Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter is back in the cinemas again. Usually it comes out during Christmas season, but because the director has changed (the first two were directed by Chris Columbus, now it's Alfonso Cuaron) and some delays, the third installment of Harry Potter came out last week.

I have read all the books and by far The Prisoner of Azkaban is the best book. Harry is 13, he's growing up, he's angry and confused, his friends are growing up as well, and he faces a criminal on the loose. The story is dark, very dark for a 13 year old, but you can feel how he is growing from the book.

The movie itself has great visual treatment. The school seemed to moved more north, more into the mountanous area of England. All along it is dark (and some say scary). The trio is portrayed as normal 13 year old schoolkids. It is just Hogwarts as you expect it to be.

Too bad Cuaron was focusing on the visuals too much and left out bits and pieces of the story. There wasn't an adequate explanation of the bond between Sirius Black, James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. Or what these 4 guys have with Severus Snape. No explanation of what an Animagus is. Or where that Werewolf came from. And other stuff. And who Mooney and Padfoot were.

This movie is good to watch when you have read the book. Without it, you'll understand bits and pieces but you won't understand the problems and feelings that Harry Potter, 13 years old, is facing.

"What the bloody hell was that all about?"