“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” 
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family 
Released: June 4, 2004 
Runtime: 2 hr 19 min 
Streaming on: fuboTV, Max, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, YouTube, Hulu, and Google Play Movies 
Rating: 10/10 Stars  

Catch a ride on the Hogwarts Express and immerse yourself into the terrific third installment of the Harry Potter film franchise, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” 

Dexterously directed by Alfonso Cuaron and released on June 4, 2004, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ” imaginatively returns viewers to the wizarding world with more mystifying and frightening circumstances. This film continues the story of Harry Potter, played by actor Daniel Radcliffe, as he enters his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  

After inflating his verbally abusive Aunt Marge and running away, Harry gets rescued by a magical hotel on wheels for stranded witches and wizards called the Knight Bus. Potter catches a ride to the Leaky Cauldron in London, where he learns that a dangerous wizard and escaped prisoner named Sirius Black, played by actor Gary Oldman, is looking for him. 

Before leaving for Hogwarts, Potter reunites with old friends, Ron Weasley played by actor Rupert Grint and Hermione Granger played by actor Emma Watson. The trio board the Hogwarts Express where Potter faces his first terrifying encounter with a Dementor before being saved by Hogwarts new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Remus Lupin who is played by actor David Thewlis. 

During the first meeting in the Hogwarts Grand Hall, Professor Dumbledore, played by actor Michael Gambon, explains to students that the school will be patrolled by Dementors until Sirius Black is found. Further mysteries and misfortunes begin to evolve when the portrait of the Fat Lady guarding Gryffindor Tower gets attacked, Potter faces another scary encounter with a Dementor during a Quidditch game and when Potter is gifted the mysterious Marauder’s Map. After an alarming Divination class that brings a warning of death, Potter and friends begin to unravel the dark secrets of his past and must continue their quest to stop the Dark Lord. 

While this story features many familiar characters like the fan favorite Rubeus Hagrid who is played by actor Robbie Coltrane, fans may spot some unfamiliar faces including Professor Lupin, Professor Trelawney who is played by actor Emma Thompson and actor Michael Gambon taking over for Richard Harris as Professor Dumbledore from the previous two films.  

This story features several shocking plot twists and subplots including werewolves, Animagus, an enchanted time-turner and the identity of Weasley’s pet “Scabbers.” 

As usual, the acting is bewitching. Most notably, actor Gary Oldman really steals the show as he brings to life a convicted man who changed his heart. This fascinating film also features some superb special effects that accentuate the wizards as they battle and take flight, along with small bouts of comedy between the characters. This film also wields a powerful lesson in honesty, as the characters expose some of the dangerous myths residing at Hogwarts. 

Some minor aspects are different in the film compared to the book, such as Potter’s reaction to discovering Black’s betrayal against his family and no introduction for the character Cho Chang. These changes do not impact on the power and quality of the film, keeping it at a solid ten stars.   

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” brings new compelling dark mysteries to a beloved magical franchise, forming a compilation of vital elements to create a fantastic film. Pack up your Hogwarts Handbook and robe for a third adventure into the wizarding world of Harry Potter!