Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 2004

Harry Potter is having a tough time with his relatives (yet again). He runs away after using magic to inflate Uncle Vernons sister Marge who was being offensive towards Harrys parents. Initially scared for using magic outside the school he is pleasantly surprised that he wont be penalized after all. However he soon learns that a dangerous criminal and Voldemorts trusted aide Sirius Black has escaped from the Azkaban prison and wants to kill Harry to avenge the Dark Lord. To worsen the conditions for Harry vile creatures called Dementors are appointed to guard the school gates and inexplicably happen to have the most horrible effect on him. Little does Harry know that by the end of this year many holes in his past (whatever he knows of it) will be filled up and he will have a clearer vision of what the future has in store...

Review

Alfonso Cuarón's masterful adaptation does the source material immeasurable justice by exploring its underlying concepts in an intelligent manner. Of course it certainly helps that the aesthetics of the film are incredible the acting remains stellar (and the trio of young actors handle their roles admirably) and John Williams offers an amazing (and eclectic) score. Character development is superb Steve Kloves penned a great script.

Firsttime and young viewers will likely enjoy the film for its merits based on plot and ➭venture' alone but it takes multiple viewings and a critical eye to enjoy the abstract ideas and nuances. Cuarón himself credited the source material as being laden with realworld issues oppression racism loneliness power friendship justice and so forth.

This is the Harry Potter film that stands on its own and as a tremendous cinematic achievement. It challenges viewers and yet doesn't patronize them or attempt to offer answers to all of the questions presented. For instance the ending is bittersweet at best and retains a healthy amount of ambiguity.

If you've never read the books or understood the acclaim of the series as a whole watch Cuarón's 'Prisoner of Azkaban' and you'll understand why this entry is clearly the zenith of the seven.