Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Finally got around to seeing "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (2007) yesterday. I thought the movie was good. It felt a little rushed. New characters were introduced but not quite developed, yet they suddenly have some major parts. I would like to have seen a few more scenes with Harry and Cho Chang, especially since she's being billed as his first love. We all remember how important that was to us, especially at his age. The movie also missed some opportunities on the way Malfor and his crew acted as bounty hunters for the Dolores Umbridge who I thought was superbly played by Imelda Staunton.

On that note, I'd like to qualify my observations from a non-reader of the books. My perspective is strictly from a movie watcher's point of view without regards to the books.

Having said that, my favorite in the Harry Potter movie series is still "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (2004). This version is darker than the first two and more tightly woven than 4 and 5. There was a growing up on Harry's part with a bit of intrigue and mystery with Pettigrew. For a dark story line, I thought it ended well since Harry was reunited with the only family he had left, Sirius Black (excellently played by Gary Oldman). Lastly, I enjoyed Hagrid's character and the struggles he had to go through. Of course, Prisoner of Azkaban was directed by Alfonso Cuaron who is one of the best at character development.

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Children of Men

Based on the novel, The Children of Men by author PD James, "Children of Men" 2006 depicted a dying world when two decades of infertility plagued mankind. Set in future England, the movie began with Theo (Clive Owen) sombering in a coffee shop after hearing the news of the violent death of Earth's youngest citizen, a teen from another part of the world. From here on, Alfonso Cuaron brought us to the front seat of a politically-charged mayhem where the English government heavy-handedly sought to reconstruct its social order by first outlawing, then deporting immigrants.

There were, of course, equally violent oppositions to the government, branded as terrorist groups, who champion the immigrants, at all costs. One of the rebelling groups headed by Julian (Julianne Moore), Theo's ex-lover, held a secret that may hold the key to mankind's survival -- a pregnant young immigrant named Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey). Julian wanted to deliver Kee to a secret operation called the Human Project outside the British isles for a chance of saving the world. But Julian knew that there were various forces, including the English government, that wanted to control Kee and she trusted no one but Theo to help.

Cuaron movies are known for excellent character developments and this one is no exception. Two supporting actors that stood out were Pam Ferris (Miriam in the movie) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (Luke in the movie). These two were members of Julian's rebellious group but played tug-of-war with Kee's fate. On a side note, Chiwetel played an excellent protagonist simply known as The Operative in Joss Wheadon's "Serenity" 2005.

Released in 2006, "Children of Men" won various film awards, including 3 Oscar nominations.

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Y tu mama tambien

A coming of age movie for two prep school best friends and a young woman who accompanied them in a long trip over the summer before becoming college students. Alfonso Cuaron drew us into the lives of two teenage boys, exploring their interests in girls, sex, drugs, and self-discovery.

"Y tu mama tambien" is very reminiscent of "Breaking Away" (1979), another movie of life in transition from youth to young adult.

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Movies by Alfonso Cuaron

These are the cinema films directed to date by Mr. Cuaron. Each is linked to IMDB for details. TV works and others are not shown.

1. Children of Men (2006)
2. Paris, je t'aime (2006) (segment "Parc Monceau")
   ... aka Paris, I Love You (Hong Kong: English title)
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
   ... aka Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: The IMAX Experience (USA: IMAX version)
4. Y tu mamá también (2001)
   ... aka And Your Mother Too (USA)
   
5. Great Expectations (1998)
6. A Little Princess (1995)
7. Sólo con tu pareja (1991)
   ... aka Love in the Time of Hysteria
8. Cita con la muerte (1989) (episode "No estoy jugando")
9. Cuarteto para el fin del tiempo (1983)
   ... aka Quartet for the End of Time (USA: literal English title)
10. Who's He Anyway (1983)

Technorati Tags: Alfonso Cuaron, movies, films, Mexican movie director