Something wicked this way comes.
Rating: 6/10
Running Time: 142 minutes
US Certificate: PG UK Certificate: PG
In one of the most eagerly-awaited blockbusters of 2004, a now slightly-awkward-and-pubic-looking Daniel Radcliffe returns as Harry Potter, everyones favourite speccy sorcerer.
Fans of the franchise will be happy to hear the majority of the same faces return to take up their familiar roles (with the notable exception of the late Richard Harris, whose part as the grizzled wizard Dumbledore is taken over by Michael Gambon). But its all change elsewhere, with a new director, new focus, and new danger.
Helming this one is little-known Mexican honcho Alfonso Cuaron who, unlike predecessor Chris Colombus, chucks us straight in at the deep end. Unsure of who all the characters are? Unfamiliar with the first two films? Havent read the books? Tough toadstools this might run at well over two hours, but it doesnt wait around for anybody.
Even viewed as a stand-alone film in its own right, the plot is pretty tricky to make out. The basic premise is that a snarling baddie by the name of Sirius Black (Gary Oldman, playing it half Ming the Merciless and half Keith Richards) has escaped from the nick and is headed in the general direction of our Quidditch-playing Timmy Mallett look-a-like. Beyond sussing out that much, non-Potter aficionados can expect to be left scratching their heads as plot point after plot point go unexplained.
This is a much darker flick than the first two, and its to its credit that it recognises the blooming adolescence of Harry and his chums (Rupert Grint and Emma Watson). Theyre not kids anymore, and as such appear to have discovered a collective rebellious streak indeed, fighting back is a strong-running theme throughout the movie.
But by far and away the most impressive thing about this one is the special effects. Without being over-used, the visuals on display really push the boundaries and rank as the best Ive seen in any live action picture.
Unfortunately, theres just no escaping the fact that, despite its kiddy flick status, this is one confusing 140 minutes. Its got just about enough plus points to make it worth seeing and plenty of you will anyway but anyone expecting Cuaron to ease us nicely into things the way Columbus did should prepare themselves for a major culture shock.
It's Got: Werewolves, witches, broomsticks, Quidditch, Lenny Henry, and his missus.
It Needs: For the third film in a row, to make better use of Alan Rickmans Professor Snape, arguably the most interesting character in the whole thing.
Summary
A visually exhilarating but virtually unfathomable hundred-mile-an-hour bare-back hippogriff ride. Baffled? You will be!