Review: Magic Is Wickedly Fresh In 'Prisoner Of Azkaban'
Family History Plays Important Role In Third 'Harry Potter' Movie
UPDATED: 12:20 a.m. EDT June 4, 2004
'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' (PG) 
(out of four popcorns)
Harry Potter has a new friend in his latest adventure -- director Alfonso Cuarón.
Chris Columbus directed the first two, wildly successful, Harry Potter movies, but decided to let somebody else take the reins for "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."
Mexican director Cuarón was a curious choice because his previous films were not in the special effects, adventure vein. But Cuarón's fresh look at the phenomenally successful book series is vastly original and involving.
In the first two Potter movies, everyone was having a jolly good time, even when monsters and meanies threaten. But Cuarón's vision is much more psychological and the tone and atmosphere are much darker.
What is especially rewarding is the way Cuarón carefully doles out portions of Harry's family history and leaves us waiting for the next clue to unlock the puzzle of his origins.
The story starts shortly before Harry's third year at Hogwarts. In a pique of anger at the home of his muggle relatives, Harry does something that could very well get him expelled. As he runs away, Harry learns that one of the most dangerous mass murderers in the country -- Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) -- has escaped from the wizards' prison, Azkaban. For reasons that will be revealed later, Black is gunning for Harry Potter.
Spectral guards from the prison, known as Dementors, are dispatched to find Black and protect Harry, but their special talents may be more dangerous than helpful.
Our three adventurous heroes -- Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) -- have their hands full fighting against evil, and Watson is especially fun and fearless as the young witch-in-training.
The movie, again, is blessed with a boatload of talented actors who seem to be having much too much fun. Emma Thompson jumps on board with coke-bottle glasses and an air of crazed expectation as a teacher of the art of divination. David Thewlis, as the new teacher for Defense against the Dark-Arts, has his own dark secrets. And Oldman is deliciously evil as Black, who is not all he seems.
On a sad note, because of the death of Richard Harris, Michael Gambon was chosen to take over the regal role of Albus Dumbledore, head wizard of the Hogwarts School.
The special effects this time are much more subtle and I think that makes the scares much more scarier. In fact, any children who are easily frightened should think twice before seeing "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" in the movie theater.
For all you muggles out there, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" may be a little different, but it doesn't miss any of the magic, friendship and scares of the first two films. Prepare to be enchanted all over again.
(out of four popcorns)
Harry Potter has a new friend in his latest adventure -- director Alfonso Cuarón.
Chris Columbus directed the first two, wildly successful, Harry Potter movies, but decided to let somebody else take the reins for "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban."
Mexican director Cuarón was a curious choice because his previous films were not in the special effects, adventure vein. But Cuarón's fresh look at the phenomenally successful book series is vastly original and involving.
In the first two Potter movies, everyone was having a jolly good time, even when monsters and meanies threaten. But Cuarón's vision is much more psychological and the tone and atmosphere are much darker.
What is especially rewarding is the way Cuarón carefully doles out portions of Harry's family history and leaves us waiting for the next clue to unlock the puzzle of his origins.
The story starts shortly before Harry's third year at Hogwarts. In a pique of anger at the home of his muggle relatives, Harry does something that could very well get him expelled. As he runs away, Harry learns that one of the most dangerous mass murderers in the country -- Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) -- has escaped from the wizards' prison, Azkaban. For reasons that will be revealed later, Black is gunning for Harry Potter.
Spectral guards from the prison, known as Dementors, are dispatched to find Black and protect Harry, but their special talents may be more dangerous than helpful.
Our three adventurous heroes -- Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) -- have their hands full fighting against evil, and Watson is especially fun and fearless as the young witch-in-training.
The movie, again, is blessed with a boatload of talented actors who seem to be having much too much fun. Emma Thompson jumps on board with coke-bottle glasses and an air of crazed expectation as a teacher of the art of divination. David Thewlis, as the new teacher for Defense against the Dark-Arts, has his own dark secrets. And Oldman is deliciously evil as Black, who is not all he seems.
On a sad note, because of the death of Richard Harris, Michael Gambon was chosen to take over the regal role of Albus Dumbledore, head wizard of the Hogwarts School.
The special effects this time are much more subtle and I think that makes the scares much more scarier. In fact, any children who are easily frightened should think twice before seeing "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" in the movie theater.
For all you muggles out there, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" may be a little different, but it doesn't miss any of the magic, friendship and scares of the first two films. Prepare to be enchanted all over again.Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
