Prince Caspian film review
Children return to Narnia in movie adaptation of C.S. Lewis classic
© Williams
Director Andrew Adamson takes liberties in adapting the classic fantasy novel, but thrilling action makes "Prince Caspian" a more exciting and suspenseful adventure.
BACK TO NARNIA
Director Andrew Adamson returns to Narnia with more confidence in "Prince Caspian," the second entry in "The Chronicles of Narnia" franchise. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie find themselves whisked from a London subway back to the land where they once ruled as to help a prince regain his rightful place on the Narnian throne.
All is not well in the land outside the wardrobe. While only one year has passed since the Pevensie children first saved Narnia, nearly 1,300 years have gone by in the fantasy world. The talking beasts and magical creatures the children once knew have been driven underground and the castle where they once ruled is in ruins.
Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) has been forced into the woods after his uncle, the treacherous Miraz, sought to kill him so his own child would take the throne. Caspian is quickly introduced to the hiding Narnians, including a dwarf named Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage) and a swashbuckling mouse named Reepicheep (voiced by comedian Eddie Izzard). Caspian then summons the Pevensie children to lead the Narnians in war against Miraz.
MORE WAR THAN 'WARDROBE'
From the fast-paced opening chase, Adamson makes it clear that "Prince Caspian" is a more brutal affair than the gentle "Wardrobe." Lewis purists may find problems in the film, not just with the omission of beloved characters but with the addition of a major raid on Miraz's castle. The film does away with the mystical and wonderful world that Lewis, a well-known pacifist, created and brings a more "Lord of the Rings"-esque brutality to the picture.
But while "Caspian" may not work as an adaptation, the non-stop action makes for exciting filmgoing. Where "Wardrobe's" final battle seemed tacked-on, the sequel's action sequences fit more organically. The castle raid stands alongside anything in "Lord of the Rings" and the addition of minotaurs and giant eagles add a fantastical touch to a sequence that could have easily been cliche.
The action keeps coming through several break-neck chase sequences, duels and epic battles. It's clear from the get-go that Adamson is more confident behind the camera than he was with the first film and the battles explode with an edge not usually seen in Disney films. While the violence is largely bloodless, smaller children may be frightened by the intensity and the film pushes the limits of its PG rating.
CREATURES AND CHARACTERS
While the computer-generated special effects have vastly improved since "Wardrobe," Adamson has mixed results with his actors. The four Pevensie children have matured and grown as actors, but Barnes lacks a certain charisma that will be necessary to carry the next film, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader."
The actors portraying the villains are bland and nearly indistinguishable, while the Narnians are much improved this time around. Dinklage is unrecognizable as Trumpkin and kids will likely want their own Reepicheep this Christmas. Liam Neeson returns as Aslan and brings just the right touch of nobility to the role once again.
Despite a run-time of nearly two and a half hours, the film moves briskly. A romantic subplot between Susan and Caspian and a rivalry between the prince and Peter feels forced and the film could have benefitted from a bit more magic. But "Prince Caspian" is a rousing and refreshingly entertaining return to Narnia and likely the first of many more.
