harry potter & co

The new Harry Potter movie, Prisoner of Azkaban, I should note, is the best so far. Yes, it fulfills the promise of being darker and more menacing. But even more, the director this time around, Alfonso Cuaron (of "Y Tu Mama Tambien" and "A Little Princess" fame) is just that much more skilled and subtle than the sledgehammer that is the helmer of the previous outings -- Chris Columbus (of "Home Alone" and, dear God, "Bicentennial Man" and "Stepmom" fame -- though, to be fair, he also made the great Mrs. Doubtfire).

Having created the lovely "A Little Princess" -- one of the best movies of its kind -- Cuaron obviously knows how to work with kids. And the poignant "Y Tu Mama Tambien" proves that he can capture the sensitivities of teenagers. Thus, the characters do more now than just spewing off exposition; they stare into space, look off to the side, turn their backs and go into subtle, quiet rage. It's a much more interesting performance from everyone.

The movie is such a gigantic production that it's hard to credit the incredibly beautiful set designs and perfect special effects to Cuaron. However, he is certainly responsible for the nimble camera work, constantly in motion without being schizophrenic. He also knows exactly when to pull the camera afar to show the characters in their lonely isolation. Many times, I felt a sudden and strong emotional connection completely due to a camera angle change.

And ah, there it is. Emotional connection. This is something that the first two movies lacked, where I never ceased being amazed by the story and the sets but couldn't feel anything beyond the perfunctory plot devices. Here, it works; even the sugary scenes, damn it!

It's not perfect, of course. It still feels too much like a book, and scenes still only extend far enough to expose plot points (rather than letting moods and emotions set in). I would love to see a three-hour version of the film, where Cuaron can work under less damning time constraints. Regardless, this is a wonder of a movie, and one that might make my year-end list.

By the way, my year-end list for 2004 so far:

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
2. Dogville
3. Kill Bill, Vol. 2
4. Harry Potter 3
5. Shrek 2

Not a very good list yet, though more are coming...