Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Review
by Bob Bloom (bob AT bloomink DOT com)June 7th, 2004
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) 3 1/2 stars out of 4. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw and Julie Walters. Based on the book by J.K. Rowling. Screenplay by Steve Kloves. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron. Rated PG. Running time: Approx. 140 mins.
With each book, author J.K. Rowling expands Harry Potter's universe, thus making each book lengthier than its predecessor.
And while this only enhances each novel, it creates — and probably will continue to generate — problems for the writer or writers adapting the books for the screen.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the first of the novels to face that challenge and, like Harry besting the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets,
screenwriter Steve Kloves proves triumphant in crafting a cohesive screenplay from Rowling's 435 pages.
He has done this by concentrating on what is the spine of the story, the search for escaped murderer Sirius Black and the threat he poses to young Harry.
Kloves has trimmed away much of the background information and the blossoming
relationships to maintain the focus on Harry and his friends, Hermione and Ron.
And while purists may feel disappointed that this or that passage has been dropped, overall they should be very pleased with this latest feature.
Prisoner of Azkaban also has a new director, Alfonso Cuaron, who helmed the critically acclaimed Yo tu Mama, Tambien, and, more importantly, a wonderful adaptation of the children's classic, A Little Princess, in 1995.
Cuaron has created a darker, more sinister world for Harry, while also opening
up more of the grounds around Hogwarts.
Cuaron's handling of the dementors, the guards of Azkaban, are frightening apparitions that will freeze your blood.
New characters include David Thewlis as Professor Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, who hides a terrible secret of his own, and Emma
Thompson as Sibyll Trelawney, the divinations professor. Thompson, wearing pop-bottle thick glasses, gives a delightful comic performance, while Thewlis earns sympathy and respect as Harry's latest mentor.
The death of Richard Harris forced the filmmakers to find a new Albus Dumbledore, and they chose veteran Michael Gambon who, rather than imitate Harris, has molded Dumbledore into a more lively character. Gambon's headmaster
has more bounce to his step, is spritlier, shows more humor and vigor, yet retains the wizardly wiseness on which Harry has come to depend.
The trio of stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, seem more at ease and natural in their respective roles.
Gary Oldman as Sirius Black makes the most of his short screen time.
Like all the Potter books and movies, Prisoner of Azkaban provides Harry with
another step on his road to maturity as he learns about the power within him and how to harness it.
Despite all its trimming, Prisoner of Azkaban remains very faithful to the spirit of its source.
Like the books, the Potter movies improve upon its predecessor.
Bob Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, Ind. He
can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] or at [email protected]. Bloom's reviews also can be found at the Journal and Courier
Web site: www.jconline.com
Other reviews by Bloom can be found at the Rottentomatoes Web site: www.rottentomatoes.com or at the Internet Movie Database Web site:
www.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Bob+Bloom
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