Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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When they said this Harry Potter film was the darkest of them all, it was no lie. And having just seen the England Premiere of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with my seven-year-old sister, I can say it's a must-see.

Once more, we join Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) at Hogwarts—this time to evade madman and convicted murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman). Black has escaped from Azkaban Prison to kill Harry and will stop at nothing. Ever-faithful duo Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) return to help Harry avoid trouble with the wrong kind. Bravo to Hermione for giving Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) a good old punch (something we’ve all wanted to do for a while). We also welcome new Professors, Trelawney (Emma Thompson) and Lupin (David Thewlis), to Hogwarts.

This film is much darker, much more intense and grown-up than the first two, and it seems to be more aimed at teenagers than children. It’s fast moving, and it leaves a good amount to the imagination—and it gets your mind rolling to think what's going to happen in the next film, for those of you who haven't read the books. The special effects are something else. There are similarities between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings (see the review of The Return of the King)—possibly using the same visual effects and technology to create them. The actors themselves seem to be growing faster than the characters they are actually playing. However, I don't think this really concerns the audience right now. I for one thing think it's good because you see a change in the actors as their characters grow in the film.

I can't point out enough how the darkness of the film showed Harry Potter’s story in a new light (no pun intended). The first films were set in sunny locations, with lots of laughs and a feel-good tone. This one is completely the opposite. There's more tension, more fantasy, and a lot more people on the edge of their seats. Even I found myself jumping out my skin at certain parts. The soundtrack ties in superbly, giving you that tingling sensation on the back of your neck.

Of the things that disappointed me about this film, one was Draco. He looks fantastic—he's mean, he's bad, and…he's a complete wimp. I thought we were going to get some hardcore acting from this boy, and it was rubbish. He runs off in nearly ever scene he’s in, crying like a baby. Tom Felton is a fantastic actor, but he got the short end of the deal in this film.

There's also a lot missing in the film with the relationship between Black, James Potter, Pettigrew, and Lupin. If you haven't read the books, you’ll struggle a little to understand what's going on toward the end of the film.

I also didn't quite like the new Dumbledore, Michael Gambon. I wouldn't expect him to be able to fill late Richard Harris' shoes, but Gambon sounded way too much like Uncle Vernon (Richard Griffiths).

Right…well, I'll stop there and head for a game of Quidditch. But take my word for it—see the film. It really is magic!


For more Harry Potter movie reviews, see:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Or check out the reviews of the books:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

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