Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise, War of the Worlds, 2005)
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Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise, War of the Worlds, 2005) |
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In most cases of cinema and film the farther down the line a series of films of the same characters or themes goes the worse it gets. In the world of Harry Potter it always gets a tad better. From J.K. Rowling’s still in progress seven book series, Harry Potter brings us to the world of witchcraft and wizardry in fine form. After reading the books (this includes myself) and seeing the films I was highly disappointed. However, after giving them much thought I have come to love all the films. Including the third and most recent, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The first two films were directed by a family film man Christopher Columbus and were lighthearted and a lot of fun. They are both great. In the third installment the series has gone in a slightly different direction bringing in Y tu mamá también’s Alfonso Cuarón. Cuarón takes the darkest of novels so far and brings us the darkest and perhaps the best of the films so far. In his third year at Hogwart’s, Harry has a killer on the loose. Looking for him. Adapted from J.K. Rowling’s series, The Prisoner of Azkaban focuses once again on Harry entering his third year at Hogwart’s. After causing quite a scene at his Aunt and Uncle’s house once again, Harry flees and rides the Knight Bus eventually taking him through various tasks and him arriving at Hogwart’s School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Azkaban Prison is the highest wizard prison that exists and has only had one escapee. Sirius Black who has recently broken out and is on the prowl to find Harry Potter. Why? As we so think it is to kill Harry. But there may be more to the story than we think there is. The storyline is fresh for the Harry Potter films and explores new areas, which is partly in thanks to the new director, Alfonso Cuarón. Alfonso Cuarón has really done a terrific job here. The first two are great, great films but instead of taking the same directing approach and being redundant with many items he cuts straight to the story of the film. This is a great new way to approach a Harry Potter film and very appropriate for this third installment. Most all of the events in the film obtain directly to the story of Sirius and Harry and nothing much else. This is also part in thanks to Stephen Kloves who adapted the first two books and continues to do so here taking a new direction of mainly just the story. Some people may complain because there is not enough of much else (this is the shortest of the three so far at 141 minutes) but I think it is perfect. The tone is dark and the direction sharp and great, Alfonso Cuarón and Stephen Kloves have done a great job collaborating for this third installment. All the same actors are back except for one major one. Richard Harris as the Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Harris did an excellent job and his replacement (Michael Gambon) does a good job but just does not have the same charm, unfortunately. Radcliffe, Grint and Watson all return for Harry, Ron and Hermione. Grint and Watson come on strong and Radcliffe (where he may fit the mental picture of Potter) I have never been impressed with. He does an all right job but I think you could have found a much better actor for the lead role. He does come on a bit stronger in this third one so hopefully he will be even better for the rest of the series. David Thewlis does an excellent job at Professor Lupin and brings the character to the screen just as you or I may have imagined him. Another strong come on is Gary Oldman playing Sirius Black. He is Sirius Black, in my opinion. Just an excellent job. Minus Dumbledore, the acting is the strongest yet and I look forward to seeing just how much better it may get. Overall, the third installment has its share of excellent things and a few things that could have been taken better. Ah, before I forget. John Williams’ score is also a very, very lulling and great composition. The film is never boring and always involving and where it does not capture the entire vast world of Harry Potter it catches near all it needs to for the film. So, see the first two, see the third and enjoy them all. The third just may be the best yet. |
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