Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban   
 

Harry Potter: Daniel Radcliffe

Hermione Granger: Emma Watson

Ron Weasley: Rupert Grint

Sirius Black: Gary Oldman

Professor Lupin: David Thewlis

Professor Snape: Alan Rickman

 

Directed by Alfonso Cuaron

 

Screenplay by Steve Kloves

 

Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling
I have to admit that I have never read a word of any of the Harry Potter books.  So my advance knowledge coming into the film adaptations is limited.  I was curious enough to see the first one, and while it was a decent movie, it didn't really pique my curiosity for later installments.  That was until I discovered that Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien) was directing this newest one, and I became anxious to see what he would do with the series.  

From the very beginning of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I could tell that Cuaron was an inspired choice who was going to make a big difference.  The gloss and shine of the first movie has, thankfully, been replaced with a darker and grittier feel, which fits the tone of the story a lot better. 

The story centers on the news that a wizard who had committed murder had escaped from the prison at Azkaban.  Harry soon learns that this escaped prisoner is coming for him, and with the help of a new professor at Hogwarts, learns of ways to defend himself.  

The strength of the Harry Potter films lies in the acting, and the ability to attract such A-list talent as Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Maggie Smith, and others.  More importantly, however, is the fact that the three main characters have really started to grow into their roles, helped in no small part by Cuaron in this film.

I read that Cuaron decided to add some things to the story to give Emma Watson more to do, and you can see why.  As Hermione, she effectively portrays the smart know-it-all who is starting to grow up and become a loyal friend to Harry.  She's headstrong and intelligent and the movie gains life when she is on the screen.  

It is also encouraging to see a movie like this that doesn't feel the need to rely on special effects to tell the story.  Used in small doses, the effects add to the story rather than becoming the story (as in Lord of the Rings).  The Quidditch game in the driving rain, Buckbeak the Hippogriff, and the changing face of the Boggart, are all great examples of well-utilized effects that look fantastic.  

Despite the fact that the ending is a tad tenuous, (this is just the third book, after all) Prisoner of Azkaban is a wonderful movie.  It amazes me to learn of the still lingering controversy behind these books and movies.  The fact that these are wizards and witches with magic and exotic creatures does not sit well with some people.  All I can ask is what ever happened to fantasy and imagination?  If a child has an imaginary friend, should he be admonished?  

Harry Potter is a wildly inventive series that contains themes and issues that go to the heart of what many kids face in their daily lives.  It is smart entertainment that should be embraced by all.  Hopefully, with The Prisoner of Azkaban, more people will come to appreciate what Harry Potter has to offer.  With Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco) at the helm of the fourth film, I have no doubt that he will continue to take this series to the heights reached here.