Finally, The Spirit of The Books on Screen

Rating: 10/10 (7 June 2004)

I love the Harry Potter books. I've read them several times, search obsessively for information about the new books and, yes, went to see the first two movies. They left me flat. Yes, they hit the plot points of Rowlings' books, but (in spite of their special effects) they lacked, frankly, the magic.
"Azkaban," on the other hand, abandons some of the major plot points of the book. If you are somebody who wants to see the book on screen exactly as it was written, this movie will disappoint you. Of course, let's not forget that there were plenty of plot points abandoned in the first two movies as well.
Anyhow, if you, on the other hand, fell in love with the world of Rowlings' books, this movie is likely to be a delight for you. There are tons of little details that don't scream out "LOOK - MAGIC" (like nearly every magic moment does in the Columbus films) and, as a result really seem magical.

Some fine acting from all the cast members - this is the first time that, for my money, the kids really seemed like the characters instead of like children who were just lucky enough to look like the characters. David Thewlis is an excellent addition to the cast as Professor Lupin. The scenes with Radcliffe and Thewlis are among the finest in the film.
At any rate, I give it a 10 out of 10. It exceeded my expectations.