The series continues to improve

Rating: Null/10 (2 June 2004)

SPOILERS
For someone who, up until being forced to watch the first film, hated Potter so much, it is with a strange sense of irony that I've been waiting for this film with anxious breath. Ultimately it was worth the wait as well. The third Harry Potter is a wonderful piece of fantasy and delight.
In "The Prisoner Of Azkaban", Harry has entered his third year at Hogwarts. After loosing his temper with his annoying Aunt Marge, Harry finds himself being carted on the KnightBus to London as he prepared to head to Hogwarts. On route, Harry learns of the escaped prisoner Sirius Black and slowly aspects of his parents lives become more aware to him.
With this series, the crucial part has always been the child actors involved. Whilst less important children have evolved, Draco Malfoy becoming more pathetic and Neville Longbottom becoming a hell of a lot thinner, it is the main three children Harry (Radcliffe), Hermione (Watson) and Ron (Grint) who have matured as actors and are fast making a name for themselves as potential Oscar winners. Daniel Radcliffe in particular is amazing in this film, presenting a varied depth of emotion and making himself someone to watch out for in the future.
Aside from the children, the rest of the cast are also good. Gary Oldman stepping into the role of Sirius Black is amazing, and joins a formidable cast of actors already in this series. Truth be told, my one criticism is how hard it is to get used to Michael Gambon taking over from the late Richard Harris. I feel sorry for Gambon because he's stepped into some hard shoes to get into, and whilst he does add his own interpretation to the role, I'm not sure if he has quite cracked it yet. Perhaps in the fourth film he will do himself justice.
Acting aside, the special effects are equally impressive, with moments of beauty and moments of shock alike. As the new director, Alfonso Cuaron has done a quality job and has added a sense of freshness to the series. One scene in particular where an Owl is shown flying and as it moves the scenery behind it moves from Autumn to Winter is beautifully done.
All in all, if I was to choose a criticism for this film, it'd be the limited ammount of Quidditch in it. Whilst never reading the books myself, I've heard there was considerably more in this story than the film provides. This is a weak criticism though and makes minimal difference to my overall viewpoint.
In conclusion, as this series progresses, it just seems to get better and better. Whilst certain characters from the second film are absent, this feature introduces new people who are equally as good. Cuaron has created a darker version of the Harry Potter series and as a result the series is the better for it. I sit with baited breath and wait for the fourth title. Roll on 2005.