After watching Chamber of Secrets my first day home for Thanksgiving break, a friend and I decided why not just continue the series? Especially since everyone starts getting good looking in the third one. The Prisoner of Azkaban, based on my favorite book of the series, kicks off with a bang as Harry accidentally blows up his mean Aunt Marge and finds out that the recently escaped mass murderer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) is looking for him. Hogwarts security has been increased with the soul-sucking dementors, who make Harry faint every time they near him. The awesome new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Lupin (David Thewlis) helps him conquer his intense fear of them, while the threat of Black infiltrating the school becomes more dire. The usual staples of Quidditch, friendships going awry, and magical interludes are added. Plus, time travel.
After the first viewing, I remember being disappointed that so much of the book was left out, but as I look at it as a movie and not just an adaptation, I really appreciate Prisoner of Azkaban. It’s visually stunning, and much more innovative than its predecessors. Cuarón brings a much-needed distinction and style to the film, making something that’s honestly fun to watch by itself, instead of just absorb out of habit because you like the books. It’s not perfect, surely, but pretty entertaining. The story delves more into Harry’s parents’ past, which is cool, and everyone gets better at acting, and Harry and Ron seem less collectively idiotic. ALSO: Emma Thompson, hello!
4/5
The fourth installment sees Harry entered in the Tri-Wizard Tournament against his will, which takes a 7th year from France, Russia/Bulgaria, and England and makes them compete in death-defying stunts for the supposed encouragement of “unity”. The new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, the paranoid Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson) tries to help Harry out since he’s wildly unqualified for any of the events. Harry is also having weird dreams about Voldemort, sensing his imminent return to power but unsure how real his visions are. There’s a ball and suddenly Ron realizes that Hermione is pretty hot, while he and Harry are clueless and rude in regards to their own dates. Ugh. Boys. Anyway big battle at the end, lots of magic, etc etc.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is another so-so entry. The myriad new characters and subplots aren’t handled deftly, creating a rushed narrative in spite of the long running time. There’s so much going on that nothing is given very much focus, so the importance of certain characters or events isn’t really made clear. Cedric Diggory’s death didn’t mean anything, because he only gets about 2 lines and 5 minutes screentime. And Harry’s feelings for Cho Chang are barely expressed, so his asking her to the dance is unexpected. Also, everyone looks like they’re in the 70’s. Seriously, what is that? Cut your hair! Visually it’s ok, just not as exciting as Cuarón’s view of the world. Oh, and The Doctor shows up for like a minute at the end! Rad!
3.5/5
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