One year after the incredible adventure of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Peter, Edmund, Lucy and Susan Pevensie return to Narnia to aid a young prince whose life has been threatened by the evil King Miraz. Now, with the help of a colorful cast of new characters, including Trufflehunter the badger and Nikabrik the dwarf, the Pevensie clan embarks on an incredible adventure to ensure that Narnia is returned to its rightful heir.
| 2 hr 24 mins |
Won 1 award, Nominated for 4 awards. See all awards »
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Earlier this week I praised Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy vision of “Helboy II” put to screen. The same could be said of Andrew Adamson’s humble work in “Prince Caspian”. With the Disney backing and the label at the head of the picture, Adamson could never have turned his franchise into a “Lord of the Rings” or a “Hellboy”. The darkness of these other films is eschewed for bright pictures, clean imagery and simple characterizations of good and evil. But in Caspian Adamson's picture, under cover of bright wholesomeness manages to make a surprisingly violent film.
Simplicity is actually a compliment in this case. Before I wrote this review I read a Den of Geek’s open letter to Action Movie Directors and Editors. While we are bombarded with excessive camerawork, aggressive action, music and editing in our action scenes, in the Narnia series, especially Caspian, Adamson’s classical approach to spectacle is a refreshing throwback to classical epic films. [ show more ]
When we last left the world of Narnia the four Pevensie kids (Edmund, Peter, Susan and Lucy) had just saved the Narnians from the evil Ice Queen and walked back through the Wardrobe back to WWII London. It’s now several years later ‘earth-time’ and while waiting for a train at the station, they are suddenly whisked away back into Narnia land. It’s not same Narnia as before, but hundred years later, the land is now ruled by a race of men known as the Telmarines. In a military coup their King has been killed and their Prince (Caspian) (Ben Barnes) has fled into exile. The horn given to him by his aide has summoned the former kings and queens of the land (the kids from the first film) back to save the day.
But hey, aren’t they just kids? Yes, but Peter still remembers how to brandish a sword and Susan can still fire an arrow. Unfortunately without Aslan the Lion around the kids have to unite Caspian with the remaining Narnians to battle the Telmarine army.
The first film in the series “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” suffered from early growing pains – a lengthy and often boring build up to it’s only brief (but stunning action sequence). In this second film Adamson speeds things up, lessons the awestruck majesty of the land and gets down to business really fast.
Three or four perfectly choreographed action scenes anchor the film, which in large part is as plotless as “Lord of the Rings”. There’s a lengthy attack and rescue scene from King Miraz’s castle, a fight involving the evil Ice Queen in the underground layer of the Narnians, a one-on-one sword battle between Peter and the Miraz and the final army vs. army scene.
Adamson’s classical wideangele framing, locked down camera, simple but effective shot selection and minimal cutting seems a minor miracle in the light of today’s fashionable cinematic techniques. The creature effects are simplified with familiar beasts (centaurs, gryphons etc) fighting alongside our human heroes, Adamson never revels in his achievements in creating these beasts. There are never overly designed, or overrendered with CGI. CGI was certainly used, but there appears to be as much in camera practical effects which almost always produces a more solid basis of reality.
To make a comparison to del Toro and Peter Jackson, let’s give Adamson some respect for his phenomenally designed and executed ‘tree monsters’ which help the Narnians ward of their enemies in the final battle. It trumps both the tree creatures in both “LOTR; The Two Towers” and “Hellboy II”. Enjoy [ show less ]
I caught this while on holidays but I won't give any extra details for obvious reasons.
This will definitely go down as one of the best fantasy films of all time. I think Lord of the Rings is going to always be the best but Prince Caspian has really boosted the Chronicles of Narnia. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was great but not groundbreaking. This movie was based on what I think was one of the worst books in the series. It was good but not as good as any of the others. This is now my favorite movie. The action is a lot greater and the visuals have improved as well. The kids are better than they were in the first movie and I really think they will come along way. I also think that when Harry Potter ends the Chronicles of Narnia will be there to pick up all the fans. Overall it was a great movie and I look forward to the next movie.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to a screening in Washington, DC prior to release. This production has what it takes. Great production, true to the story line, lots of nail biting and fascinating.
It never felt like it was over two hours. I'd have to say that Walden did an amazing job of staying true to the storyline and that Disney's magic is back. I will recommend this movie and absolutely plan on adding the DVD to my library when it comes out. I may even go and pay to see it again.
The only recommendation I have is to continue with the other 5 books. I've seen every one of the productions of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and it took Disney to make it right. Now they've continued with Prince Caspian, and I'm anything BUT disappointed. As long as the storyline and production keep improving, it can only get better.
