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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, David Thewlis, Gary Oldman,
Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon
Director: Alfonso Cuarón

Reviewed by Chris Ching

First off, I'm hardly a Harry Potter fan -- of the books and most certainly the films. I found the first two entries in the franchise not so much movies but bizarre contests where the actors competed to see who could exclaim "Harry Pottuh!" with the most aplomb.

With that said, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find The Prisoner of Azkaban not only the best Potter film yet, but the best fantasy adventure since The Return of the King. Much of the credit should be laid at the feet of new director Alfonso Cuarón who takes the faux Disney leanings of former Harry helmer Chris Columbus and infuses the series with an invigorating realism that magnifies the drama and the magic.

You know this isn't your little brother's Harry Potter at the get go; the film opens with Harry frantically beating his wand under the sheets. Nope, not that "wand", but the connection is apparent. The twisted, spiky road from adolescence to adulthood is the movie's theme (Whoa! A Potter movie has a theme!) and allusions to the passing of time abound. The basic plot of a vengeful madman (Gary Oldman) out to destroy Harry is just the thread from which Cuarón weaves a tale as engaging as his wonderful Y tu mamá también, another teen angst story. Through his eyes, non-believers like myself are finally able to enter the doors of Hogwarts without having studied at the feet of J.K. Rowling.

"Nobody knows the trouble I've seen, nobody knows my sorrow..."

Of course, it isn't all Cuarón's show. The three central actors - Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint - have matured as actors and rise to the challenges the script sets for them. As Harry, Daniel Radcliffe has the most to tackle - anger, sadness, joy - and he does so with a newfound authority that'll convince child and adult alike. Emma Watson, in a much more expanded role for Hermione, has an endearing Kate Winslet sass to her. Hell, even Rupert Wint has cut back on his acting standby of pursing his lips to feign emotion. Between the three of them, you hope Warner Bros. won't hire new, more age appropriate actors anytime soon.

With all this emphasis on character and style, you might think the fantasy and fun of Harry Potter might be sacrificed. Don't worry. From a joyous ride upon a Hippogriff to the Back to the Future 2 style trip through time finale, Prisoner doesn't skimp on the popcorn moments.

The movie is a little skimpy on the screen time given to Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson as loopy Professor Sybil Trelawney, and a blink and you'll miss her Julie Christie. Another negative, casting wise, is the new Professor Dumbledore Michael Gambon who plays the Hogwarts headmaster as a derelict hippie making one yearn all the more for the recently departed Richard Harris. David Thewlis, on the other hand, registers well as Harry confidant Professor Lupin. Their friendship is right up there with the best of mentor/student movie relationships.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron anxiously await the arrival of the Great Pumpkin.

Prisoner stands outside of the rest of the series in that it deals with themes anyone can relate to without having read one line of J.K. Rowling's prose. As the movie closes with Harry getting his hands on a brand new hot off the assembly line Firebolt broomstick, he feels the same pang of emotion we all felt when we got behind the wheel of our first set of wheels.

Aaah, what a ride.

Rating:

(3 1/2 out of 4 stars)

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