82
Metascore
40 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90The Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenThe Hollywood ReporterMichael RechtshaffenA deeper, darker, visually arresting and more emotionally satisfying adaptation of the J.K. Rowling literary phenomenon, achieving the neat trick of remaining faithful to the spirit of the book while at the same time being true to its cinematic self.
- 88Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversNot only is this dazzler by far the best and most thrilling of the three Harry Potter movies to date, it's a film that can stand on its own even if you never heard of author J.K. Rowling and her young wizard hero.
- 83Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanShot in spooky gradations of silver and shadow, The Prisoner of Azkaban is the first movie in the series with fear and wonder in its bones, and genuine fun, too.
- 80NewsweekNewsweekThe result is a film that's really moving--and really moves.
- 80TimeRichard CorlissTimeRichard CorlissEnjoy the savory witches' brew that Cuaron has cooked up in his Harry pot. For on its own terms, this one is truly wizard.
- 75ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliAlthough Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban stands well enough on its own, it has a "middle chapter" feeling. In other words, there's no real beginning or ending. Little is resolved and the film's climax is low-key.
- 70Village VoiceMichael AtkinsonVillage VoiceMichael AtkinsonA mild upkick in pacing and texture can be credited to director Alfonso Cuarón (more Little Princess than Y Tu Mamá), who avoids Chris Columbus's mastodon-like setups and knows a bit more about whipping up atmospherics.
- 70The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasWith shades of Carrie, Harry's magical powers and adolescent angst make a combustible fusion, taking on frightening, vengeful implications that Cuarón honors by refusing to airbrush the shadowy regions of fantasy.
- 60EmpireEmpireAzkaban contains both the longest denouement and the most rousing finish of any of the books, and Cuarón wisely whips through the 'ah-hahs' so that the clever climax, complete with the series' best SFX, can enjoy its moment in the moonlight.