Movie Review: “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” (2008)
This week Pop Critics welcomes Dave to the fold. Dave does such a great job over at Dave’s Movie Reviews that we actually asked him if he’d like to contribute. We’re lucky to have him. For past reviews be sure to check out his site. For future reviews check him out right here at Pop Critics.
Director: Andrew Adamson
Writer: Andrew Adamson and Christopher Markus
Genre: Adventure/Family/Fantasy
Story
The four children are back in Narnia, but this time the Narnians are near extinction and humans have taken over the world. Prince Caspian is the rightful heir to the throne, but his uncle sees an opportunity to take the thrown by killing him. Prince Caspian is forced to flee and comes into the care of some Narnians. When he blows a horn it calls the four children back from real life to the world of Narnia where they are restored as the kings and queens of the Narnians. Now they have to help Prince Caspian reclaim his thrown and save the Narnians.
Everything Else
The directing of Prince Caspian was certainly sound, but there is not a lot to brag about for Andrew Adamson who aside from the first two Narnia movies has had his hands in Shrek 1, 2, and 3. The action was good and the special effects were better than they were in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Adamson was also still able to make any blood or disturbing images almost completely non-existent. This is a children’s movie so he wanted it to be viewable by children (an interesting concept).
The acting was much like the first; the children still didn’t have great performances, but they fit into the roles just fine. It was good they were able to secure the same actors for Prince Caspian so the continuity was better. Ben Barnes as Prince Caspian held his own, but won’t win anything for his performance. Two notable performances were that of Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin and Warwick Davis as Nikabrik. For Davis Prince Caspian seemed a familiar role after being in a few movies you may have seen: Star Wars, Willow, Leprechaun, Ray, and others. Davis was even in the TV version of Prince Caspian in 1989. Dinklage is less often in a fantasy movie, but fit right in here.
Overall the writing, directing, and acting could have been better, but there was not a lot that can be called bad. Rather, it can all be called decent. Unfortunately, Adamson is making a movie out of a masterpiece, and it is easy to mess it up. Adamson could certainly learn a lot from Peter Jackson.
The Real Deal
Although it is hard to have any major complaints about Prince Caspian, it was much like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was for me; boring. Prince Caspian lacks a certain amount of emotion which is essential to most genres of movies, but especially an epic fantasy film such as this. You could argue it was so kids could enjoy it and it should have been toned down, but this seems like a cop-out. Either way you want to see it, there is no doubt the movie is lacking in the excitement department. It is difficult for the viewer to get attached to any of the characters. In fact, most of the characters seemed completely apathetic to the safety of the other characters they were supposed to love. If no one cares if a character dies, then why should I? The movie still provided enough action to keep me entertained and the movie was clean enough for any age to view it. If you liked the first one a lot then you are sure to like this one.
Dave’s score: 6/10
Written by Dave of Dave’s Movie Reviews
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I'm also reading so-so reviews across the board on this, with the money the first one made, we knew the effects would be better this time around (as probably Transformers 2 would be expected to), its a shame the acting and charecters didnt follow suit...
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Frank Cs last blog post..Trends Blogging Observations
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Thanks for the warm welcome! I am glad to be here on Pop Critics.
Cap'n Schwartz -
I have only read one really positive review of Prince Caspian, but it does have the morality factor going for it. You are probably right about the special effects being better because of it being a sequel to a successful money maker. I am hoping for a great Transformers 2 even though I don't usually like the idea of sequels.
Frank C. -
I haven't actually read any of the others besides LWW, but there is probably a reason that one is the most often read.
Daves last blog post..The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
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I have been actually waiting for Prince Caspian for quite some time. I am going for it for sure!!
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I've always been a big fan of the Narnia books, but I was slightly disappointed with the first film. Since I had to watch Iron Man this weekend I didn't get to catch this one, but I'm still hoping to see it in the theater...of course, we all know Indy will be next...
Unfortunately, it may be the same story for a lot of people...
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@Jason: "Since I had to watch Iron Man this weekend..." As if I twisted your arm and made you watch it. :)
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The Trousered Apes last blog post..Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Parts 5 thru 10 of 10 with Dr. Craig
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The Trousered Apes last blog post..Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Parts 5 thru 10 of 10 with Dr. Craig
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Scotty Dubs last blog post..Google gets it!
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It looks like the general consensus is that Prince Caspian was just ok. Again, if you liked the first movie, then this one is sure to please as well, but don't expect this one to be much better in any respects besides special effects.
If there is any question about whether you would be able to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull or not because of seeing Prince Caspian, then this is not a tough decision. GO SEE INDIANA JONES! Indy cover your heart!
Daves last blog post..Sharon Movie: The Fugitive (1993)
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The Trousered Apes last blog post..Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Parts 5 thru 10 of 10 with Dr. Craig
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