A Statement before we begin –
tytdreviews.com/2026/01/03/a-word-on-j-k-rowling/

The third entry in the ‘Harry Potter’ series and the last film I bothered to read the book adaptation of. ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ is quite literally just a ‘fine’ movie. and while the elements and characters this film sets up will get a lot more love and depth in the later sequels. For now, this feels almost like the germination point for where the rest of the series will go thematically and aesthetically from here on in.

Visually, theres a big shift away from the more whimsical fantastical fantasy aesthetic and styalisation, into a more moodier ‘Tim Burton-esq’ dark fantasy. Im personally not a huge fan, but it was the style at the time and if you dont much care for it here, well…buckle up because theres 5 more films in this style to come.

Technically? I cant really fault this film, its at least trying to stand on its own two feet when compared to ‘Chamber of secrets’ which felt like it was trying to ape ‘Philosophers stones’ visuals unsuccessfully. ‘Azkaban’ isnt trying anything ‘new’ exactly, but it also isnt trying to retread old ground, so I do have to give it that.

Its also almost 20 minutes shorter than ‘Chamber of Secrets’ so it has that going for it, the script itself feels a bit more nippy and story driven, theres definitely less randomly ambling around following the day to day school antics at Hogwarts, and more of a clear 3 act story with progression and drivers for the characters motivations. I dont really care much for the mopier blunter tone this films going for, characters are generally moodier, sadder and more aggressive. Which is a shame. But given they’re appealing to the ‘alt’ crowd of the 2000s…they could have gone WAY more cringe than they ultimately did.

The scripts pacey, has a good 3 act structure thats evenly balanced, tells a half decent story fairly well. Im not the biggest fan of the time travel elements in this one, but on this rewatch, I have to say I enjoyed it more than last time, theres less distinctly memorable moments in this one compared to the other two, but what it lacks in distinction it makes up for in consistency.

The performances are once again pretty rock solid, Im not entirely won over by Michael Gambon as Dumbledore in this one, he’s not nearly mild mannered enough and has seemingly decided that Dumbledore should be more irrassible than welcoming…and that doesnt improve as the series goes on…STILL! David Thewliss is an absolute delight as Lupin in this one, as is Gary Oldman as Srieus Black. I have no notes, they’re pretty much perfect casting for me. and the score seems to have had a bit of a kick up the pants with a slightly more skatty Jazz vibe to it this time around. An odd choice…but I like Jazz, so it works for me.

All in all? this entry feels like the series is finally deciding what direction it needs to move in tonally. But unfortunately, I dont think its a tone I personally like. The loss of sincere tender moments and genuine fun makes this entry feel less like a fun adventure family movie, and more like the cringe inducing readings from a teenagers diary.

Its a solid enough production, and I know they get better as they go on. But I spent most of this film kind of wishing it would just get to the next ‘good’ bit.

source https://letterboxd.com/tytdreviews/film/harry-potter-and-the-prisoner-of-azkaban/