Harry is in his fourth year at Hogwarts which is hosting the international Triwizard Tournament. Although under-age, he is named to compete in the tournament where he faces the greatest challenge of his life.
HARRY POTTER BOOKS and their movie adaptations are secular stories but there are Christian values that we can glean from them. Harry Potter is also an atypical hero, the sometimes-underdog, who can be a useful subject of reflection for Christians committed to live Gospel lives.
In Matt 7:13-14, Jesus advises his disciples to take the narrow gate and difficult path. In "Goblet of Fire" Professor Dumbledore tells Harry, "Tough and difficult times lay ahead, Harry. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy."
Taking the narrow gate and dificult path and doing what is right is what Harry does consistently in "Goblet of Fire".
Even in the heat of the Triwizard Tournament, whenever Harry had to choose between winning and the safety of others, he always courageously chooses the safety of others.
When Harry declares "I don't want eternal glory", he means it in all honesty and this is evident in his actions throughout the film.
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We see Harry maturing in "Goblet of Fire", gaining confidence as he learns to think for himself and to make important decisions. But the process of growing up also means that Harry and his friends have to cope with teenage anxiety and the awkwardness of youthful crushes.
Like Harry in the movie, we can gain further insights into right and wrong, good and bad from Dumbledore. "Curiosity's no sin, Harry, but you have to exercise caution," he advises.
Magic serves as framework in this fantasy (and there are spells and potions aplenty) but magic is portrayed as a skill rather than a power. The greatest power, the power that overcomes evil, is love.
"Love is the ultimate protection," Dumbledore explains to Harry in reference to the help he receives from the spirits of Harry's parents at a critical moment during his battle with Voldemort. (This scene could be useful to initiate discussion with children on the communion of saints especially during this month of November which is Holy Souls Month.)
"Goblet of Fire" is a darker story than the earlier Harry Potter stories and the film's PG rating indicates its suitability for older children. Young children may be frightened by some scenes as when the Dark Lord Voldemort regains his body at the last battle and is seen as his evil self for the very first time. In "Goblet of Fire" we see death at the beginning and at the end. The complex plots that Rowling weaves, and the shock when those we think are "good guys" are actually "bad guys" may be too much for younger minds to bear.
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It is regrettable but not surprising that huge chunks of the book are not included in the film. Among the missing parts is the Dursleys, Mrs Weasley, and Hermione's campaign to free house elves from slavery. But there is enough in "Goblet of Fire" to make it a movie that can teach viewers about compassion, courage, sacrifice, humility, friendship, honesty, loyalty, and doing the right thing despite the risks to self.
We are reminded too of the need to stand against prejudice and discrimination by Dumbledore (speaking for J.K. Rowling too, I presume) when he says at the end of the Triwizard Tournament, "We come from different places and speak in different tongues but our hearts beat as one."
The sets and effects makes "Goblet of Fire" a spectacular fantasy. Those who watch it for entertainment will not be disappointed. It will make you laugh, tremble and, possibly, even cry. Hopefully it will also inspire - to always do the right rather than the easy.
