"I fully anticipate that record will fall," he said.

A good start will put it on a fast track to join the Top 10 all-time hits. "Sorcerer's Stone" is No. 3 with $972.4 million, and "Chamber of Secrets" is No. 7 at $876.8 million. [Reuters] Reviews are excellent: Christy Lemire of AP digs it:

"Azkaban" has some wondrous moments, too. A scene in which Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) takes a ride on a hippogriff - a flying animal that's half horse, half eagle - has a soaring, I'm-the-king-of-the-world energy about it, only without the bombastic Celine Dion music.

The supporting cast is more fabulous than ever. Besides the returning actors - including Alan Rickman as the snippy Professor Snape and Robbie Coltrane as the lovable giant Hagrid - there are some wonderful additions.

David Thewlis plays the supportive Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher who helps Harry face his fears, and Emma Thompson is a scene stealer as a hippie-chick divination professor, a showy role that's a great contrast with the prim parts for which she's best known. As the mysterious, misunderstood Sirius Black, Gary Oldman infuses his character with great heart and sympathy.

(Michael Gambon takes over seamlessly as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, the role Richard Harris played until his death in 2002.)

Most importantly, Radcliffe and the young actors who co-star as Harry's pals are more confident than ever. Radcliffe, who was a likable if slightly goofy kid in the first two movies, has grown into a charismatic (and cute) 14-year-old.

Emma Watson, as Harry's bossy buddy Hermione, has developed into a strong, beautiful young woman. And as Harry's best friend Ron, Rupert Grint shows an improving sense of humor and timing.

Purists may balk that this is an art-house version of Harry Potter - and with any revered pop culture phenomenon, fans are likely to get riled about something. But "Azkaban" is by far the meatiest, most magical film in the series thus far.

While the third film is a bit more convoluted and complex compared to the previous two, it is less a popcorn-chomping visual spectacle and more of a story-driven movie that stands on its own. The first Harry Potter was nothing more than an introduction to the characters and the world, while the second one was a story for the kids. "The Prisoner of Azkaban" stands on its own, as it's the first Harry Potter story that goes down that dark but serious path. Rowling's world is a fun one, filled with mystical feats and creatures, with relevant issues and messages to be heard, and Cuaron has done the best job of bringing out Rowling's vision onto the big screen. Simply stated: it's fantasy storytelling at its best.

As Harry, Hermione and Ron would say, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is simply brilliant.
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