Review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) by Griffin M — 22 Jan 2013

A change of style for a film that changed everything. Most importantly, the film's release date was in no way affiliated to my birthday this year, it was a saddening blow and for the first time I felt like this film franchise wasn't made specifically for me - growing up hurts, a lot.

The third film saw a change in director, and therefore, a change in direction. Cuaron, a novice to the books but an instant fan, upped the intimacy of the characters as well taking the film to newer darker themes. The film felt more grown up, the child actors no longer looked so child-like, and the audience (namely, myself) could also ask more of the film.

The film paid in moodier lighting, more time given to dialogue and a commitment to a complete saga opposed to one off films. Azkaban turned up the heat when it comes to Harry Potter films, and the progress they made here would be echoed in the rest of the series.

There's a reason why the third instalment to the collection is arguably the best received, because the attention to detail - as well as a hardy and luxurious plot line - gave the viewer the experience they wanted and more!

5 stars and not even needing to be bias.