Very Good, but fans of the book say not as good as SS & CofS

Rating: Null/10 (1 June 2004)

I have not read any of the books and I have never watched the first two films from start to finish, but I saw "...Azkaban" at an advance screening under the worst conditions (theater too warm, lots of cell phones ringing, babies crying!)with three FANS, all of whom had read the book-and I enjoyed it! The story was more than adequate, the effects were extremely well done and I don't think it was too intense for younger viewers. The 6 year-old girl in our group (who has seen the 1st two films repeatedly) also enjoyed it.
I have always been a big fan of Gary Oldman and Alan Rickman and I really like David Thewlis, and although I also like Michael Gambon, he lacks the sweetness and serenity that Richard Harris brought to Dumbledore. Mr. Gambon plays the role as a much younger character.
Comments from the book readers agreed that there were huge chunks missing, but gave it a passing grade-still not as good as the two previous releases.
All in all, it will certainly do very well, although the prediction I heard on CNN recently that it should outgross the first two seems unrealistic, unless the dark tone of this one attracts a new audience.
In conclusion, it may be worth the price of admission to some, others may want to wait for the inevitable DVD release (as most people that want to avoid the disrespectful patronage at the circus-like multiplexes)...I enjoyed it but I did not leave the theater with the feeling I had after my first screening of "Goldfinger" (a third in the series)...more like the original version of "Return of the Jedi"!