It is significant that this film’s tag - dark and difficult times lie ahead - occurs toward the end. Not only are things going to get worse for Harry Potter, but the dark and difficult times he’s endured for the past two hours are nothing compared to what’s in store. Rather unnerving news for a ten year old who has already been terrified by Mike Newell’s version of events.

The British director of Four Weddings and a Funeral successfully fuses an Anglo sensibility with darker strands that Mexico’s Alfonso Cuarón stirred up in Harry 3. Goblet of Fire is a dark and wicked tale that restores the sense of adventure that eluded the first two films. This is without doubt, the best Potter to date and is, in its own right, a thrilling movie.

Newell elicits stirring performances from the principles who energise an exciting story of evil run amok. Harry finds himself an unwilling, underage participant in a gruelling wizarding tournament that pits him against dragons, mermaids and, worst of all, puberty. Screenwriter Steven Kloves delivers his best yet; a story parred to its elements that fuses the strength of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series. He saves his worst for last when a more fiendish devil than even adolescence makes itself known.

// COLIN FRASER