Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Robert Pattinson, Ralph Fiennes

Directed by Mike Newell

Rating: A-

The Triwizard Tournament is the big news of whats happening at Hogwarts this year. Students from Beauxbatons and Durmstang wizarding schools are brought to Hogwarts to enter their name in the Goblet of Fire. This magical goblet will choose one student from each school to participate in this dangerous tournament. Harry (Radcliffe)'s name comes out of the goblet, making him the fourth contender when only three are supposed to be chosen. The headmasters of the two foreign schools are upset since Hogwarts has two contenders to win the cup. Only, Harry didn't enter his name and he has no idea who did. The tasks prove to be challenging and come the last task, Harry may not make it out alive.

Personally, I like to call Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire the Year Of Good Hair. This is particularly because almost everyone is having a very good hair year. Harry, Ron, the Weasley twins Fred and George all have long hair which looks good from Azkaban's awkward hair cut. Director Mike Newell successfully got the movies back on track with this film.

The opening scene captures your attention upon seeing Voldemort's plan to rise. Wormtail (Timothy Spall) is helping Voldemort get his body back while another unknown Death Eater gets instructions for his mission. Newell continues the trend Cuaron started with the darkness of the film. Goblet of Fire was not a light film to watch as it begins the trail of deaths Voldemort leaves behind. However, dark is balanced by light with the help of the Weasley twins and Harry's first crush on Cho Chang (Katie Leung).

It was disappointing that Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) didn't have much of a role. He finally meets Harry in Azkaban and you'd think Harry would talk to someone who is like family to him more. The Yule Ball was entertaining and brought light to a challenging situation Harry is in with the tasks. Goblet of Fire was well made and deserved an A- because it brought back a little more magic that the previous movie had lost.

Water For Elephants

Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz

Directed by Francis Lawrence

Rating: 4 stars

Jacob Jankoski (Robert Pattinson) is in training to be a veterinarian when the death of his parents leaves his penniless and homeless. Unsure of where his future lies, he hops aboard a train and is accepted to work for a circus. August (Christoph Waltz) the ring leader gives Jacob a job cleaning up and feeding the animals. When Jacob's talent is noticed by August, he is appointed teacher of the new attraction, an elephant. Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) is to ride the elephant and be part of the show. While Jacob handles the elephant, he and Marlena form feelings for each other though they can't acknowledge it because Marlena is married to August.

Though the movie may be a disappointment to those who read the book, I really enjoyed Water For Elephants. The cast was simply brilliant and  this movie redeems Robert Pattinson's acting qualities. It was an entertaining movie though had some upsetting scenes. This isn't a movie to bring the family with (unless maybe they all read the book). What I'm trying to say is, don't bring your kids. August is a brutal character with some mental problems that he inflicts pain on the animals and is abusive. I think this movie deserved four stars because the acting was impressive, it's easy to get lost in the movie. I don't want to spoil the movie so I would definitely recommend this movie. However, if you get uneasy at scenes with animal abuse or fighting, you may want to approach this movie with caution.