Growing Up Harry

Rating: Null/10 (4 June 2004)

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the movie takes on a less whimsical air than the previous two; while some of the same elements are present, Harry Potter's world is portrayed as more of a parallel yet normal reality for a young wizard. Things are also darker in the sense that, rather than being threatened by a three-headed dog or a deadly basilisk (which in their own rights are formidable), Harry Potter faces the potential danger of being a victim of less supernatural threats--murder and revenge.
The Prisoner of Azkaban has the same elements that draw forth young fans, but at the same time it creates a more mature atmosphere for adults (who may not be as into the series) to enjoy. The effects in the movie focus less on the whimsical portrayal of wizardry. For instance, the digitally animated Dementors are recognizable as the feared guardians of Azkaban prison, spreading a literally icy sense of hopelessness and fear wherever they appear. They also play an important part in the development of Harry Potter's more mature manifestation of emotion towards the loss of his parents and his own special talents.
The same memorable characters appear in The Prisoner of Azkaban, though in this movie, we see considerably less of the familiar professors of Hogwart's. Instead, the focus is placed on the new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Lupine; the alleged murderer/escaped convict Sirius Black; and their direct connections with Harry's past. There are also moments of awkward and partially reluctant affection between Hermione and Ron, as well as instances of Harry's emergent mannerisms of his father.
All in all, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is slightly darker, yet smarter than the previous two installments. Azkaban exhibits a refreshing sense of maturity. Though there are slow moments, the movie flows with a strange sense of normalcy; that is, viewers will feel that the magic world is a place not less ordinary than the Muggle world.
Oh, and in case you couldn't tell, I liked the movie.