Random Thoughts: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

9/10



Harry Potter returns to the big screen in his most glorious outing. The series was setup with the decent Sorcerer's Stone, then followed by the much better Chamber of Secrets. I'm very happy to report that Prisoner of Azkaban is not only the series' best film, but also one of the best films released this year. Credit new director Alfonso Cuaron, whose track record includes some real gems: Y Tu Mama Tambien, 1998's dazzling Great Expectations, and A Little Princess. Gone is the child's play, as POA is much more grown-up. Potter deals with the possibility that the man responsible for his parents' death is now coming for him. The three leads are growing up fast and seem more assured in their characters the older they get. Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith and Robbie Coltrane are back, with limited screen time. Joining in on the fun this time is Emma Thompson and Gary Oldman, and while Oldman's Syrius Black is pivotal to the story, both of these new characters are simply extended cameos.



Imaginitive visual effects, gorgeous cinematography and a revised score by John William (using a slightly Mexican theme probably thanks to the director) create a visual stunner of a film that finally manages to evoke an arresting sense of wonder that would've made the first film a good one. The second one hit it in strides, but POA luckily nails it for about 95% of its 2hrs 19min runtime. The first 20 minutes of the film lag a bit, but once Harry arrives back at Hogwarts, the film takes off. I think Cuaron realized these films are more like fairy tales for adults, instead of trying to aim them towards a younger crowd the way Columbus did. I was also pleasantly surprised by what happens toward the end of the picture with a normally played out plot point, that ends up being brilliantly utilized and leaves no holes. Its sad to note that Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Mona Lisa Smile) will take over the helm of the fourth film. This might mean POA is the high point in the series, but let's hope Newell will continue to let the kids grow up.