Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the series’ most confident and comfortable translation from printed page to big screen, showcasing the most competent and relaxed directing of the big screen saga. Even after the sequence has concluded, the third film is likely the most visually appealing. The movie's set design is outstanding. Many of the themes had been hinted at in the prior two films, but Prisoner of Azkaban provides the most definite view on what a Harry Potter picture should look like. There's a weird mix of current CGI techniques and vintage aesthetic embellishments at work here.

I believe the movie tries its best to reflect the distinct Britishness of all this magic herein. Despite the actors and locale, there's something distinctly British about the whole thing, whether it's the almost Python-sequel humour of an inflated aunt or the whole concept of the "night bus." Even if the film is still relatively bright and happy, one can sense the evil creeping into the series. There is a slew of spooky and eerie structures at work here, such as the creepy playground where Harry stands for the bus. It never tries to overpower the picture, but it is undeniably present.

There's a lot of ingenuity on display here, as well as an intentional shift away from pseudo-realism and toward a more deliberately stylized manner. Consider the few moments that pass between the instant Harry senses he's been grasped and the moment he's whirled around the enormous swinging tree. Indeed, I believe that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a film that excels more in the minor details than in the big ones. It nearly functions more as a compilation of events and concepts than as a cohesive narrative.

You'll note that I'm not specifically discussing the screenplay. This is due to the fact that this instalment is quite light on the ground. Despite the fact that the narrative is rather minor, the film lasts for over two hours. That said, I admire how the tale successfully takes a break from the "Voldemort" mega-plot that runs throughout the series. As a result, the plot allows for a more intimate emphasis on Harry himself, with a very clear narrative journey in line and several revelations about his own background to be discovered.

But at the other side, the film uses its relatively long running time to give its actors chance to expand and mature. David Thewlis, who plays Professor Lupin and teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts, is one of the series' better cast performers. The enigma surrounding the guy is quite simple, but I appreciate how well-structured the film is. And, to be fair, given the film's structural flaws, it contains some touching dramatic moments. There's a great scene near the end of the film, for example, where Harry is almost sure that his father is still living.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban isn't the finest in the franchise, but it's one of the better ones, and maybe the nicest and performed. It's clever and a touch humorous, with some simply stunning set design.