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So how’s he done this? By elongating the target market
apparently. With an added degree of spookiness, an extra splodge
of eeriness and some rather macabre themes, Harry Potter’s
latest adventure is perhaps his most adult yet. And it's probably
fitting considering the lead – and his cohorts –
aren’t the juvenile tykes they were three years ago.
Harry and pals Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts (the name
of the school where our titular young Wizard trains) for their
third year. But there is apparently danger surrounding Harry
and it’s put the school on high alert. Seems fugitive
Sirius Black, the man apparently responsible for the death
of Harry’s parents, has escaped from his cell and is
now after the bespectacled wizard.
The first two movies – based on the beloved children’s
fantasy books by J.K Rowling – were the type of films
that young fans adored to the last drop. Yet, adults seemed
to appreciate them on a different level. For instance, from
a personal stance, I enjoyed the effects, I appreciated the
mish-mash of story with those effects and welcomed the recognisable
cast in tow – but didn’t quite get caught up in
the whole shebang.
Like Lord of the Rings, the film’s seemed overtly
loyal to the books it was based upon and – maybe rightfully
so – forgot about anyone new to the audience. In addition,
and significantly, the script’s of both ‘Philosophers
Stone’ and ‘Chamber of Secrets, though well-written,
were merely only thinking of the children in the audience
and offered very little for the adult that had being dragged
along for the matinee. Thank god for Alfonso Cuarón.
Cauron’s intent with “The Prisoner of Azkaban”
is seemingly to change all that. He wants adults to enjoy
this one as much as the kids have the previous films and for
the most part, he succeeds, by mixing a range of different
elements and some slightly risky traits to a series that welcomes
it.
One has to wonder whether the moment a group of kids sing
in choir ‘Something Wicked this Way Comes’ near
the film’s beginning, was the directors tip-off to the
audience that this is going to be different.
Acting wise, there are some real standouts here. The kids
are as good as ever – they really did cast these well
– though obviously getting a little older, Gary Oldman
is memorable in his short but important role as Sirius Black,
David Thewlis is instantly likeable as the obliging Professor
Lupin, whilst Michael Gambon does a fine job replacing the
late Richard Harris as veteran wizard, Dumbledore.
From this reviewer’s point of view – and I’d
be happy to hear from any 11 year old who thinks otherwise
– this is the Best Harry Potter yet. It’s universally
appealing, swimming in both style and substance, has a hell
of an ending and is drawn from the kind of template both kids
and adults alike yearn for.
Finally, I think I’m beginning to see what all the fuss
is about.
DVD Extras
If you’re after a plethora of extras, you can’t
go past a “Harry Potter” DVD.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a commentary track. The director
was obviously off hiking that day, so you might as well skip
straight to the second disc if you want the goodies and nothing
but.
Under four different menu’s you’ll find such treats
as deleted scenes, a featurette about the film adaptations
of J.K Rowling’s books, a slab of cast and crew interviews,
some kiddie games, a featurette on the film’s dazzling
special effects, and promo’s for the other ‘Potter’
related goodies about – like the games.
Audio is absolutely beautiful, with the only beef in terms
of Video being some dark contrast in certain scenes, making
the pic look a little murky.
Conclusion: Movie 85% Extras 70%
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