Everybody's a critic - 'Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban'

Four stars (out of four)

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" was an action-packed thrill ride from beginning to end.

Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts School for yet another term, only this time the school has a dark burden hanging over it. Sirius Black, an infamous murderer, has escaped from Azkaban Prison and is on the hunt for Harry Potter to settle some unfinished business.

The Dementors, a team of bounty hunting demons, surround the school looking for Sirius Black.

The unexpected twists of the plot will leave viewers stunned in their seats, as will the special effects.

With that being the only downside to this movie, it goes without saying that Harry Potter and his magical adventures will captivate audiences once again.

- Courtney Elledge, student

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Three stars (out of four)

The story is an engaging fantasy, the plot twists and turns are intriguing, the photography and special effects are captivatingly and beautifully done and the actors bring both the characters and story richly to life.

The cast includes familiar faces such as Emma Thompson and Maggie Smith, as well as gifted character actors Alan Rickman and Robbie Coltrane. Emma Watson and Rupert Grint shine as young wizards and friends of Harry Potter, who is admirably played by Daniel Radcliffe.

While sometimes I like movies that move me to think about people, events or ideas, mostly I like movies that take me away from it all and allow me to escape the routine and cares of the world for a brief time. This movie did that and was truly entertaining.

- Jim Lloyd, building supervisor

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Three stars (out of four)

After reading all five "Harry Potter" books and seeing the previous two movies, I have to admit, at the age of 33, I'm a big fan. My expectations were high.

The film started off, like usual, at the Dursley's home, but moved very quickly from there to the Knight Bus (perfectly depicted), on to the Leaky Cauldron and then to Hogwarts. Gary Oldman and David Thewlis are perfect as Sirius Black and Professor Lupin, the Dementors were excellent, Buckbeak looked absolutely real and the new Dumbledore was adequate.

The disappointments are the shortness of the film, the complete change of Hogwarts scenery and landscape, and the lack of prominent characters.

I just didn't leave the theater this time wondering, "Why couldn't I have gone to Hogwarts?"

- David Pruitt, engineer