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, Tom Felton, Pam Ferris, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Adrian Rawlins, Julia Walters, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Matthew Lewis, Julie Christie, Timothy Spall
Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
2004

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

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.

*Update- I watched Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban about twenty years after I first saw it. This time, with my wife, 10 year-old son, and 6 year-old daughter. They'd just finished reading the book. I was quite excited to rewatch it, because it remained my favorite film of the franchise. I was curious to see how it would hold up and if I'd still agree with my assessment. I do believe I hit it right on the head. The first film was great because it introduced us so well to the Wizarding World. The second film was a bit too redundant, played it safe and felt like just a slight alteration of the first movie. Alfonso Cuaron showed us with Prisoner of Azkaban what this series could be.

The film's darker tone was much appreciated, as it accompanied the kids growing up. This feels a bit more mature than the previous two films, as I mentioned in my original review. The story moves in interesting directions- I actually appreciated that we got relatively less academia-focus this time around. Learning about Hogwarts and seeing the kids in school is critical, but three films of that as the main focus would be too much. I love that this movie leaned away from the classroom and more into the adventure.

It felt like the maturity of the story was appropriate as well. Harry has to confront his past and work through some of his emotional baggage. It felt like Hermoine played an increased role in this film, which was much appreciated- Emma Watson is arguably the best actor of the three, and it was nice to see her feel like a true part of that trio.

The supporting cast is really excellent. Michael Gambon does a great job of stepping in for Richard Harris. It's sad to see that change needed, but Dumbledore continues on without a hitch. David Thewlis gave a great performance as Professor Lupin. I'm surprised I didn't mention him in my original review- he's one of the standouts of the cast. Alan Rickman is always wonderful as Snape, and Gary Oldman elevates the film immensely with his excellent portrayal. I always adore seeing Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, he's just so perfect for that role. Rupert Grind is solid as Ron, and Daniel Radcliffe has never felt more comfortable as Harry. As a whole, you just feel in such awe of the cast assembled here.

Cuaron does an excellent job with the visuals- they all feel top-notch. The visual effects are astounded. I loved the depiction of the Dementors, and we get a pretty excellent werewolf sequence towards the end. The cinematography is great- as a whole, this movie is beautiful to look at. Not surprising, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. That's one of two nominations, the other being Best Original Score. This is a blockbuster film, but it's an excellently crafted one.

I remain a huge fan of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It feels Cuaron took the characters and story to new heights, infused a sense of real danger, along with awe-inspiring visuals. For me, this is when the Harry Potter franchise flexed its muscles and showed what it could be. It did drop a bit at the domestic box office, but $249 million is still great. As it's been for the last few decades, I believe this is the best the franchise has been.

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