Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a 2004 fantasy movie directed by Alfonso Cuaron. The movie once again stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, David Thewlis, and Gary Oldman. The film revolves around Harry's third year of Hogwarts and how an escaped prisoner from Azkaban named Sirius Black (Oldman) is supposedly 'looking' for Harry Potter. Prisoner of Azkaban is a film that I have seen multiple times since I was a young kid. While no movie is ever great multiple times, this movie surprised me as I rewatched it today because it does actually hold up very well over time. The movie of course features another cast of great performances. David Thewlis as Remus Lupin is a great, nice man and is a character that I would like to know in person. Michael Gambon's replacement of Richard Harris as Professor Dumbledore was handled very smoothly and while the two performances differ, the character doesn't change. Then there's Gary Oldman as Sirius Black. Regardless of how many roles Oldman chooses to take, Sirius Black is by far my favorites. I love Sirius Black's character. He's not only just a "nice man" but he channels such a parental, friendly, kind performance. His character is very deep and while he receives just a few scenes in this movie, it makes you want to see more of him. Azkaban also has excellent special effects and brings to life so many creatures that are very important over the course of all eight films. The dementors are a negative, dreadful invention from J.K. Rowling and Cuaron's direction shows just how menacing these things are. Buckbeak is a great looking animal and the scene where Harry rides on him over the water not only has a fantastic score, but contains one of the best uses of special effects in the entire movie. I'd have to advise use about the book of monsters....The best thing I think about Prisoner O/Azkaban is the tone. It's so dark and eerie that its actually a very creepy film in places. Not to mention how well humor is woven into the narrative. It's a very quirky and creepy tone and it almost reminds me of Pan's Labyrinth. While Guillermo Del Toro didn't direct this Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it feels like one of his movies. Director Alfonso Curaon should pat himself on the back for that. This is a borderline gothic and horror movie that works on all of those levels. Overall, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a great film with a fantastic score, great utilization of special effects, and an all around great time. Three stars