Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Richard Griffiths, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Emma Thompson, Julie Christie (cameo)
Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
2004

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: The third year at Hogwarts begins in frightening fashion as Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) learn that Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison and is determined to hunt down Harry.

Review:

Tim: Director Alfonso Cuaron breathes new life into this franchise by making this film darker than the preceding two. The entire film has a much darker quality to it- from werewolves, Dementors, and the Prisoner of Azkaban (who wants to kill Harry). The children are getting older by the minute and occasionally this maturity shows up in their characters- Harry deciding to leave home, Hermione slugging a bully, etc.

All three stars are getting much more comfortable in their roles. They seem to be adjusting to puberty pretty well so far- although they have a long way to go. Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson seem fine, although I'm a bit worried about Rupert Grint. The addition of Gary Oldman is a welcome bonus to the film. I'll never forget the newspaper picture of him- it is truly frightening.

I was very glad to see that the direction of the film changed from the similarity between the first two films, to one less rigid and strict, and actually much more exciting.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban takes the series where it needs to go- away from the delightful children's films, into darker and darker territory. This is where true success lies. I truly hope the franchise continues on this path.

I also really liked how the entire film looked. It seemed crisper and clearer than the others. I admit I had my doubts and worries about this film, but I believe that in this original Harry Potter trilogy, this is the hallmark. I only hope the rest of the films live up to this one.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire