‘Azkaban’ the best of ‘Harry Potter’ series

For many film franchises, the third movie in the series is usually the worst (“Return of the Jedi,” “The Godfather Part 3,” “The Matrix Revolutions” anyone?). But in the case of the Harry Potter franchise, the third time is the charm.

This time around, Harry, Ron and Hermione (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson) don’t do battle against the dark forces of Lord Voldemort; instead they fight enemies almost as sinister and powerful.

A murderer named Sirius Black has escaped from the escape-proof prison of Azkaban. Black was imprisoned for murdering a wizard and leading Voldemort to Harry Potter’s parents, who were then murdered by the Dark Lord.

Now, it seems, Black is headed for Hogwarts Academy to find and kill Harry Potter.

Also making Potter’s life miserable are the Dementors, the wraithlike guards of Azkaban, who have the ability to drain all the happy memories out of you.

“Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is not only an enchanting movie, it is the best film of the series.

That “Azkaban” is a triumph is due in no small part to a change in directors. Chris Columbus, who helmed the first two, was replaced by Alfonso Cuaròn, director of “The Little Princess,” who gives the film the air of spookiness, danger and wonder found in the books, but which were missing in the first two movies.

GRADE: A