Watch Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a 2004 film based on the third novel in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, the movie stars Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. The movie takes place during Harry's third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After accidentally inflating his nasty aunt Marge, Harry runs away from the Dursleys' home and is rescued by the Knight Bus. When he arrives at Hogwarts, he discovers that a notorious criminal named Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban, the wizarding prison, and is believed to be after Harry.

Meanwhile, Hogwarts introduces new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Professor Lupin, who teaches Harry how to defend himself against Dementors, the soul-sucking guards of Azkaban. With the help of his friends, Harry must uncover the truth about Sirius Black and find a way to protect himself and his loved ones from danger.

The film's visual style is darker than its predecessors, with Cuaron's direction emphasizing muted tones and shadows. The movie also introduces new creatures such as the Hippogriff and the Dementors, which are brought to life with impressive CGI effects.

Daniel Radcliffe delivers a solid performance as Harry, showcasing both his courage and vulnerability as he faces new challenges. Emma Watson also shines as Hermione, portraying her intelligence and resourcefulness in the face of danger. Rupert Grint's Ron provides much needed comedic relief throughout the film.

The supporting cast includes notable performances from Gary Oldman as Sirius Black and David Thewlis as Professor Lupin. The film also features Michael Gambon's first appearance as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, taking over the role from the late Richard Harris.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a thrilling addition to the Harry Potter franchise. Cuaron's direction and the impressive visual effects elevate the movie, while the strong performances from the cast keep audiences invested in the story. This movie stands out as a standout installment in the popular series.

In conclusion, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a must-see for both fans of the book series and newcomers to the wizarding world. Its darker tone and impressive visuals will leave audiences on the edge of their seats, while its compelling story and memorable characters will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a 2004 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 82.