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

Member Name: MI9to5

Product:	The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (DVD)
Date:	22/01/09 (104 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Brilliant graphics

Disadvantages: None

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian was released in 2008 and is the filmed version of the book of the same name, which was written by C.S Lewis. Both the film and the book are the sequels to the film and the book entitles The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The film details what happens when Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, the Pevensie siblings, return to Narnia the land they love so much.

The first film saw the Pevensie children stumble into the astounding world of Narnia, meet Aslan and defeat the White Witch that was keeping Narnia encapsulated in ice. There reward for this was to be crowned the Kings and Queens of the place they had come to care about so much. This film sees the four intrepid explorers called back to Narnia by the blast from a sacred horn.

Many centuries have passed in Narnia since the children were last there and the Uncle of the current Prince has just bore a son and has ordered the Telmarine soldiers to bring him Prince Caspian's head. Caspian on the command of his professor must run and is entrusted with a sacred horn that he must blow only if everything gets too much. Enter the Pevensie children.

Back in Narnia the children must find out why they have once again tumbled into this magical world. The house they once lived in his now nothing more than ruins but that is the least of their worries. Finally teaming up with Caspian they must do everything they can to take down to Telmarine army and restore the rightful heir to the thrown.

As you may have guessed from the fact that mythical characters play a part in this film a lot of graphics are utilised. I must admit that these really did impress me and looked exceptionally natural from the very beginning. The half horse, half man characters, whose name evades me, are wonderfully brought to life by superb graphics. Aslan, the lion, however certainly steals the graphic show, as everything about him is perfect. The way he moves has been brilliantly captured and ever single detail about him down to the way his fur moves in the breeze has been perfectly constructed.

The acting in this film is also absolutely superb. The Pevensie children are like in the last film brilliant but bring into this film the experience they gained in the last. William Moseley in once again wonderful as Peter and brings a real energy to the film as a whole. Anna Popplewell as Susan brings the necessary calm yet ultimately shines with her prowess as an archer. Skandar Keynes plays Edmund and portrays his hot-headed mentality very well indeed. He manages to capture the essence of the character without going over the top. Lucy is played by Georgia Henley and she does this exceptionally well. She not only brings an energy to the film but also a never-ending spark for the belief in everything that she sees around her.

The star of the film is however Prince Caspian who is played by Ben Barnes. He has a great charm about him and brings this to every scene of the film that he is part of. The character contrasts the Pevensie children very well yet at the same time compliments them and brings out the best in. The character himself has an energy about him that seems boundless and Barnes himself portrays this very, very well.

The final thing within this film that deserves a mention is the soundtrack. This really brings the best out of the film as a whole. It signifies exactly how the audience should feel without overpowering the onscreen action on any occasion. The tracks themselves are simple but this is why it is so effective, as in theory everything about Narnia should be simple yet perfectly poised.

Overall this film is a truly enjoyable watch. It has an intriguing storyline, well-developed characters and some stunning special effects. I would personally recommend that you watch the first film first as this will aide your understanding but it is possible to enjoy this one without having seen the first one at all.

Summary: A lovely family film