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The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
- Now in Theaters
- Rated PG for epic battle action and violence
- Run Time : 147 Min
- 4 out of 5
Review by Jennifer Pflughaupt for The Mungles on
Movies
Review copyright 2008 Mungleshow Productions.
Used by Permission.
As I was growing up and learning how to read, one of
the first books I ever remember actually reading and
ENJOYING was C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch and
the Wardrobe". However, I was never told about the
rest of the epic series of the "Chronicles of Narnia", so
I never got a chance to read "Prince Caspian", "The
Voyage of the Dawn Treader" or any of the other 6
follow-up novels after the "The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe". As some of you dedicated Mungles on
Movies readers know, I have been away on military
duty in the Northeast. So when Matt called me and
asked if I would be available to do the screening and
junket for "Prince Caspian" in New York City, I foamed
at the mouth and jumped at the chance! I
remembered how "The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wardrobe" film was and how closely accurate the
movie was compared to the book; I immediately read
the novel "Prince Caspian". It was nice to read a book,
not seeing the movie first yet still having faces to put to
each of the characters. (I suggest this to any of you
about to the see the film.) I was instantly submerged
into the overall story. Some say it is the weakest of the
seven children's literature novels, but I found it quite
good; good enough to read in one sitting, so I was for
sure that the movie, especially after seeing the trailer
for it, would be quite a treat - not to mention that I was
also going to be privileged to sit down with the cast
and crew and pick their brains on what their take was
on the whole thing.
To quickly catch up, "The Lion, the Witch, and the
Wardrobe" left us off with the four Pevensie siblings
back in the world of humans after a huge adventure
defeating the White Witch and reigning over the world
of Narnia for years until they were all adults. But when
they went back to the human world, our world, they
were back to being young children again and
apparently it had been minutes since they originally
discovered Narnia in the first place. As the realm of
time is different in each world, centuries have passed
in the land Narnia during the one year of absence of
Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy. All of Narnia is in
hiding due to the Telmarines who have taken over the
land and their King, King Miraz (Sergio Castellitto) is
plotting to kill the rightful heir to the throne, Prince
Caspian played by up and coming Ben Barnes, briefly
seen in a supporting role in the wonderful
flick "Stardust". Those looking for an equally terrifying
enemy as the White Witch, brilliantly played by Tilda
Swinton, William Moseley (Peter) states, "The adult
characters are much more scary in this film. The
White Witch was scary, but you've seen nothing until
you've seen Miraz."
"Prince Caspian" is a strong, action-packed film with a
hint of melancholy. All of the children have lost a
sense of faith and seem a tad scattered once they
arrive back in Narnia. Many people construe this
fantasy to different conclusions, but as Moseley points
out in his interview, there is an undeniable parallel
between Aslan and God. This story is a great
depiction of faith and how it can be lost, but always be
found again.
Although the film introduces new characters, the
development was not near as strong as in "The Lion,
the Witch and the Wardrobe". That was a bit
disappointing because we get a terrific new character,
Prince Caspian, who we will see again in the next
installment and yet, we don't know that much about
him at the end of the movie. However, the four
siblings are greatly expounded upon, which is
especially true for the High King, Peter. New
supporting characters in this film add a bit of light-
heartedness and humor to the film, which was lacking
in the one prior. This is a wonderful addition to the
action heavy flick. Peter Dinklage and Eddie Izzard
were cast perfectly for their roles and are genius at
their humorous timing.
"Prince Caspian" is rated PG for epic battle action and
violence, but lacks the blood one would normally see
in this type of action. It is safe for any family to see
together and may even spark some interesting
conversation afterwards. Be warned, this film is 147
minutes long and very action oriented. So, go potty
and get your $10 bucket of popcorn before you sit
down, because you don't want to miss a thing! I
give "Prince Caspian" 4 mouse tails out of 5.
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Jennifer is now based in D.C with the military. But that
didn't keep her from running off to NY to hang out with
the Caspian crowd!
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