Under the direction of Chris Columbus, the first two films based on J.K. Rowling’s literary juggernaut, while technically sound, lacked charisma. Ever conscious of the Potter series’ legion of dedicated young readers, Columbus played it carefully by-the-book, but the soaring spirit of Rowling’s enchanted universe got lost in such strict translation. In what will no doubt go down as one of the more inspired Hollywood hires in recent memory, Warner Bros. handed its lucrative franchise over to little-known Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron (“Y tu mama tambien”) and gave him near-unlimited creative freedom (and $130 million) to make “The Prisoner of Azkaban.” While a Potter film is virtually guaranteed to be a financial success regardless of who is at the helm, in allowing Cuaron to explore the story’s dark fringes, the studio netted itself a momentous motion picture that effectively evokes Rowling’s bookish magic. This is a teet on the cash cow they should be proud to milk for all its worth. Cuaron’s adaptation is not only more visually appealing than its forebears, it is decidedly more mature and interesting. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint), are growing up fast, and with Cuaron leading the way, so too is this series.
As a service to the two or three folks out there who haven’t read the book, here’s what’s happening with Harry: At 13, our hero still isn’t getting any love from his reluctant caretakers, the Dursleys. This time, however, Harry finally stands up for himself in a very funny opening sequence in which a windbag aunt gets a fitting comeuppance. Harry runs away from home, but is quickly picked up and whisked to safety at the Ministry of Magic. There he learns he’s being pursued by a mysterious and dangerous wizard named Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), the first-ever escapee of Azkaban prison, and that the Hogwarts school will be guarded by terrifying spirits called Dementors. Harry and his pals continue their education in sorcery while learning a thing or two about the unique challenges of young adulthood. There are other plot twists and turns, of course, but space limitations preclude us from detailing them here. Suffice it to say that “The Prisoner of Azkaban” is superior to Potter parts one and two in practically every area. Even the transition from the late, great Richard Harris to Michael Gambon as Dumbledore is seamless. Here’s hoping Mike Newell (“Mona Lisa Smile”), who is currently directing the next Potter flick, picks up where Cuaron leaves off. (Rated PG for frightening moments, creature violence, and mild language. Running time: 142 minutes)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 4, 2004. Read the original PDF.