Capsule Review: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)

The people who wanted to hire Mike Newell as director in the first place--and got him now--are the ones who originally selected Chris Columbus, which should tell you everything you need to know about directing skills or attention to acting.

If they really wanted sfx and product placement, Columbus is the Master of that Domain. Clearly, they doesn't care about the characters--unlike Rowling, who does, which is what makes us keep reading the books.

Steve Kloves, who spoke so much about his freedom under Cuaron, proves to write down to the level of his director here. That he is taking the next book off, but returning for the series's masterpiece, is a mixed bag at best.

Person I feel most sorry for: Emma Watson, who from all reports is the one who cares most about acting, instead of just getting a massive paycheck.

People I feel second-most sorry for: everyone who has watched her since the first movie, and knew that by the time they made this one, she likely would be able to pull off the "appearance-on-the-steps-at-the-Yule-Ball" scene, and who is now confronted with the poorly-shot result.