Something Wicked This Way Comes...

Rating: 10/10 (10 July 2007)

The Prisoner of Azkaban draws quite a different line than the Chamber of Secrets or the Philosopher's Stone. Most of it is summed up in the tag-line 'something wicked this way comes.' The first two installments were pretty light, but relatively long, viewing, introducing you to the world of Harry Potter and its delightful characters and their antagonists. But as Harry grows older, the world grows darker. When Harry's third year at Hogwarts dawns, the news is all aplomb with news of the recently escaped Sirius Black, a supporter of Lord Voldemort and murderer of many people, and for some reason is coming after Harry. Hogwarts, because of this danger, is being protected by evil shrouded Dementors, who guard the wizard prison Azkaban. They affect Harry especially, but he is helped along by his friends Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint), along with his new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, the shabby looking but very nice Professor Lupin (David Thewlis) As the story progresses, Harry learns just why Sirius is coming for him, and in a magnificent intricate climax, he learns the truth.
Absolutely stunning, the dark tone is immediately set. Begone be the kiddie wizard robes and hats, and gone are the child-like themes. These are growing young people, in a world growing rapidly more wicked. Bravo to Alfonso Cuaron. Probably the best Harry Potter yet. The acting is as well done as I can expect it to be by the main three characters, but the supporting characters hold up the movie, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Chambon. Brilliant. The plot is extremely well done, is not stretched. Does not seem like too little or too much. The best Harry Potter yet. 10/10 "Something Wicked this Way Comes..."