Having just returned from a 9pm showing of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it is with great joy, satisfaction and one hell of a big grin that has been plastered on my face for the last three hours that I tell you that this movie is cinematic brilliance in every way. The change in directors was, in my mind, the best thing that could happen to the franchine. The new director, Alfonso Cuar�n, took over for Chris Columbus (who directed the last two films) and is did an absolutely remarkable job with this film. Each and every moment of the movie was well worth watching, and I giggled like a little girl with happiness at numerous parts during the movie (namely when seeing the Hippogryph and the monster book). I especially like how the director didn’t try to bother with covering every single little detail that was in the book like the previous two movies did. This movie focuses on the things that movie-watchers want to see, while still managing to please die-hard fans of the book like myself.

I do have to say that I’m a little disturbed by the fact that this movie garnered a PG rating though. I mean, hell, I was scared during parts of it! The movie had a very dark feel to it, and had lots of moments that made me more than a little bit jittery, it’s also very nice to see the excessive use of fade-ins and fade-outs… Really helps build the tension a bit. The dementors are also brilliantly scary/freaky, and Sirius Black was very well-cast; I won’t ruin anything for those of you who haven’t seen it nor read the book, but, basically, he portrays his character perfectly. Also, the casting of Professor Lupin, while it angered me at first, was perfect. I really wasn’t too happy with the person they chose, as he just didn’t look like the Lupin I had pictured… But, once I saw him in action, I realized that he was absolutely perfect for the part. The only (and I do mean the only thing) I did not like about the movie was the new actor for Professor Dumbledore. I realize that the old actor, Richard Harris, may have died… But his replacement just doesn’t get the job done! Harris’ portrayal of Dumbledore was brilliant, and I couldn’t expect someone to follow in his footsteps exactly, but the new guy, while he may almost look the part (though noticeably bigger) isn’t “cool” enough for the part. Damn you Richard Harris for your dying of old age. I miss you.

Oh yeah, and the three main characters did remarkable jobs as well. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) has really matured, and is turning into a remarkable actor in his young age… Ron (Rupert Grint) still fits his part perfectly, not to mention delivering a nice amount of hilarious lines. And, well, Hermione (Emma Watson) is simply my hero. She’s turning into a beautiful lady, and still portrays Hermione absolutely perfect. And, Emma, if you’re reading this: I want your hand in marriage… I mean, when you’re older. Like… Now. Or now. Or Now. The rest of this review will be dedicated to Emma.