Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004) Movie Review

As Harry Potter (Radcliffe) returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his third year, he learns that Sirius Black (Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison and his life is in danger. With the help of Ron (Grint) and Hermione (Watson), the three delve into mystery that surrounds Black’s imprisonment because all they know is that he had something to do with the death of Harry’s parents and he may be looking for him to finish the job.

With The Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone and The Chamber of Secrets setting new standards for family entertainment, can the third movie keep up this very high benchmark? The answer is an emphatic yes!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban pushes the franchise to even greater heights. Regarded as the best book in the series by Potter fans and Muggles alike, this is a much darker look into this magical world.

As Harry, Ron and Hermione turn thirteen, more adult problems and revelations come their way. Harry starts to learn more about his past, as he confronts the man who is said to have betrayed his parents to the wizard who’s name should not be spoken. Hermione has to come to terms with the fact that she might not been able to excel as much as she would like at Hogwarts without any magical help. Ron is Ron but he might have to acknowledge the fact that he might be getting close to a certain someone.

The character’s growth is reflected in the performances of the three leads. Emma Watson shines as Hermione, with a much larger part than in the second film. She is becoming a very good actress as the young witch continues to deal with her mixed heritage and the constant abuse from Malfroy. Rupert Grint again provides the laughs as Ron Weasley but the character is becoming a more accomplished figure and not just Harry’s accident prone and amusing friend. It is Daniel Radcliffe who shows the biggest advance and at last, reveals the reason why he got one of the most coveted child roles in movie history. As the character has grown, so has the actor as Radcliff as he finally gets to grips with the young wizard. Harry faces some really traumatic revelations about his past as the story unfolds leading to many different and powerful emotions. The good news is that the actor tackles them head on and gives his most authentic portrayal of the boy who lived yet.

Joining our three leads is the tremendous supporting cast, which again reads as a who’s who in British acting circles. While most of these roles are fleeting appearances from already established characters, such as Julie Walters and Mark Williams as Mr & Mrs Weasley, Robert Hardy as Cornelius Fudge and Richard Griffiths and Fiona Shaw as Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, they show they level of commitment to the stories shown by all of the actors. Even the bigger names like Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, Alan Rickman as Professor Snape and Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall take a backseat to the three leads and the new characters.

Both Gary Oldman and David Thewlis bring their substantial talents to the franchise and provide standout performances. Thewlis brings so much to the Professor Lupin, the new teacher of the Defence Against the Dark Arts as he becomes a mentor for Harry, all the while struggling with his own dark secret. Gary Oldman is also exceptional as Sirius Black. Even though the character doesn’t have much screen time, he comes into his own during the climatic moments of the film with Oldman portraying the man with such honesty and vigour. While the character might not be new the actor certainly is, Michael Gambon does a good job at putting his own spin on Professor Dumbledore. He doesn’t quite have the presence of the late great Richard Harris but he is a more than able replacement for the legendary actor.

Chris Columbus did a great job with the first two movies in the series but director Alfonso Cuarón moves the franchise to a whole new level. Cinematographer Michael Seresin and Cuarón combine to bring you the most magnificent looking spectacle that is the Potter universe. They really open up the sheer grandeur of Hogwarts and its surrounding grounds with some truly astounding sets and brilliantly chosen locations. Combine this with some of the best effects seen in the Potter films, such as Buckbeak the Hippogryff and the relentless Dementors, you have one of the most visual fantasy films ever to grace the silver screen. What Cuarón also brings to the table is a complete understanding of actors and performance and this is how he gets the best out of the three leads and the rest of the brilliant ensemble.

The Harry Potter movies set the standard when it comes to family entertainment and The Prisoner of Azkaban continues that tradition. What they have going for them is a plotline that treats audience of all ages with the same level of intelligence and never panders to one demographic. This makes the picture instantly accessible to all, making you wish that all family entertainment could be this good.

Now where did I put my wand?