Often in a planned series of films released relatively near each other, they will change directors to bring a different perspective on the material. Although Chris Columbus said he would not return to Harry Potter after directing the first two films in order to spend more time with his family, the series was in need of a new director to bring their vision to the project. By bringing Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama Tambien, Children of Men) in to direct, Harry Potter is portrayed in a new light and the film is given a new element not present in the first two installments. Now in The Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry, Ron, and Hermione, already showing signs of maturing, return to Hogwarts for a 3rd year amidst the first escape ever from Azkaban by the sinister Sirius Black (the always great Gary Oldman)-a man who played a part in Potter’s parents death and may now be after Harry. Dumbledore is now played by Michael Gambon after the passing of Richard Harris, and fills the shoes aptly. Emma Thompson and David Thewlis are also welcome additions to the cast, but again the most important addition to the film is Cuaron and it is a shame that this is the only Potter film he will be involved with.
