With a new director, and a more mature cast, the third film in the popular series is a perfect stepping stone to future adventures.

The story begins with Harry (Radcliffe) biding his time with his aunt and uncle until the time comes for him to return to Hogwarts Academy to continue his magical education. A run in with a rude houseguest hastens his departure and, after a thrilling ride through London in a ghostly triple decker bus, he is reunited with his friends Ron (Grint) and Hermione (Watson). Upon arrival, he discovers that a man named Sirius Black has done the impossible: he has escaped from Azkaban prison.

While the school is surrounded by a group of grim reaper like beings known as Dementers, the students begin another year of studies. New instructors, played by David Thewlis and Emma Thompson, fit in perfectly with the rest of the faculty and Michael Gambon does a fine job taking over for the late Richard Harris as headmaster Albus Dumbledore. One of the new study aids is the Monster Book of Monsters, which of course must be dealt with upon opening! But throughout the halls of Hogwarts, mysterious things begin to happen, and a possible connection between the escaped Mr. Black and young Mr. Potter becomes the main topic of discussion. Is there something there?

Having taken over from director Chris Columbus, Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron brings a more adult and darker feel to the story. Old favorites like Quiditch are mixed in with stories of werewolves, making the film appealing to fans and non-fans of the series. Technical credits are outstanding and John Williams incredible score carries you along with it. With the young cast currently filming "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" under the direction of Mike Newell, and the possibility of three more films after that, the "Harry Potter" films could become one of the best loved, and highest grossing, series in history.

On a scale of zero to four stars, I give "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"