In "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire," the title character is faced with many difficult tasks, including one so frightening it would even make Lord Voldemort tremble: asking a girl to a school dance.

That's right. The world's favorite teenage wizard is starting to grow up, and in this film the franchise follows Harry's plight, delving even deeper into the mature direction the third film, "Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban," began.

Harry Potter's fourth year at Hogwarts Academy centers around the Tri-Wizard tournament, an ancient tradition in which representatives from three schools, Hogwarts included, compete in three magical tasks. Awaiting the winner is the Wizard Cup and the eternal glory accompanying it.

Students from the academies must be older than 17 to nominate themselves, due to the danger of the competition, and the fire-filled goblet in which the names are placed will only choose the three most worthy.

Trouble begins following the announcement of the three champions, however, when the goblet presents a fourth name: Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe). All at Hogwarts are perplexed by this unprecedented turn, not the least of whom is Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), who initially questions Harry as to being responsible, but quickly believes Harry's innocence. Despite the objections of some, Dumbledore insists on "giving the goblet what it wants" and Harry is forced to compete.

As if this wasn't enough for the 14-year old to have on his mind, Harry also faces recurring nightmares of Lord Voldermort's (personified here with creepy perfection by Ralph Fiennes) return and the Yule Ball, a Christmas-set school dance for all three schools involved in the Tri-Wizard tournament.

I find it happily ironic that of the first four Harry Potter novels, "Goblet of Fire" had the highest page count, and yet its film translation is by far the most expertly plotted of the series. It appears screenwriter Steve Kloves and director Mike Newell wisely jettisoned some of the subplots not integral to the heart of what "Goblet" actually is - an adult-minded thriller.

The film has an undeniable charm and energy, and because of this, even at a runtime of more than two and a half hours, it never loses its narrative velocity. It's quite breathtaking.

This is also the best-looking of the Potter films as well, with lush production design and gorgeous cinematography. British helmer Newell, known for smaller fare such as "Mona Lisa Smile" and "Four Weddings and A Funeral," steps up to the blockbuster plate and sends "Goblet" soaring out of the park. Several of the action sequences, most notably the first task of the Tri-Wizard tournament, are leaps and bounds more exciting than anything else found at the cinemas this year.

"Goblet's" cast is in fine form as well, with many of the supporting actors continuing from the previous installments. The casting of Alan Rickman as Professor Snape still is inspired, and though his character is not at the center of the action in "Goblet," Rickman manages to steal a few scenes, especially one in which he doesn't say a word. Robbie Coltrane returns as Hagrid, giant and friend to Harry, and this time around, the character is given a quite adorably funny romantic arc.

Of course, a new Harry Potter film means a new defense against the dark arts teacher at Hogwarts, and this time we are introduced to "Mad Eye" Moody (Brendan Gleeson), who is a delightfully kooky addition to the Potter universe.

While the supporting cast is colorful and fun, just as in the previous films, it's our three leads that are the heart of the picture. Radcliffe, as well as Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Emma Watson as Hermoine Granger, give their best and most textured performances to date. These gifted young actors have grown along with their characters and it'll be exciting to see where they take them next.

Parents of young children should take note, however, that honestly this is a more adult Harry Potter and the PG-13 rating is justified. Parts of this film are truly scary and might not be appropriate for the youngest of viewers.

Not that you'll need my persuading, but I cannot recommend "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" enough. As a former Potter skeptic, "Goblet of Fire" gave me a sudden push into being a converted fanatic. Not only is "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire" an exhilarating thrill-ride and the greatest Harry Potter film to date, it's also without question one of the best films of the year.

Yep, it's that good.