'Harry Potter and the Goblet Of Fire' (PG-13) (out of four)

Director Mike Newell has poured all the magic he can muster into "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," the fourth movie from the blockbuster series of books by J.K. Rowling.

Newell had to pack a lot into this film. It is a major turning point in the young wizard's life as he fights for his life and soul when he comes face to face with the evil Lord Voldemort.

Just the sheer length of the tale means that a lot had to be left out in the transformation from book to film. If you gobble up the books like Thanksgiving turkey, be prepared to wonder where your favorite part went. If you are a casual fan, some of those details that are left out might be distracting.

But, overall, "The Goblet of Fire" is a rousing firestorm of adventure from beginning to end.

Harry, Ron and Hermione are in the fourth year of their magic training at Hogwarts. Before they return to school, they go to the Quidditch World Championship. It is a thrilling adventure until evil wizards known as the Death Eaters lay siege to the camp and one Death Eater launches the Dark Mark over the proceedings -- setting the scary and somber tone for much of the movie.

Hogwarts has been given the honor of hosting the Triwizard Tournament. The Goblet of Fire will choose the competitors -- one each from three magic schools. Each player must be over 17 years old, but somehow the goblet's fire spits out an additional name -- Harry Potter. Harry is not only too young, he doesn't even want to compete in the dangerous test of skill, strength and resource. But forces stronger than he is are at work and the tournament will ultimately lead him to the biggest showdown of his young life.

There are some sweet and light moments, as well -- mostly concerning the pangs of becoming a teenager -- taunting classmates, the trials of puppy love and the sting of perceived betrayal. In fact, Harry and Ron find it much harder to ask a girl to a dance than to face up to monsters and evil. (Although Ron tends to be a bit scared of everything.)

The movie succeeds in making the very sharp shift in tone that is necessary to set up the rest of the series -- the classic battle between good and evil. This is a very dark movie as Harry, his competitors and friends often come close to gruesome deaths.

You need to pay close attention to details for "The Goblet of Fire" to be truly compelling. The movie's story is as easy to get lost in as the maze at the climax of the movie.

You might think the length, at two hours and 30 minutes, would be a detriment to taking younger kids, but at the screening I attended there were many children and very little fidgeting. If you have a child under 9 years old, you may want to check the film out before they go to make sure it isn't too intense, but if you have a child who has read all the books, you probably won't have a problem.

Daniel Radcliffe gets better and better as the films continues and he has many challenges in this film, including some pretty dangerous underwater stunts. It is a shame that Hermoine and Ron are woefully underused and even Harry's competitors in the Triwizard competition are not particularly compelling. Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour are outlined with broad strokes, but never really filled in.

Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort, however, is a true, hissing, creepy delight. It is exquisitely painful to watch as Voldemort is basically reborn from a cauldron, unfurling into being, and towering over Harry with a face like a snake. It is a fantastic setup for the movies to come.

Magic, wizardry, evil and good -- the latest Harry Potter film is sure to enchant you and scare you silly -- a pretty neat trick for a kids' film that even entertains adults.