Movie Review - “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”
*** STARS
As a youngster I was in love with the Narnia books. At the time my innocent mind made no connections to the thinly veiled Christian propaganda that C.S. Lewis is so famous for incorporating into the series. Thankfully “Prince Caspian” doesn’t have the same obvious winks and nudges to the story of Jesus and that makes this film a much more authentically fun ride.
The one thing this fantasy series has going for it is the stellar performances by its leading young cast. The four kids in this film have an abundance of charm and wholesome good looks that shows off their ability to react to non existent talking animals in front of a green screen. The effects and make up in this film definitely take a supporting role and they are worth an Oscar nomination come next award season.
The story of “Prince Caspian” takes place 1,200 years after the events of the first movie which allows us to be introduced to a whole new crop of cool creatures and characters. The focus is less on the magic in this movie and more on the mythology of Narnia which makes “Caspian” feel more involved than the rushed set up of “The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe.”
The epic battle scenes and “kid friendly” violence in “Caspian” are what movie geeks will really love about this movie. Although we see people being lanced by swords, pummeled by arrows and mauled by talking animals there is no blood shed to be found. After all this is Disney violence folks.
I enjoyed this movie quite a lot a summer popcorn flick, and I was very pleased with the set up for the next film being released in 2010 titled “Voyage of the Dawn Treader.” The “Narnia” films will never be “Lord of the Rings” which is fine. This sort of fun child like fantasy has its place for kids and adult film buffs alike. As a fan of the book series at least I can say it is faithful to the story and what more can you ask?
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