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On the Screen: Prince Caspian an impressive sequel

Prince Caspian

DAVID ADAMS takes a look at the latest film in The Chronicles of Narnia series, ‘Prince Caspian’…

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (M)

In A Word: Magnificent

FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL: Prince Caspian, played by Ben Barnes.

 

“Like the first of this series of cinematic depictions of CS Lewis’ books – ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe‘, ‘Prince Caspian’ remains true to the essence of the book with a visually impressive depiction of the story within.”

There are some movies that are better left as books – the images on the big screen never quite live up to what you’ve created in your mind when reading the pages. Then, there are some books that when brought life on the big screen make you think the makers have stepped into your mind.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is one of the latter. Like the first of this series of cinematic depictions of CS Lewis’ books – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian remains true to the essence of the book with a visually impressive depiction of the story within.

The story starts with the sudden return of the four Pevensie children – Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes) and Lucy (Georgie Henley) – to Narnia. But the land that they once ruled has changed, and not for the better. While only a year has passed in England since they were last in Narnia, it’s been 1,300 years there.

The land is now under the iron rule of the Telmarines who invaded hundreds of years ago and killed many of true Narnians – all those talking beasts and weird and wonderful creatures we saw in the first film, forcing those that remained to live in secrecy deep in the forests. Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson) has not been seen for 1,000 years.

By the time the children arrive, Narnia is under the rule of a Telmarine tyrant named Miraz (Sergio Castellitto) who has been ostensibly “acting” as regent in the place of his nephew, the rightful king, Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes). Following the birth of his own son, however, Miraz decides to take the throne for himself and orders Caspian’s death but thanks to the help of his tutor, Doctor Cornelius (Vincent Grass), the prince is able to flee.

Lost in a forest, he soon meets up with some of the “old” Narnians – including Trumpkin the dwarf (played with aplomb by Peter Dinklage) and Reepicheep the mouse (voiced by Eddie Izzard) – and manages to convince them of his good intentions (in fact, it’s the prince who summons the Pevensies to Narnia when he blows on an ancient horn).

They decide to fight the Telmarines and eventually meet up with the Pevensies who join in the struggle which culminates in a great battle between them and the invaders, led by Miraz (and also sees the return of Aslan).

Directed by Andrew Adamson (he of Shrek fame), this richly detailed film features some strong performances – Dinklage is terrific as the grumpy Trumpkin – and exudes the warmth – and strong themes about love and friendship and standing up for what is right – found in the original books.

There are some dark scenes which will prove unsuitable for young children (it is rated M) and the film has been criticised for its long length (although this critic didn’t find it overly long), but overall this is an impressive production.

Can’t wait for the next in the series – The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

~ Visit www.narnia.net.au for resources and more on the film.

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