The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Rating:	★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Science Fiction & Fantasy

For starters, "Prince Caspian" is the sequel/followup to "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" , so it's pretty much a must to rewatch the first movie, or read the Narnia books again before buying a movie ticket. That fact aside, the movie is an awesome look at the world CS Lewis created in his books. The lead actors and actresses are very comfortable in their roles, the special effects were outstanding and not at all cheesy, and the action scenes were very well orchestrated...and even better than those in the first movie.

"Prince Caspian" is a much grittier, more mature tale when compared to its cinematic predecessor as well as the book it was based of. The violence and the drama is considerably higher than in the previous Narnia installment. The fight scenes get pretty graphic (think actually seeing where arrows land). The dangers of diplomacy, holding sieges, sneaking around outposts, and storming castles are shown as very real and probable in the storyline (this is one movie where people do not just stroll into a castle triumphantly and declare themselves rulers of the place). The characters (even the kids and the talking beasts) all have real personal issues to deal with: honor, adapting to the world around them, secrets, being lied to, loss of faith and innocence, control issues and much more. Definitely CS Lewis' world, but sans the gloss.

The things that make "Prince Caspian" an awesome movie instead of merely a good one are the character developments and the powerful spiritual angle. In terms of character, all the mains (Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, and Caspian) are shown as capable in their roles as leaders, warriors, and guides, but they are also shown as young people suddenly thrust into a frightening conflict. The realities that they face in their quest become more dangerous when put in contrast with their relative innocence (or perhaps lack thereof). The more minor characters are also well-fleshed out--the progression of their mindsets from fear to suspicion to loyalty is very well portrayed in this movie. In my opinion, the best character development here happens with Edmund; you'll see if you watch the movie.

As for the spiritual angle: let us just say that though the original book was spiritual enough, the movie raised it to a whole new level. The book tells a story of a young prince who learns about Aslan, the Narnians, and the Old Ways that will guide him in his quest to regain the throne from his uncle. The movie tells a story of a Narnia searching for a savior, and of heroes and heroines who can overcome their outer and internal battles only through their faith and the intervention of Aslan. The themes of temptation, redemption, and faith are vividly portrayed in this movie as Caspian and the Pevensie siblings are torn between taking their desperate situation into their hands, or waiting and hoping for Aslan to make his move. An amazing scene to watch out for in this vein is the struggle of Caspian and Peter with three unsavory allies and the newly summoned spirit of the White Witch.

Having said that, I think it is important for me to note that the movie deviates significantly from CS Lewis' narrative. Book purists might spend half the movie either critiquing it or freaking out. Still, many of the plot twists are actually beneficial to the storyline as events get sped up, or are portrayed more dramatically than they would have been if the book text was followed faithfully. The character interactions for the most part are better set out in the movie than they were in the book.

Perhaps the only thing I didn't like in this movie was the slight romantic angle put into the storyline. I enjoyed every other plot deviation save for this rather unnecessary detail (but maybe some people might like it, so I leave them to their opinion).

In the final analysis, "Prince Caspian" is a movie worth watching more than once. It's a more mature take on the world of Narnia, and perhaps a very relevant look at the "Deep Magic" that permeates it, and our world as well.