The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

Nothing there

Beware reading a plot outline before you see this - that's all there is. There's no subplot, no character development, no subtlety, no twists. It just is what it is, and takes its time about it. One might even think it was designed for children.

Best film I've seen in recent years

I vaguely remember reading the Narnia books as a youngster, and remember thoroughly enjoying them, although no detail. Over the past few years, we've seen the Star Wars prequels come out (enjoyable, but very poor overall), and also the Lord of the Rings adaptations (fantastic, although both book & film are very deep and heavy). When I heard The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe was being made into a movie, I had high hopes that they'd be pulled off in a similar vein to Peter Jacksons success. The reviews came out and they were very good rather than great, - I didn't jump at getting the film out and held off for a few months. Lion was probably the worst book of the 7 Narnia tales anyway, so I didn't have great expectations. After watching Lion I thoroughly enjoyed it, but of course the fantasy adaptation was nowhere near as spectacular as LOTR, and the review were spot-on. Lion did incredibly will given the ridiculous title, being the worst book, and where Lion is a scene setter, just like SW: Ep1 Phantom Menace. Similarly, Prince Caspian is like Star Wars Ep.2 & 3 - much better, but still far from 4,5 & 6.

Prince Caspian the film is absolutely incredible. It matches Peter Jackson's success and in its own right, the film is fantastic. Frame-by-frame throughout the film, it achieves the perfect pitch and all-round blend of acting, directing, visuals, editing, action-sequences. It's the perfect film. The fantasy blend is perfect, and never over the top. Same goes for the action sequences. The cinematography beats LOTR, not in the directing sense, but in the film location choices.

Its important to note that the film is about kids, and an adventure told through the eyes of kids. Its about their development, coming of age, new experiences in life. A far cry from the adult fantasy of LOTR.

Remember, the best books are yet to come: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Silver Chair, Magicians Nephew, Horse and his Boy. If they pull off the same as PC, then watch this space. The films have the potential to be the next Nintendo Wii - ie. slowly starting and gradually surpassing PS3/Xbox ...

Prince Caspian is a must see film, an instant classic and a collectors item.