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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Customer Reviews (19 - 21 of 104 Reviews)

There's a new Magic at Hogwarts!
The greatest magical feat by the Harry Potter world is that it has made readers out of millions of children of all ages. It doesn't take a wizard to know that means the stories would be interpreted for the big screen. The first two films in the series came across well, each a pretty but overly-plotty document of the book. The films tended to be slavish to their appropriate books which resulted in a two and a half hour running time. Of course, fanatics of the books would take the opposite view, that the films were lacking as elements of the books were abridged or eliminated. As the books double or triple in size, the filmmakers have to face facts. These movies are going to have to abridge the stories not only better, but more. And the more that is cut, the angrier fans will get.

Hail to the third film, under the helm of director Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien). We are now flying the most streamlined broom yet. Little time spent on introduction; the story comes across more focused, less episodic, darker and scarier.Most importantly, this film best captures the fun of the books.

The superb cast remains intact here with the exception of Michael Gambon filling in Dumbledore's shoes, vacated by the passing of Richard Harris. His Dumbledore is a different take on the role. He comes across a bit younger, not as wise, sort of a 120 year old flower child. Emma Thompson joins the cast as Professor Trelawney, her coke-bottle glasses worth many a laugh. David Trewlis takes on the duties of the abandoned Defense Against the Dark Arts professorship, a job that always comes under scrutiny within each Potter story. Finally, and most relevant to the entire series is the introduction of Sirius Black, portrayed by perennial lunatic Gary Oldman. He is a welcome addition to the legend.

As expected, the special effects are better this time around, less rushed and already established. Beyond that the darker, grainier cinematography and creative camera work make the film less pristine, more real. After the third film, you have a much better idea the dangers of Quittich.

The adaptation of J.K.Rowling's storyline by Steve Cloves is a marked improvement on the first two, successfully eliminating more details without hindering the story process in any way. (Calls for scenes to add depth are erroneous, that's what the book is for). The story hinges on time and time travel and is well executed on screen. The largest weakness here involves a large important battle between a dog and a werewolf, neither of which are fully introduced into the story until late in the film.

One of the most amazing elements in the whole film series is watching the three young leads, Daniel Ratcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Gint, grow up... quicker than any potion or spell would allow.

The bonus materials in this particualy disc are hit and miss. Most valuable are interviews with cast and crew but the world could do without the ridiculous shrunken head as a running theme.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN is solid entertainment, hopefully opening into even more streamlined films in the franchise.


There's a new magic at Hogwarts!
The greatest magical feat by the Harry Potter world is that it has made readers out of millions of children of all ages. It doesn't take a wizard to know that means the stories would be interpreted for the big screen. The first two films in the series came across well, each a pretty but overly-plotty document of the book. The films tended to be slavish to their appropriate books which resulted in a two and a half hour running time. Of course, fanatics of the books would take the opposite view, that the films were lacking as elements of the books were abridged or eliminated. As the books double or triple in size, the filmmakers have to face facts. These movies are going to have to abridge the stories not only better, but more. And the more that is cut, the angrier fans will get.

Hail to the third film, under the helm of director Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien). We are now flying the most streamlined broom yet. Little time spent on introduction; the story comes across more focused, less episodic, darker and scarier.Most importantly, this film best captures the fun of the books.

The superb cast remains intact here with the exception of Michael Gambon filling in Dumbledore's shoes, vacated by the passing of Richard Harris. His Dumbledore is a different take on the role. He comes across a bit younger, not as wise, sort of a 120 year old flower child. Emma Thompson joins the cast as Professor Trelawney, her coke-bottle glasses worth many a laugh. David Trewlis takes on the duties of the abandoned Defense Against the Dark Arts professorship, a job that always comes under scrutiny within each Potter story. Finally, and most relevant to the entire series is the introduction of Sirius Black, portrayed by perennial lunatic Gary Oldman. He is a welcome addition to the legend.

As expected, the special effects are better this time around, less rushed and already established. Beyond that the darker, grainier cinematography and creative camera work make the film less pristine, more real. After the third film, you have a much better idea the dangers of Quittich.

The adaptation of J.K.Rowling's storyline by Steve Cloves is a marked improvement on the first two, successfully eliminating more details without hindering the story process in any way. (Calls for scenes to add depth are erroneous, that's what the book is for). The story hinges on time and time travel and is well executed on screen. The largest weakness here involves a large important battle between a dog and a werewolf, neither of which are fully introduced into the story until late in the film.

One of the most amazing elements in the whole film series is watching the three young leads, Daniel Ratcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Gint, grow up... quicker than any potion or spell would allow.

The bonus materials in this particualy disc are hit and miss. Most valuable are interviews with cast and crew but the world could do without the ridiculous shrunken head as a running theme.

HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN is solid entertainment, hopefully opening into even more streamlined films in the franchise.

its just like magic
Harry Potter mania is upon us once again with the release of the new movie, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Harry (Daniel Radcliff) is now thirteen and entering his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. However this year, he is faced with a dreaded killer known as Sirius Black.

this movie truely mimick the art of J.K. Rowling's novel. the special effect of this movie has exceeded all expectations. for example, take the scene with the dementors. the computer animated creature can really send shivers down your spine.
this promises to be the best movie in the Harry Potter series yet. with loads of surprises.

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