You simply can't help but compare this movie to such iconic classics at The Lord of the Rings or Gladiator. And in that sense, Prince Caspian just doesn't live up. However, this is a children's tale, right? Walt Disney and Walden Media had to keep to a PG rating (which is why swords are spotless after going through people). Regardless, a movie always begins and ends with its story, not its realism or special effects. So, one would assume that coming from one of the all-time favorite book series, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, that this film would be a slam dunk. Right?
Not quite. Unfortunately, given that this is a sequel (to the beloved The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe), it assumes that we already know the main characters (such as the Pevensies and Aslan) and that these well-known characters don't need to struggle or grow. As for the new characters, primarily the one after whom the movie is titled, Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), several chapters of the book have been removed. We don't get to see Prince Caspian grow up from childhood, being read Narnian tales in secret by his Nanny. Instead, the film begins with his escape from the Telmarine palace upon the news of the birth of his usurping uncle's new son (a son for whom only Prince Caspian stands in the way of the throne). While this helped to intensify the action of the film, we are left without an attachment to this boy, and his development is lost amongst the endless battles that saturate this film.
That is not to say that this movie has no self-worth. From the contrary, the creatures and lands of Narnia are brought to life and we get to journey there along with the Pevensies for a thrilling ride. There is a scene towards the middle of the film, pictured above, that is absolutely breathtaking and exciting as Narnians infiltrate Miraz's castle.
However, as mentioned before, there are so many battles, none of which seem to make any sense, that one starts to think to oneself, "Enough already! When is this ever going to end?"
I am sadly going to have to give this one a thumbs down. I can't imagine ever wanting to watch it again, which is truly disappointing because my daughter and I absolutely love reading the Narnian books. I'd also caution parents of young children; this is perhaps the most violent PG-rated film that I've ever seen.
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