Review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) by Wayne K — 28 Nov 2016

Continuing the Potter series' welcome journey from bright and childlike to dark and spooky, the Prisoner Of Azkaban was, for me, a significant improvement on the previous instalment, The acting is better, as the principal cast mature before our very eyes, both physically and emotionally, the story is better, being more compelling and giving extra depth to the characters, and the more frequent dark scenes create a genuinely creepy and foreboding atmosphere.

Malfoy continues to be an utterly pointless irritation, and his comeuppances simply don't justify his presence. All his dialogue is cribbed straight from the 'How To Be A 1 Dimensional Bully' Handbook, and cutting him from the film would save not only time but also improve the pace.

It has no big flaws aside from that, and is a very solid film for all ages. Kids deserve to see it for the magic and the scares, adults deserve to see it for its depth of character and genuinely touching moments.