Review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) by Sebastian D — 26 May 2017

The best of the series and possibly one of the most underrated films of all time. In viewing this film, to compare it to it's novel counterpart is utterly ridikulus. POA goes above and beyond its calling and isn't afraid to tread new ground; setting a standard that was never again captured.

POA is wonderfully directed under Alfonso Cuaron; the Spanish director breathes new life into the world of Harry Potter. From the beautiful cinematography to the perfectly crafted long-shot takes, the viewer is transported to a solemn, gloomy, and surreal magical world. Cuaron plays with the lighting and shadows, something many directors nowadays skip in favor of mere camera effects. Cuaron doesn't step a foot out of place; each scene bursts with wonderful color and accentuates the mood of the story.

This is possibly the best performance of Radcliffe, Grint and Watson; most likely due to the direction of Cuaron. Here, they are given freedom to explore their roles. Radcliffe is defiant, has a quick tongue, and plays his role with supreme confidence. Watson shows us a female lead that dominates her subordinary male counterparts and fellow actors. Grint is still primarily a comedic relief character but its not as tongue-in-cheek as his previous outlets. It's upsetting that in later installments under David Yates, the trio is forced to act awkward and unnatural.

The story is quick-paced and John Williams hits a home run with the soundtrack. It's incredible to note the attention to detail in each scene; the random witches and wizards that stroll in and out of the shot, the small moments of magic that delicately coincides with the main story, etc. The time-travel scenes are perfectly done, and the faintest of ticking can be heard in the background, as if Hermione's time turner is reminding us of how crucial each decision they make can be.

To finish, this film provides us with a story where the lines between good and evil are blurry at best. No matter how many times you watch POA, there's always something new to see, thanks to Cuaron's attention to detail. Magic practically explodes in every scene. The cinematography is at its best and sets the tone for the rest of the films. No matter who you are or whether you plan on watching any of the Harry Potter films, Prisoner of Azkaban stands alone; its a film that will be enjoyed for years to come as an independent masterpiece of wonderful acting, storytelling and direction.