The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Last updated 11:57 19/06/2008

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You don't want to take little kids to Prince Caspian. Even if they enjoyed the first film adaptation of CS Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series, the sequel is not for them.

Darker, moodier and more action-packed than the first film, Prince Caspian is likely to spook anyone under the age of 10, and the film's M rating is well deserved.

There are brilliantly dastardly bad guys. There are thrilling sword fights. There are brutal battles. Heck, the last third of the film is dedicated to a war on the scale of Lord of the Rings' Battle of Helm's Deep.

But that makes it a lot more satisfying feature than 2005's ponderous The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - an only-occasionally memorable flick that set the inevitable film series up, but did little else.

Kiwi director Andrew Adamson has filled out the land of Narnia with a greater range of characters, each with more depth than anything seen in the first film.

The New Zealand scenery used in the film sure looks stunning on the big screen.

The four children are summoned to Narnia a year after their last adventure, only to find 1300 years have passed and that Narnia is being ruled over by Miraz, the ruthless leader of the Telmarines.

The true heir to the throne, Prince Caspian, has escaped an assassination attempt, and has called on the children - Narnia's Kings and Queens - to help restore natural order.

The kids show a greater range of emotions and seem much more comfortable in their roles second time around - even if William Mosley's quivering bottom lip and sulky appearance is occasionally laughable.

Of particular note is little man Peter Dinklage, who is almost unrecognisable but extremely good as the grumpy dwarf Trumpkin.

Then there's Ben Barnes, an up-and-coming actor who shines so brightly in his role as Caspian that he's been described as the new Orlando Bloom. He certainly has that swoon factor.

And, thanks to the darker tone and atmosphere, so does most of Prince Caspian. Just leave the littlies at home. You don't want to give them nightmares.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Director: Andrew Adamson
Starring: William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Ben Barnes, Peter Dinklage
Time: 147 minutes
Rating: M
Trailer: Flicks.co.nz

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*What did you think of Prince Caspian? Post your comments below.

- © Fairfax NZ News

12 comments
Hmph   #12   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Nice synopsis and info on cast. Seriously, if this guy gets paid for these reviews....

kerry and graham o'neill   #11   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

my husband and i went and saw prince caspian and it great. i work in a book shop and look after childrens books and now i find the whole chronicles of narnia series is like an addiction i've got to the point where i can't even wait for the next movie next year even the lion witch and the wardrobe was apsoluteley wonderful

ChuckyC   #10   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I totally enjoyed the film and had two six year old boys with me to boot, who totally loved it and were talking abokout it non stop for the rest of the weekend. That is until we came across the game.

My son and his mate were totally engrossed in the game and now myself and my son are reliving the movie as we work our way through the game.

It is great to finally have a game that I can enjoy with my son , as it is two players and it is not too hard for us more mature folks to handle. I reckon this will be great for the school holidays.

As for the movie, my son is keen to see it again and it was a much better option than the Hulk. The sword play and premise of the film is probably a lot less prohibitive than most of what is on TV these days.

Long live Prince Caspian.

Lucy   #9   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I took my 7-year old to see this. I just asked her if she found it scary, and she said "no" without a moment's hesitation. She did hold my hand in a few places, for the suspense, but at no time did she seem uncomfortable or freaked. So I'd take the "likely to spook anyone under the age of 10" comment with a grain of salt.

Tel   #8   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Excellent movie. Far better than `The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe'. I thought the actress who played the little sister, Lucy, was so natural in her role. She was in the first movie too. The actor who played the younger brother, Edmund was good too. Those who played the two oldest children, Peter and Susan, were as cold and wooden as they were in the first movie. And congratulations to the young guy who played the school boy who tried to chat up Susan in the opening sequence and appeared briefly at the end of the movie. A first time kiwi actor who did an excellent portrayal of an English school boy. Fantastic special effects and beautiful NZ scenery. Loved it!

laura   #7   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

blooming heck i love this film and omg ben barnes and william mosely are gorgeous.the ending of the film made me bad i thought it should have gone a different way but then thats life aint it :( wit wooo whistle for hotties

Damo   #6   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

If your a Fan of the book series theire are a whole lot of little jems in there that only you are going to get.. its still nice if you havent get it.. but some things in the plot line could apear a tad confusing. it was great to see a marked improvement on the 1st movie.. i look forward to the series continuation!.. The Mice knights RULE! i cant wait to see thier inclusion in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader!.. If u havent read the books READ THEM!.. from the Magicians Nephew right though to The Last Battle.. they are amazing!

Joanna   #5   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Saw the film and it suffers from poor characterisation and pacing. Ben Barnes, William Moseley and Anna Popplewell do not convince in their roles. Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley are much better and it woudld have been good to see them have more screen time. Keynes in particular was excellent and showed a lot of potential.He has good on screen presence.

Hayden   #4   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

I absolutly loved this film. It is a little bit better than the first film in the series. I liked the little funny bits with the mouse and Peter Dinklage is extremely good as the grumpy dwarf Trumpkin, thought the film was the right length. I rate it 4 stars.

Nancy   #3   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Loved, loved, loved it! It is even better the 2nd time around. The story is inspiring and retains the true spirit of the book. The scenery was breath-taking and the music beautiful. Even the CG images were more realistic. Already counting the days until the next installment hits the big screen.


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