I did something today that I hardly ever do anymore. I actually pried my backside off the chair in front of the computer and left the house. Destination unknown? Hardly. I went to a movie.
The flick that I decided to gamble a portion of my life savings on was Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. I won't hide the fact that I'm a Potter fan, having read the first four books. I'm currently reading the fifth.
Everything I've heard and read about this movie is pretty much bang on. The three kids give terrific performances. Gary Oldman chews the scenery wonderfully as the "villain" of the piece. And Michael Gambon gives some extra zip to the role of Albus Dumbledore, previously played by the late Richard Harris.
Behind the camera, director Alfonso Cuaron gives the Potter franchise the dark tone the third story required. He also gives Hogwarts some height. Almost every scene outside the castle is looking down some big hill or cliff, making the place seem a bit more dangerous than Chris Columbus did in helming the first two films.
All in all, Azkaban is one terrific ride.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I had the opportunity to see this film on the IMAX big screen. I was fortunate to get the IMAX experience. I was unfortunate to be billed the IMAX price, about three bucks more than a regular screen.
If you don't know about IMAX you can either look it up on a search engine, or you can watch the infomercial they play before every IMAX film at the Famous Players Coliseum in Mississauga, Ontario.
When I use the word infomercial, I'm only half joking. For about five minutes I, and the twenty or so other lost souls in the theater, were treated to a laser light and sound show worthy of Pink Floyd. The Discovery Channel part of me found it very interesting. My bladder, however, was less than impressed. With a long movie to look forward to, and a large drink in hand, the last thing I needed was a delay in reaching the closing credits.
Leak and learn, I guess. Next time I'll order the small drink.
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