Michael Gambon replaces the late Richard Harris as headmaster Albus Dumbledore. In addition to Thewlis and Oldman (who are both wonderful), this film brings us Emma Thompson as aįlakey teacher of prognostication and Julie Christie as a witchy pub owner. The Harry Potter series seems to be employing the entire population of good British actors. Unlike Snape, he was their friend - and he takes Harry under his wing. Was a classmate of Lily and James Potter. It turns out that like the dreaded Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), Lupin Much of his new-found knowledge is provided by Professor Lupin, a new teacher with a dark secret, portrayed by David Thewlis. In the course of the year, Harry learns more about his past - and gets closer to the understanding the circumstances that led to the death of his parents, Lily and James. Searching for Black are the prison's creepy guards ghostly creatures known as Dementors, who disturbingly take an interest in Harry. Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), a legendary murderer, has escaped from Azkaban prison, and we soon find out that the entire wizarding world expects that Harry will be his next victim. Once again, Harry arrives at Hogwarts under the vague threat of mortal danger. Where a normal teenager may have the urge to slam a door in anger, the rage of a teen wizard can do some actual harm (which he demonstrates to comic effect). Because of his tragic history and difficult living situation, Harry's feelings are a little more intense. Harry and his friends are now 13 years old and fully experiencing the emotional ups and downs of adolescence.

'The Prisoner of Azkaban' is a transitional chapter in Harry Potter's story, bridging the wonder and discovery of the first two books into the darker, more dangerous tone of those thatįollow.

The one big difference between this film and the previous ones is that so much of the action takes place outside Hogwarts Castle, but that's as much a reflection of Rowling's book as any decisions made by Cuarón. There was much speculation that Cuarón would bring a more daring touch to 'Azkaban.' However, Columbus is still on hand as a producer, and this film doesn't veer too far away from the world he already created for the screen. Rowling herself was such a fan of Cuarón's filmed version of 'A Little Princess' that he was actually *her* first choice to helm Harry's debut.Ĭhris Columbus ended up bringing the first two novels to the screen,Īnd some critics lamented that Columbus was a little too faithful to the books. Many Hollywood types were surprised when young hotshot director Alfonso Cuarón accepted this job after the success of his racy hit, 'Y Tu Mama Tambien.' It was later revealed that J.K.

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