The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

As everyone knows, sequels rarely turn out as good or better than their predecessors. The Narnia franchise follows this common pattern but the second film is still good. “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” feels different that the original film but for good reason. The film is darker but contains more action. The returning actors reprised their roles quite well and the new actors are noteworthy also. I could see returning director Andrew Adamson trying new things cinematically. I am sad however that there is less relation to “The Lord of the Rings”.

First of all, the design of Narnia is different but this is due to all the time that has passed in Narnia since the first film. It still bothers me slightly because I like continuity. A Spanish/medieval influence is now obviously felt by way of the Telmarines. This is quite different from the feel of the first film and this trait of the Telmarines was not even carried over into “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”. Not very much time is spent reintroducing the children but that is okay because they are not new characters. We are made aware however that their time as adult Kings and Queens in Narnia has made life back in England as children hard to live. They and we are whisked back to Narnia quite soon into the film and just like when they first arrive in Narnia, the children play. It contrasts how monumental their return is. Centuries have passed. I like the shots when the children stand at the ruins of Cair Paravel where their throwns used to be. “Prince Caspian” does a good job of introducing a new Narnia and what has happened & changed. Lucy’s dream shows us the Narnia we remember from the first film and it contrasts its present state. Narnians have been thought to be extinct by the Telmarines until now. Also, we come to understand that not all Telmarines are bad such as Lord Glozelle & Cornelius. Just like in the first adventure, the children must learn life lessons from their trip to Narnia. Peter must learn humility as a king and Susan must learn how to deal with romance. I like the appearance of the four children, dressed in Narnian clothing, when they rescue Trumpkin. We learn that it was the horn that brought the children back to Narnia. I also enjoy Reepicheep’s introduction in the franchise. In “Prince Caspian”, Narnians who once fought each other in the first film now must unite against the Telmarines and this well-known story telling device is well indicated in this second installment. The exciting raid on the castle was never in the book but I enjoy it nonetheless. I love Edmund’s moves with the flashlight in that scene. He has become a type of Han Solo in this franchise. The reemergence of the White Witch is another interesting moment in the film. I am glad that Caspian changes his mind once she appears because it shows that he is not that desirous for revenge. It is also fitting that Edmund destroy the Witch. As mentioned, Adamson furthers his directorial talents in live action filmmaking. I love the shot of Susan standing alone in the forest with the sunlight pouring through the trees as she awaits the Telmarines on horseback. The battle between Peter and Miraz is very well done and Adamson employs some interesting POV shots. The end battle is cool to watch but I did feel that the victory used a tad too much deus ex machina for my taste. At least it wasn’t as bad as “The Matrix Revolutions”. Also, it felt it was a little out of place when the watergod lifted the bridge with Sopespian still on it. On a good note concerning the ending, I was glad that Glozelle accepts Aslan offer. As with “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, the religious themes and parallels from the book are included such as the second coming of Christ, faith, and that divine help will come only after all we could do. I like how the Narnians have built a barrow around the stone table because it mirrors was happens to real life religious sites.

It was neat to have Warwick Davis and Eddie Izzard in “Prince Caspian”. Pierfrancesco Favino, who would later be seen in “Angels & Demons”, did well also. I love how Ben Barnes based his accent on that of Inigo Montoya from “The Princess Bride”. The music is again well written and I like how we hear Tumnus’ theme as we see his portrait on the wall. The special effects on Aslan this time are not as impressive as on the first film. After his “Shrek” films, Adamson’s greatest achievement is his “Narnia” films. I enjoy this film but it is not as good as the first film. What’s more, I wish that Adamson had directed the third film.

3.5 Stars out of 5