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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Customer Reviews (64 - 66 of 104 Reviews)

I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good
As someone who's read all five Harry Potter books and was very much pleased with the first two movie adaptations. For the third, I expected something darker given the nature of the novel. Yes, there are some scary elements in the movie, and the movie is shot in areas with dim lighting, with a kind of forboding suspense eminent in The Others.

Sirius Black, a follower of Voldemort, leader of Dark Wizards, has escaped from the supposedly escape-proof Azkaban prison, guarded by the hooded wraith-like Dementors, creatures described by Professor Remus Lupin as "the foullest creatures that walk this earth." Upon close proximity, these creatures have the effect of draining people's souls. Harry's friend Ron Weasley describes the feeling: "like I'd never be cheerful again." The whole key, as Dumbledore says, is remembering to find the light amid the dark, as Harry smiles at Lupin's remembrances of Lily Potter as a compassionate woman able to see the light in anyone. Lupin is a key figure, helping Harry and his fellow students come to terms with their personal fears.

However, Harry learns that Sirius is out to get him because Harry is the only thing stopping Voldemort from regaining full powers. To make matters worse, the Dementors are stationed around Hogwarts to capture Sirius, and they can't tell friend from foe.

The main leads are firmly solid in their roles, and the rapport they have tighter than ever. So is the dialogue. Yet again, Emma Watson (Hermione) is the strongest and most delightful of the three, still the Miss-Know-It-All but this time having the knack of suddenly appearing in class. However, Daniel Radcliffe gives Watson a run for her money, as his performance as Harry is the best yet. He expresses emotions of anger at his Muggle guardians and a moment of angst and rage when finding out something about Sirius Black. And of course, it's a nice change to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione in other than just their flowing black school robes all the time. They should be allowed to continue through all seven movies.

Special things in the world of wizards include the Marauder's Map, a parchment that's like a portable GPS system. However, the movie's strong opening scene of Harry causing his Aunt Marge to swell up into a balloon after she insults his parents is a highlight. She is later seen floating in the sky in a shot reminiscent of Pink Floyd's Animals album. But the realization of Buckbeak the hippogriff, part eagle, part horse, is a beaut, and makes me want to ride one.

Whereas Chris Columbus tried to make the first two movies closer to J.K. Rowling's book, director Alfonso Cuaron clearly places style and ambience over accuracy, tying up plot threads, and length. It was a bit jarring to see roughly a third(!) of the novel excised here, compared to a tenth in the two previous movies. For example, the movie omits how Sirius escaped from Azkaban. Also, Divination Professor Sibyl Trelawney is described as a thin stick insect with glasses that magnify her eyes. Despite not appearing as such, Emma Thompson gives it her best. Given that, the movie could've been a half hour longer.

All the other adult leads are great, especially Gary Oldman (Sirius) and David Thewlis (Lupin). Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), wisely decides not to play the headmaster as his late predecessor Richard Harris did, and succeeds.

It took me two views to make me realize that despite the quibbles, The Prisoner Of Azkaban worth the wait and the best of the three. Mischief managed!

Harry grows up
For fans of the Harry Potter series, the latest film is simply a joy. A more mature and confident teenage Harry starts off the action by "inflating" his nasty aunt and running away from home. He joins best friends and fellow third-years Ron and Hermione at Hogwarts School, but there is danger in the air: A prisoner has escaped from Azkaban Prison and is believed to be after Harry!

The three lead actors are growing up and have become quite comfortable in their roles. The are the heart of the movie and are a pleasure to watch. Three well-known character actors join the cast: David Thewlis is the tortured Professor Lupin, Gary Oldman is the mysterious Prisoner, and Emma Thompson is the eccentric Professor Trelawny. Each is wonderful and adds depth to the film.

The world of Hogwarts is photographed mainly in sepia tones that fit perfectly with the intense and brooding tone of the movie. Fans of the book will find many plot details have been omitted due to time constraints, but the core story of Harry growing up is strong and rich. There are many funny moments, some poignant ones, and some that will give you a start, although there is nothing really scary. Kudos to the director and screenwriter for bringing the book to life in such a satisfying way. Muggles of all ages will be delighted with The Prisoner of Azkaban and will be cheering for Harry in the just-right ending!

Disappointed
The movie was good and I do plan on buying it cause I want to own all of them but I was disappointed in the way the movie was done they left out alot from the book that I would of liked to of seen and the way they ended it was all wrong. They even changed the way Hogwarts looked, the scenery was different even Hagrids hut was different. I did not like this director who did this movie I hope Christopher Columbus comes back to do the rest of the movies. But I recommend reading the book for this movie it was much better.

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