Review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) by Barney O — 01 Jan 2017

WHAT I LIKED: What sticks out for me about 'The Prisoner of Askaban' is how the script and stylistic direction all just feels a little more sophisticated than in the previous two films. Everything is less goofy and on-the-nose, and that's partly down to improved performances and writing, but also Alfonso Couran's refreshing visual style and tone. Yes this is definitely the most stylish Harry Potter to date, but it also features some great characterisation for our leads (who's cast continue to excel in their roles), and a further exploration of the franchise themes.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: This time the plot itself is actually weaker than in the previous film, and whilst it takes itself on fewer annoying tangents, it fails to draw a suspenseful narrative overall. I found the whole story rather stagnant actually, and even if the source material is partly to blame for that, the filmmakers should realise that straight adaptation isn't always the best way.

VERDICT: The execution is vastly improved here. It's just a shame the original foundations have less merit overall.