Brings Back the Magic of the Books That Was Sorely Lacking In the First Two Installments

Rating: Null/10 (12 January 2007)

JK Rowling did not know what she was getting herself into when she scribbled the first few pages of 'HARRY POTTER' in that London coffee shop. The series has become a worldwide smash and has spawned four movies so far (a fifth is on the way). My review is concerning the forth.
Alfonso Cuaron brings us 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban', the third movie of the third book by JK. Harry is returning to Hogwarts for his third year at the boarding school for witchcraft and wizardry. I daresay some religious fanatics might find this offensive. Anyway, he has some problems--his family hates him, his course book won't stop trying to bite him, his grades are in the balance, and a deranged wizard-turned-escapist wants Harry's blood.
Cuaron, not widely known before this film, is the director of the hit sex comedy 'Y Tu Mama Tambien' and the children's film 'A Little Princess'. He brings his unique vision to the Harry Potter film franchise that was sorely lacking in the previous two films, which suffered from Chris Colombus's generic style and cute child moments. Alfonso Cuaron certainly has an eye for cinematography and where to place the camera. Emmanuel Lubezki (sp?), the DP, brings us a dark, murky look to the story. The restlessly moving camera adds to the mood as well.
John William's music is, as always, breathtaking. His score for this film surpasses the past two, as he brings a mischievous and dark, thematically-tied string of music that never seems to stop (which is a good thing).
The performances by the kids in this movie are, well...good. Better than the first two movies. They have matured (thankfully), not only as humans, but as actors as well. Of course with any children's story, you are going to have some cheap 'kids' moments as well. But they are, for the most part, subdued in the storyline.
Overall, a more realistic (if that term can be used), stylized, mature, and specific movie. Entertaining for all audiences. It brings back the magic of the books that was lacking in the first two installments.
8/10