Harry Potter's 'Azkaban' lacks that old black magic

by NATHAN LERNER

As Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban opens, it's year three, adaptation three of the beloved J.K. Rowling's series. At 13, our protagonist is making the transition from childhood to adolescence.

Harry learns that, after a dozen years of captivity, the enigmatic wizard, Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), has escaped from Azkaban Prison. It is believed that Black, acting as an agent of the evil Lord Voldemort, had betrayed Harry's parents and caused their murders. Harry is forewarned that Black is now intent upon killing him.

Back at Hogwarts Academy, Harry reunites with his two best chums, Ron (Rupert Gint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). A new character pivotal to the storyline is Buckbeak, a hybrid between a horse and an eagle.

So-called Dementors prowl the outskirts of the school. These terrifying spectral creatures are charged with tracking down Sirius Black and sucking out the fugitive's soul. The Dementors terrify everyone who encounters them. Harry seems particularly sensitive to their presence. Therefore, Professor Lupin (David Thewlis) teaches him the Patronus Charm for protection.

The latest installment boasts incredible visual effects and superb production values. Stunning examples include the Dementors; Harry's airborne ride on Buckbeak; the Shrieking Shack, supposedly the most haunted dwelling in Britain; talking portraits; as well as a confrontation between a Grim, a creature who portends death, and a werewolf. Cinematographer Michael Seresin provides sensational camera angles and overviews. He makes excellent use of pastoral backdrops and Alnwick Castle in Northumberland as the setting of the school. John Williams, conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra and the recipient of an astounding 42 Oscar nominations, contributions another solid score.

Unfortunately, Steve Kloves' third Potter adaptation seems to be unduly cluttered with plot fragments and is without the crisp narrative focus of the prior installments. Director Alphonso Cuaron delivers a film which is disconcertingly dark, both literally and in tone.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a technically impressive work. Unfortunately, it lacks the magic of the prior Potter vehicles.

**1/2 PG (for frightening moments, creature violence and mild language) 141 minutes