A quick show of hands — how many of us knew all it would take is a change in director to make the Harry Potter movies more watchable?
The first two films in this ongoing movie series — which were directed by Chris Columbus — were almost slavishly faithful to the source material (J.K. Rowling's best-selling novels) and were lacking in real moviemaking magic. Enter director Alfonso Cuaron, whose contribution to the series shows considerably more imagination and energy.
Consequently, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is the best of the films to date.
What Cuaron brings — in addition to a more impressive visual style — is some much needed humor. While this material is a bit darker than the other two (some content may give pause to parents of little ones), it's also much funnier and a lot more fun than the other two.
What problems there are have been imposed by again sticking so closely to the source material. (A plot twist near the end that may bring to mind one of the lamest bits from the first "Superman" movie.)
"Azkaban" finds the Hogwarts school on a lockdown of sorts after the notorious wizard Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) escapes from Azkaban prison. Sirius was responsible for the deaths of Harry's parents, and, naturally, everyone assumes he wishes to add another Potter to his hit list.
At the same time, Azkaban's guards, the spectral, soul-sucking Dementors, are patrolling the school grounds to supposedly protect the young students. However, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) has already had one run-in with them, and let's just say that it didn't exactly go well for our young hero.
Meanwhile, there's the usual intrigue going on with Harry and his pals. It appears that, somehow, Hermione (Emma Watson) is in two places at once. And, as usual, there's a mystery involving the motivations of the school's professors, including a couple of new arrivals (Emma Thompson and David Thewlis).
That Cuaron does so well with this material isn't too surprising; his version of "A Little Princess" had similarly redeeming qualities. And refreshingly, the pacing isn't as sluggish this time around.
Cuaron is also democratic in the way that he gives nearly every cast member something to do. The youngsters are more confident in their performances, and Thompson is amusing as their froopy divinations professor.
British character actor Michael Gambon also acquits nicely himself in the role of school headmaster Dumbledore (replacing the late Richard Harris).
"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is rated PG for fantasy violence (wizardry, some fisticuffs, animal attacks and some peril), brief gore and scattered use of mild profanity (mostly religiously based). Running time: 142 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com