"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is, so far, the best reviewed Harry Potter film yet in the series according to Rotten Tomatoes. In general, critics are citing that it's a more mature, emotional, deep, and cinematic film than its two predecessors thanks mainly to the changing of the directorial guard with Alfonso Cuaron.
At present the film stands with an 89% approval rating and an average score of 7.6/10 amongst major critics. In comparison, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" scored an 82% approval and 7.2/10 score. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" managed a 78% approval and 6.9/10 score. Compared to other major releases this year, 'Azkaban' is the third 'most critically praised' wide release film this year behind "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and "Shrek 2" but just ahead of "Kill Bill Volume 2". Am seeing it this weekend myself and will post my review up by Sunday US time.
In related news, whilst talking with Sci-Fi, actress Emma Watson spoke about the cuts made to both the novel and the film in order to make it a proper big screen adventure: "I think that they did a really good job on this one. A lot was cut, but they did a great job of making sure that everything that was put in the film was really relevant to the plot. One of the things that I think is really great about the film is that it's really fluid and fast-moving. They did a really good job of getting everything that was important in there".
Asked specifically what was shot but cut, Watson replied "There were a couple of fights with Ron [Rupert Grint] that were cut. There was an awkward hug with Ron, but it did get cut. Hermione and Ron spend the whole film arguing with each other. Ron is convinced that Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, has eaten his rat, [Scabbers]. But I think that's a bit of a cover-up, really, because they have a bit of a soft spot for each other. It's a classic love-hate relationship. You always tease the ones you like".
Thanks to 'Senh' & 'Gustavo'
