Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a glorious fantasy that supplies the key ingredient that I felt was lacking in the first picture; magic. Sure, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was a movie about magic, but somehow, it didn't feel magical to me. The Chamber of Secrets was certainly a step up in terms of character, but again, as big in scope as Chris Columbus' Hogwarts universe was, it felt a tad stagy. The Prisoner of Azkaban by comparison, transported me to another world and I enjoyed every moment of it.

Now keep in mind, that I've experienced this series as a set of films. I haven't read the books, so I'm judging them in a completely different light. Upon exiting a slam packed midnight screening (complete with an audience of dressed up "Potter" heads), I walked into the lobby to sort of take in the buzz. Indeed, I could hear groans unleashed by dozens of "Potter" disciples who felt that screenwriter Steven Kloves and new "Harry" director Alfonso Cuaron had taken liberties or left too many things out of the book. Well, again, not having read the books, it's easier for me to be a more objective. Personally, I found this entry to be tighter, edgier, and far more interesting than the previous pictures. It also benefits from maturity (character and storywise) and a much more striking visual style.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the young wizard (more aggravated with his mortal life than ever) returns to Hogwarts for year three where he again finds himself plunged into adventure with friends Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint). This time, the tale is a tad darker and brings our young heroes face to face with everything from a creepy race of beings known as Dementors (cloaked creatures that resemble the Ring Wraiths from Lord of the Rings), to a mystical flying creature known as a Hippogriff, to the title character, a crazed prisoner (played by a terrific Gary Oldman) with possible ties to Potter.

This latest Harry Potter film greatly benefits from the considerable talents of Alfonso Cuaron. When it was first announced that Cuaron would be taking the reigns from Chris Columbus, many thought it to be an odd choice. After all, this was the man that directed the sexually charged "Y Tu Mama Tambien". What many forget is that he also made the family gem "A Little Princess" back in 1995, so the idea wasn't that far-fetched. Not to take away from Columbus' accomplishments. The first two pictures were certainly grandiose, but Cuaron brings something new to the table. His vision of J.K. Rowling's universe is moodier and far more magical, but then so is the story upon which this chapter is based.

Not only does Cuaron's Potter film look better, it also moves at a quicker pace, and is also much more character driven. It should also be noted that Alfonso has a sly sense of humor. True, while this installment is more adult oriented (the once young heroes are on the verge of adulthood), this isn't exactly the sexy romp that Y Tu Mama Tambien was. Subtlety is the key, and the director even goes so far as to include a scene in which Harry plays with his magic wand while under the bed sheets.

The performances are outstanding. The young leads, particularly Daniel Radcliffe (who now has to deal with a bit of teen angst), become more comfortable in their character's skin with each passing adventure. New to this tale is an outstanding David Thewlis who plays Remis Lupin, a Hogwarts professor. His scenes with Radcliffe (he serves as a sort of father figure to the budding Potter) add a dramatic depth to the fantastical proceedings. I also got a kick out of a charismatic Gary Oldman, who is all at once spastic and heartwarmingly sincere as Sirus Black. Harry Potter greatly benefits from a terrific roster of bit parts as well, none more winning than a nutty Emma Thompson who plays eccentric professor Sybill Trelawney.

I've already commented on the overall look of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I can't stress enough how gorgeous this picture looks. The Art direction is absolutely stunning. The special effects are clearly the best of the series. The live action and CGI mesh together seamlessly (the Hippogriff scenes really are amazing). Cinematographrer Michael Seresin captures the breathtaking landscapes of this magical universe to absolute perfection. And I have to give props to John Williams for another brilliant score. While the original Harry Potter theme is prominent, the rest of the score takes on a life of it's own. It's absolutely beautiful.

Harry Potter is an unbelievable phenomenon. It's one I that I don't all together understand, but then I suppose there are plenty of people out there who don't understand my undying fascination with Star Wars and Indiana Jones. What I can say is this; As films, the Harry Potter series gets better with each passing chapter. I have no doubt that this installment will be huge, and it should be. It is a tad long but ultimately, I was sucked into J.K. Rowling's magical world.

I can only hope that the upcoming Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire takes the fantasy series even further in the right direction. Sadly, Alfonso Cuaron won't be handling directing duties on the next picture. That responsibility will fall into the hands of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" helmer Mike Newell. We'll have to wait until November 2005 to see where that adventure takes us but for now, I'm more than pleased with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. At the moment, it's my favorite summer movie.