The most popular series of a generation, maybe of all-time, Harry Potter has certainly been analyzed, praised, and criticized by countless individuals and groups throughout its existence. The books were nothing short of a cultural phenomenon, an anomaly in every sense of the word, and the films capitalized and even increased their success. While I plan to discuss both the books and movies at a later date in video format, I thought I would take a moment to appreciate the best movie of the bunch, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
The third film in the franchise, and the first not helmed by director Chris Columbus, Prisoner of Azkaban focuses on Harry and his friends in their third year at Hogwarts, as they work to unravel the mystery of Sirius Black, and why he seems out to get the ever-popular Harry Potter.
Prisoner of Azkaban is notable straight away due to its stark shift in tone from the previous two films, but this alteration is in no way negative. As Harry and his friends begin to grow up, and encounter more and more harsh realities of life, they realize that everything is not and will not always be bright and cheery. Still, there is a sizable amount of lightheartedness present at times in the film, providing the perfect segue between the first two films and the much more serious Goblet of Fire.
But the greatest strength of this movie is the introduction of two fan-favorite side characters, who both act as father figures to Harry throughout the rest of the narrative. Sirius Black, played masterfully by Gary Oldman, and Remus Lupin, portrayed in an underrated performance by David Thewlis, bring a sense of gravitas and comfort to their respective roles, almost casting a spiritual safety net behind Harry and his friends as they begin to grow up. Both are perfect in their roles, serving to compliment the lovable main trio.
The mystery of Prisoner of Azkaban and its execution in film adaptation actually works a bit better for me than the book version. The introduction of the Marauder’s Map, the hints, setup, and payoff of Peter Pettigrew, the false trail of Sirius Black, everything is engaging and meaningful. And though the Time Turner plot device catches a sizable amount of scrutiny for its probable ability to make plot holes, I can turn aside without being bothered because it makes sense to the characters in the world. If the characters in the Wizarding world understand its rules, I can suspend my disbelief and questioning to go along with it, especially because of how exciting the plot is on its own.
In a series in which every entry is a classic of modern storytelling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban stands alone at the top. From timeless performances, to maturing themes and tones, to an intriguing mystery, it proves to be a film that is exciting on every rewatch. Of course, I recommend Prisoner of Azkaban in the highest regard.
Russell A. Wells 