The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) Movie Information:

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) Directed by: Andrew Adamson The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) Written by: Andrew Adamson, Christopher Markus, Steve McFeeley The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) Cast: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Anna Popplewell, William Moseley, Liam Neeson, Ben Barnes, Greg Latter, Alicia Borrachero, Peter Dinklage, Vincent Grass, Warwick Davis, Shane Rangi, Pierfrancesco Favino

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) U.S. Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) U.K. Distributor: Walt Disney Pictures

Our Rating: User Rating:  Log in to rate this movie

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) Synopsis:

"Prince Caspian" finds the Pevensie siblings pulled back into the land of Narnia, where a thousand years have passed since they left. The children are once again enlisted to join the colorful creatures of Narnia in combating an evil villain who prevents the rightful Prince from ruling the land. "Prince Caspian" was first published in 1951, and is the fourth book in the seven-book series written by Lewis. It was intended as a continuation of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe."

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) Movie Review:

Based on the beloved classic novel by C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian delivers all the goods of a summer epic blockbuster as the follow up the 2005’s highly successful The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Director/co-writer Andrew Adamson adds extra sequences, sub-plots, and character interactions that help flesh out the story better than its source material. Though not as heavy of allegory themes as its predecessor, it is achieves more in terms of production value.

It is 1,300 years later Narnia when the last film left off, and one year later for the Pevensie children, which include the eldest Peter (William Moseley), brother Edmond (Skandar Keynes), sister Susan (Anna Popplewell), and the adorable youngest Lucy (Georgie Henley). Trouble is brewing in Narnia, and the four are transported back to the magical land where they were once kings and queens. The lion king Asylan (voiced by Liam Neeson) has not been seen for nearly a century, and the land is ruled by humans called Telmarines. The heir to the Telmarine throne is Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), but once his uncle Miraz (Sergio Castellitto) has a son, who will be heir, he orders Caspian to be put to death. The young prince escapes to the forest, where he inhabits mystical creatures of Narnia that have been nearly extinct due to the Telmarines. Caspian joins forces with the four Pevensie children and all of the living Narnians to restore Caspian as heir to the throne, in which he promises to bring peace and restoration back to Narnia.

Adamson, along with writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely take liberties with C.S. Lewis novel, which is one of the weakest of the Narnia series, and make it surprisingly far better. Added are power rivalry between Peter and Caspian, a flirtation between Susan and Caspian, a more dimensional villain in Miraz, longer battle sequences with lots more action and wit. Cut down are the allegories, Asylan’s role, and some other unneccessities. It is very surprising how well the changes work, when usually when liberties are taken with a very well liked novel, it backfires.

Adamson’s direction this time around is also more balanced in terms of emotion, action, humor, and symbolism. Though allegories are toned down, the film’s theme is still about faith, love, redemption, and self-importance. The battle sequences are epic and thrilling, which are heavily expanded on from Lewis’s book. Though there is no blood in the film, there are many deaths, which is questionable to the film’s PG rating, so parents be warned. The special effects are solid as well, though Asylan is still at times cartoonish. The makeup work is exceptional, especially on the centaurs and minotaurs. The direction of the film has the same touch as its predecessor; it just seems that Adamson’s more comfortable with his action sequences and special effects.

The four actors cast as the Pevensie children from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe are all back, more mature and more comfortable with their characters. It is amazing how quick the little cute Georgie Henley has grown as Lucy. Liam Neeson returns as the very suitable voice of Asylan, as does Tilda Swinton in a brief scene as the White Witch. Newcomers include well cast British stage actor Ben Barnes as Prince Caspian as well as a very delightful Peter Dinklage as the wise-cracking dwarf Trumpkin.

Prince Caspian is a surefire summer blockbuster that should entertain all ages alike, but hold caution to its PG rating; it should be in fact PG-13. Though liberties have been taken with C.S. Lewis’ novel, the changes work better for this film. Prince Caspian is by no means one of the best blockbusters ever made, but it ride for sure worth taking.

Our Rating: User Rating:  Log in to rate this movie

The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) review written by: Bailey Henderson