Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Data
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Year: 2004
Length: 141 minutes
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Writer: Steve Kloves, based on the book by J.K. Rowling
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson
Music: John Williams (and a little non-original music)
Oscars: nominated for Best Score and Best Visual Effects
I saw it: in the theater, 2004; on video several times (have on DVD), most recently yesterday
Synopsis: an escaped convict wants to get at a student at a magic boarding school



My reaction
Concept: It may be a very similar concept to the last two movies, but this time the school itself isn't the threat, and the plot doesn't depend on the kids being reckless idiots.
Story: Kind of brilliant.
Characters:
Dialog:
Pacing:
Cinematography: Pretty...
Special effects/design: There are some very bad special effects here and there, but also some good, and the design is great. Bonus point for Lupin seeming to have walked in out of a 1930s monster movie.
Acting: The kids are finally old enough to do their jobs. And the adults are pulling their weight this time.
Music: It would seem that for the first two movies, Chris Columbus had been telling Williams to write crap.
Subjective Rating: 8/10 (Great, ). Easily the high point of the series.
Objective Rating (Average):