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Review: The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian
By Lance Muller | May 27, 2008
My kids and I went to see “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” which continues where the last movie left off. We have the four children, Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) returning to Narnia. They along with Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) work together to revive the fantasy world of Narnia that was once inhabited by the various talking creatures and king of the forest, Aslan (voice of Liam Neeson). There is the conflict between good and evil because the fantasy creatures were all driven away after the land was invaded by the Telmarines about 1,000 years before.
The film focuses on Prince Caspian and his quest to recapture the throne from his uncle who wants it for his own heir. Caspian has to unite the creatures and people of Narnia and fight his own people, the Telmarines. We examine various themes within the film’s storyline, leadership, chivalry, and camaraderie between the four children, Prince Caspian, and the beastly creatures, which gradually shows Caspian’s strengths as well as challenges as a leader. And this is displayed in one of the most powerful scenes in the film where Peter and King Miraz (Sergio Castellitto) conduct a duel.
Unfortunately, with this installment, PRINCE CASPIAN leaves the enchanted world that we grew to love in the first movie behind. This film is seems to focus more on the intense violence instead of the magic. From the haunting chants of the movie’s soundtrackto the extravagant costumes, there is a darker element to this film. In fact, I felt more like I was viewing a massive battle scenes from “The Lord of The Rings”. Just be ready for this shift in film perspective and you will still enjoy the movie.
Even though the film shows a darker tone, there were a few lighter scenes. The enchanted creatures of the forest of Narnia offer a little comic relief to the movie, such as Trumpkin the dwarf (Peter Dinklage) and Reepicheep the mouse (voice of Eddie Izzard) who almost resembles the Puss n’ Boots character in the Shrek films. Another defining moment is the touching concluding scenes where Aslan and Lucy reunite as well as when the children depart from Narnia back to England.
Overall, the film is an amazing display of excitement and adventure. Just be warned that there are a couple of disturbing scenes of violence within the film, so it may not be appropriate for young children. I felt that the movie carried the Narnia Saga along nicely and is well worth the time and $10 bucks watching. I rate it a solid 3.5 stars.
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