond of reveals himself to be a Death Eater on Polyjuice: Barty Crouch, Jr, portrayed by The Doctor David Tennant. I feel confident that Harry could've actually taken on this mentally unstable nemesis, but Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall's intervention and rescue is more than welcome for our poor, exhausted hero. 

To be continued next post.