Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

November 28, 2005

Rated: PG Runtime: 139 min Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Finally, there’s a Harry Potter movie worth 5 stars. The previous 2 came close at times, but overall lacked the “punch” needed for the final star. This one makes it with room to spare. First, this is much shorter at only 2 hours and 19 minutes and second, it’s a much darker film than the previous two. And by “dark” I mean gloomy, overcast, full of dread, death and some cool effects with the dementors. The studio must have paid off the MPAA to get that PG rating this time around.

As usual the movie starts off with Harry at home with the Dursleys, and he’s not enjoying himself. This time though, Harry fights back a little and cops quite the attitude, packs his bags and hits the streets. Knowing he’s broken the rules by using magic outside of Hogwarts, Harry is sure he’s doomed but of course, he gets a reprieve this time around. For those who have read the books, you’ll note that the storyline in the movie is quite a bit different here than what you were expecting. Just relax, the movie takes a few liberties and it all works out in the end.

Once Harry makes it back to school things are different than they used to be, and no, it’s not because Hermione is getting boobs. There’s been a first ever escape from Azkaban (wizards prison) and since the escapee wants to kill Harry, the creatures in charge of security at Azkaban have been stationed at Hogwarts. These “guards”, the Dementors, will give small children nightmares for the next few years so keep them out of the theater.

Anyway, we’ve got a new Dark Arts teacher this year (as we do every year), and he’s got a secret just like all the others. Not exactly a hard one to guess either, but you’ll see what I mean. You’ll still want to smack Draco Malfoy every time he gets on screen, the Weasley boys are still causing a ruckus, Snape is still… well, Snape, and Michael Gambon does a decent job as Dumbledore (replacing the late Richard Harris.)

As usual with this sort of movie, we know you aren’t waiting for a review before seeing this one, and you’ll either see it or not regardless of what we say here. This one is different enough though that some fans will be disappointed at the new darker feel and some who haven’t liked Harry in the past might start to see what all the fuss is about.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban