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Wednesday, 29 June 2005 18:00

Considerable acclaim should also go to Steve Kloves’ screenplay, which trims the novel’s more than 400 pages into a leaner 142-minute presentation.

 

Harry Potter’s legion of fans can rest easily; the franchise remains in fine hands. The third installment in the massive seven-book series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, shifts the emphasis toward a darker, more adult universe. The initially bright-eyed kids begin to convey signs of teenage angst, and the predominant tone becomes more sinister. The result is an enjoyable ride offering stunning production design and more formidable acting.

Alfonso Cuarón directed the acclaimed Y Tu Mamá También and A Little Princess, but neither provided indications that he could craft such a unique entry from an established franchise. Chris Columbus did a solid job with the first two pictures, but he seemed more concerned with strictly adhering to the novels than crafting an impressive visual style. Cuarón utilizes the established foundation and generates a film that stands well on its own merits. The more straightforward Hogwarts setting now contains steep hills, eerie stone structures, and numerous other scenic elements that spread across the entire screen.

Considerable acclaim should also go to Steve Kloves’ screenplay, which trims the novel’s more than 400 pages into a leaner 142-minute presentation. This shorter film does require some cuts that may anger certain devoted fans, but they lead to the series’ tightest picture. Kloves also penned the first two movies effectively, but this output moves well beyond their success. Instead of trying to include every cute vignette, he remains focused on the primary characters and the central storyline.

Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) has returned to Hogwarts with his best friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) for a tumultuous year marked with a sense of impending dread. The vicious murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from the Azkaban prison and may have plans to exact his revenge against Harry. His dark presence looms over everything at school, including the professors, who hold secret conversations about the dreadful possibilities. Black reportedly served Lord Voldemort (“You Know Who”) and played an important role in the death of Harry’s parents. His escape also brings the cold, soul-sucking Dementors to Hogwarts as “protection” for the students. An early encounter with the frightening black-robed demons reveals that Black may not be the only dangerous figure.

An impressive collection of veteran British actors joins the cast, including David Thewlis (Naked, Gangster No. 1), who delivers one of the series’ most convincing performances. He plays Professor Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Teacher, and proves to be a strong mentor to Harry. However, a dark cloud also hangs over his friendly veneer that could endanger the young wizard. Gary Oldman hides behind a grizzled visage and nasty teeth to make the crazed Black an intriguing character. His screen time may be limited, but he makes Black especially memorable and possibly an understandable figure. Michael Gambon takes over for Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore without missing a beat, and Emma Thompson enjoys a few silly moments as the possibly fraudulent divination professor.

Daniel Radcliffe remains fairly stiff in the lead role, and his moments of anger still aren’t entirely convincing. However, his fellow leads Rupert Grint and Emma Watson compensate well and deliver charming performances. Watson has grown nicely into the Hermione role and makes the girl’s strength easily understandable. Grint plays Ron’s exasperation with many of her deeds perfectly, and their interaction remains one of the films’ highlights. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban does provide greater depth, but its success still resides with the work of the three young actors. Supported by striking visuals and a talented cast, they create a film that stands well above the series’ initial entries.