For Aslaaaan!!!! (The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (DVD))

Member Name: sherry284

Product:	The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (DVD)
Date:	28/12/08 (67 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: CG Characters, great vfx

Disadvantages: some of the acting could be better

Prince Caspian is the second film in the Chronicles of Narnia series that is directed by kiwi Andrew Adamson. It introduces new up and coming actor Ben Barnes in the title role as well as bringing back the 4 original Pevensie children from the first film.

The story- After the events of the first film, the Pevensies are now the Kings and Queens of Narnia. They are then returned to our world where a year goes by and they are back to being normal, average kids. Some adjusted better than other and we see that the eldest, Peter, has found it tough to be just a kid again. Meanwhile in Narnia, 1300 years has flown by and we meet Prince Caspian, whose Uncle is trying to kill him to secure his own bloodlines path to the throne. Caspian is handed the a horn which when blown summons the Kings and Queens of old to save Narnia.

The world is very different 1300 years later and the Pevensies have a lot to learn of the new land. They meet Caspian and together they plan to overthrow the self appointed King.

Compared to "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", I'd say this film contained more fighting and darker scenes. This seems to be the pattern of sequels. The acting is average, I'm always dubious about child actors and I do think some of them are a little dry but then it could just be the stiff upper lip of the posh middle class cast. Prince Caspian is pretty good. Being the title role, Ben Barnes had a lot on his plate to live up to and I'd say he did a fair job. Even Peter has loosened up and the rivalry between him and the Prince is quite convincing.

The CGI and VFX is top end. I wasn't as mesmerised by Aslan as much as in the first film (still good though) but some of the fight sequences and characters such as ReepiCheep and the Badger were executed very well. The acting and animation were fantastic. The battle sequences and Lucy's dream sequence are all visually pretty and you are totally sucked into the magic of the realm.

The films events mostly consist of council meetings, planning and battles. It's not as diverse in terms of locations as the first film but despite this it still turns out to be a pretty good film.

The most memorable characters have to be Reepicheep and his band of mice fighters. He earns his place in the film and despite being a true warrior and very brave soul he can't help but also be a bit of a comical character due to his size and being... well, a mouse! My other memorable character, but for all the wrong reasons is the bear (Bulgy bear). The fact that David Walliams got a credit for this character made me laugh even more. I was anticipating a really cool, large CG character whose role would really stick out but instead this character is more for background. He's memorable to me as his only line in the movie was "FOR ASLAN" which he says in the most gruffest and coarse voice. I couldn't believe it but that was all he says in the whole film! That and the quick cuts to some funny facial expressions.

The Badger is another cool character. The way he moves and interacts with the real actors is achieved seamlessly and I found him a great replacement to the Beavers in the first film.

The return of the White Witch is another sequence in the film which every Narnia fan would be anticipating. Although it doesn't last all that long its great to see the influence of a past villain come back and rock up the place! The sequence with the River God is also spectacular.

The ending of the film (without spoiling it) is on the predictable side but then it is a kids movie. The fact that there is a lot of fighting, creatures dying or getting injured, and not one drop of blood shed, is enough to prove it.

Overall, I really enjoyed this film and I think its a great sequel to the Narnia series. I look forward to Narnia 3 and what happens next!

Summary: A decent sequel to The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe