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The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
In theaters 16 May 2008
epic battle action and violence
Run Time: 147
Matt's rating - 4.5 out of 5
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Review by Matt Mungle
The second installment of the Chronicles of Narnia
needed to be bigger than the first one. It needed to
stand its ground against the other 2008 summer
blockbusters. It needed more action than the first one
without losing the essence of what Narnia and Aslan
represent. It needed the faith of a child and the heart of
a Lion. Prince Caspian had to be the movie we all
expected it to be as soon as the credits rolled for the
first one. Fans had looked forward to this since
Christmas 2005. They knew it was coming and they
knew it had better be good. Lord of the Rings proved it
could be done, but so many other films proved it isn't
always done. Now we can see for ourselves.
The Pevensie children are children once again having
returned to our world and finding that only moments
have passed since they had left. They long to be back
in Narnia and return to the kings and queens they had
become. When Prince Caspian summons them back
they do return only to find a Narnia they hardly
recognize. A wasteland almost of destruction and
sorrow. The Narnian's have pretty much been wiped
out by the Telmarines but now are trying to regain their
kingdom with the help of an exiled Prince Caspian.
They must all take up arms against General Miraz,
Caspian's ruthless uncle, who wants the throne for
himself. The Pevensie children must do all of this
while trying to figure out what has become of Aslan
and the beloved Narnia they remember.
Prince Caspian is certainly more of an action movie
than the first installment. This helps to move the two
and a half hour film along at a decent clip. Where the
first film was visually stunning with the beauty of
Narnia, Prince Caspian uses different sorts of
Narnian's to make the film come to life. Centaur's,
dryads, along with a loyal badger named Trufflehunter
(a loyal badger), a doubting dwarf called Trumpkin,
and a sword wielding mouse all add to the creation of
this films Narnia. With reflections of Tolkien's Middle
Earth the battle scenes work well and are balanced
perfectly with the storyline and quiet times.
There is a lot of humor in this film which helps with
that balance. This could have been a lot darker film
than it is. The use of witty mice and humorous one-
liners from Trumpkin give it a light banter that keeps
the fantasy of Narnia in context. Same with the
Pevensie clan. They are still the innocent, trusting
group we loved in the original and their faith and love
for Narnia and its people helped bring to front what
these stories are mainly about. Aslan too is very
moving to me as he was in the first film. There is a
soul stirring presence when he is around and the few
things he says are powerful and moving. The scenes
with him and young Lucy are a beautiful picture of
what I think Lewis intended his stories to be.
Prince Caspian is rated PG for epic battle action and
violence. It is a film for the entire family and even the
battle scenes, though intense are not bloody messes
of limbs and carnage. The Chronicles of Narnia books
are wonderful and this version, though taking a few
liberties, stays true to the intention. There are a lot of
block busters out this summer and even in the next
several weeks. And yes some may be more popular
and even bigger productions, but you will be hard to
find one this year with the essence of love and beauty
as Prince Caspian. All mixed into a wonder family
adventure film. I give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 roars.
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Matt and Cindy are members of the North Texas
Film
Critics Association (NTFCA). For additional
reviews
and interview clips visit the website.
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Mungleshow Productions
Matt Mungle
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