What a treat to find Gary Oldman and Alan Rickman in the robes of Harry Potter The Prisoner of Azkaban. This third installation of the J.K. Rowling series might be the best of the first three, especially with the children growing up into their adolescent selves and watching their chemistry on-screen blossom.

I remember reading this novel years ago but it didn’t affect me like this movie did. Aspects of time travel were long forgotten and added an exciting element to the story, as did the Marauder’s Map.  My children, needless to say, are riveted and we are all spellbound by the magic of J.K. Rowling’s imagination.

Another delight was Robert Hardy, as Cornelius Fudge. I knew he looked and sounded familiar and then it struck me. He’d played the father in the tv show about country veterinarians, All Creatures Great and Small. How can he still be alive? Born in 1925, he must be approaching 100 years old.

What a treasure to add to the all star cast including Emma Thompson and Julie Christie (she starred in my father’s all time favorite film, Dr. Zhivago). As the series continues, the films just keep getting better and better. We have #3 and #4 ready for tomorrow and the next day! A lovely treat to look forward to.