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Prince Caspian film reviews

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN (PG) is the most martial of the 'Narniad', and director Andrew Adamson has even added another battle for good measure.

It’s a kind of cut-down Lord of the Rings for the younger set, and as in Tolkien’s Christian-inspired fantasy (though this is less evident in Jackson’s film versions) Grace abounds: salvation is never entirely about heroism and courage, but about (for our part) being disciplined, obedient and faithful and able to grow through the setbacks and tragedies.

With a darker tone, set early on by the haggard and suspicious Narnians who have been in hiding from cruel oppressors under an evil king, the film is more knowing, less innocent, even wittier than its predecessor. This is thoroughly enjoyable and accomplished filmic storytelling.

Prince Caspian PosterWith the best Aslan yet, Christian symbolism and metaphor abound, but beyond the battle against evil, you have to be looking for it, and as always, you have to be careful in drawing Biblical parallels and moral points not to destroy the poetry of the story (as Lewis himself said).

Geoffrey Stevenson

Geoffrey Stevenson is a popular speaker and trainer of preachers. He writes, teaches and speaks on theology and the practice of communication today. Co-author of new book Preaching with Humanity.

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN (PG) aims for a much darker, less cutesy approach than The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, adapting the second book in CS Lewis' classic series into ariveting, often brutal drama about a young prince (well-played by newcomer Ben Barnes), who discovers that peace may be a better option than a war between his Telmarine race and the Narnians they have tried to obliterate for 1,200 years.

With effects that are much more seamless and battles that are much edgier, this episode features rich and complex characters as well as some lively humour. And the story draws out significant themes that we rarely see in Hollywood movies: namely that you sometimes can't find the power within yourself to solve a problem.

You may need to reach out to your friends, and maybe someone even bigger (opens 26 Jun).

Rich Cline

Rich Cline is editor of idea magazine and is a professional film critic.

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Latest reviews :
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Written by Howard Dueck on 24 July 2008 at 13.50
Very well done - my teenagers thought it was much better than the first Narnia film, and thought it did a good job of moving the book to the screen. I agreed.
Written by Andrew Nixon on 09 July 2008 at 17.08
This is a well made film. Fantastic scenery and fair acting enhnaced by technological wizardry in the special effects department. As a non Christian I thought the Christian message was fairly obvious and I really wasn't trying to seek out the message. Younger teenagers will see it as enjoyable hocum and I enjoyed it although bits were a little tedious. Thankfully the battle scenes were well done and I love Tilda Swintons interpretion of the deposed queen of Narnia. (even though she is only in this film briefly) The voice of Aslan still doesnt sound right! Maybe it's me but when the film got darker my interest perked up!!

Not a bad film at all but far from top notch in my humble opinion.
Written by David Rock on 03 July 2008 at 16.13
This was a good film but not a great film. The time passed very quickly except for one or two slower parts. The storyline was okay but a little weak. Prince Caspian, a Tamarin, was the ruler of Narnia, as all the Narnians were thought to be extinct. His evil uncle, on the birth of a son, tried to kill Caspian and take over as ruler. Caspian fled and with the help of the Narnians and the four heroes finally defeated the Tamarin and peace was brought to Narnia once again with all living in harmony. Good conquers evil once again and the door is left open for the next instalment.

Visually the film is excellent, good scenery, wonderful CGI and reasonable acting. There are many similarities in character with Lord of the Rings, which is not surprising given the connections between Lewis and Tolkien. At times for younger children it may be a little scary, at other times a smile is produced by good one liners. The battle and fight scenes are a little violent but not overly. Over all it's a good watch.

The only criticism I would have is Disney's insistence of having fireworks above castles at night in the film. I'm not sure of the need and it seemed to me to mimic too much the opening credits. I kept waiting for the line to curve around and the Disney logo to appear at the bottom.

The question my sons asked was why does good always win? Why isn't it more real and no-one wins? I think an 11 and 13 year old show a lot of insight into real life. The good always winning ending almost spoils the film. You know what is going to happen, you aren't exactly sure how and that takes away any edge to the film. If you want a good watch knowing there will a happy ending, then this is the one for you.

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