Arts & Entertainment
 

‘Azkaban' brings maturity to ‘Potter' series

Actors allowed to grow under Cuaron

By Barrett Goldsmith
The Daily Cougar

For many people, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will be a disappointment. 

Fans of the previous two films who expected another cutesy story about kids solving a mystery and fleeing monsters will not be rewarded with another such movie. 

Die-hard fans of the source material by J.K. Rowling will not see a literal translation.

But those wishing only to see a good movie, or Potter fans hoping to find something new on which they can chew, should walk out of this film feeling rewarded for their investment and assured that the filmmakers got it right. 

From the opening scene, the film sparkles with an energy and spirit that comes close to real magic. The film has flaws, but they are ultimately too minor to threaten the surging momentum of the first-rate storytelling. 

Although Chris Columbus did an adequate job directing the first two installments, he elected to act as producer of Azkaban, allowing Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron to step into the director's chair. Cuaron's sole turn as captain of the ship has steered the series into treacherous waters. 

Cauron handles those waters superbly. Like the novel on which it is based, Azkaban is darker, more complex and more mature. Harry is no longer a kid; he is a teenager who must first deal with the demons of adolescence before he can conquer the monsters and murderers of the magical world.

Harry and his friends look older, speak in deeper voices and wear more contemporary clothing, but the biggest change seems to be in their mental and emotional maturity. Much of the credit goes to Cuaron, who has allowed the actors more freedom to explore their characters.

The young actors have responded well. Daniel Radcliffe pulls off the difficult task of showing Harry's inner struggle without being overly dramatic. Rupert Grint's Ron still relies on making faces and gasping, but his comedic timing and goofy charm make up for it. Emma Watson is the best of the three major players, giving Hermione Granger a rebellious energy that perfectly complements her know-it-all attitude. 

The rest of the cast reads almost like a "who's who" of fine British actors, and Cuaron has given these veterans of high drama a chance to have a little fun. The result is a joy to behold. 

Gary Oldman makes the most of his screentime in the role of escaped murderer Sirius Black, the titular prisoner of Azkaban. Michael Gambon takes over for the late Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore, making the right choice by not trying to copy Harris' character. 

The best and most surprising performance comes from relatively unknown David Thewlis, whose portrayal of embattled professor Remus Lupin provides warmth and heart that never becomes campy. 

The film has a few rough edges, namely the pacing. Screenwriter Steve Kloves streamlined the story into its core elements -- a wise decision -- but some parts seem to be rushed through, especially the film's climactic scene, which is difficult to understand. 

But what makes the film so impressive is that viewers are able to see things on screen that wouldn't be possible on page. A handful of moments not found in the book are some of the finest and most clever parts of the movie. These moments are when the film comes closest to approaching the genius of Rowling herself. 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Rated: PG

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

Warner Bros. 

Verdict: The finest of the Potter films so far, Azkaban is an enjoyable flick for fans and casual moviegoers alike.

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