Apparently in this movie there is a constant gale of wind being blown at the trio.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Analysis/Review

Preface:

Re-watched it in blu-ray on 4k TV.

Harry Potter fan.

So. The third installment of the eight movie series. A departure in directors from the previous movies. Directed by the esteemed Alfonso Cuarón. Generally ranks highly on book rankings and the movies does just as well. For good reason? I believe so.

Likes:

• Beautiful cinematography. The movie has a ton of eye candy. It is just gorgeous. It has this flow and quality to it that is just whimsical to watch.
• Harry really comes into his own in this movie. A better feel for him. He experiences character defining moments.
• The aesthetics and design add a richness and uniqueness that make the movie a visual treat.
• A key part of the visual experience was the Dementors.
• Exciting to watch. It has movement and a consistent cadence that doesn't let up. It watches and goes by very well. Not going to be checking your phone for the time. It is enthralling.
• I may be in the minority, but I prefer Michael Gambon over Richard Harris. He exudes a power that I find compelling.
• Speaking of casting, I liken Gary Oldman as Sirius and David Thewlis as Lupin. Peter Pettigrew was also spot on. They meshed with how I saw the characters.
• The Knight Bus. This scene is beautiful and hilarious. The effect is beyond solid. Iconic.
• The Time Turner sequence always sticks in my mind. Have to watch it all in one go. It was done so well.

Dislikes:

• Although I like the changes to the style of the world, the changes themselves are jarring juxtaposed with the previous two films. The clothing changes, from robes all the time to a more muggle-demeanor, isn’t explained and seems strange to view. I do prefer it, though.
• The exposition was a bit lacking. If I had not read the books, I’d imagine that some things wouldn’t make as much sense or have as much meaning. Who are the Marauders? The nicknames are for…who? And so on.
• Hermione felt like a plot device in this film. She comes in and says all the relevant pieces, but the nuances/flaws of her character are left on the side in favor of being kind of a bad-ass plot mover.
• The last scene is obnoxious and sort of stupid. I don’t like it.

Conclusion:

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is definitely one of the best Harry Potter movies. It has a strong focus, great technical aspects in the visual department, and highly enjoyable to watch. It may not be the most faithful or the most consistent with its predecessors, but it is one of the more successful as a film.