Prince Caspian -- 2008

Prince Caspian

(2008)

Rated PG for battle scenes and PG frightening images

My Rating: 5 Stars

Ben Barnes

Georgie Henley

Skandar Keynes

William Moseley

Anna Popplewell

Sergio Castellitto

Peter Dinklage

Warwick Davis

This is sequel to “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” and it is just as good. It's not often that a sequel is as good as the original but in this case, I'm happy to say that Prince Caspian is an exception. Once again, the director and his crew outdid themselves. This film is beautifully orchestrated.

Summary:

Prince Caspian is an orphaned young man who lives in his castle with his uncle, aunt and subjects. Caspian's uncle rules the kingdom and it is understood that he will do so until the young prince is old enough to take the crown. But no steps have been taken towards this end and Caspian is generally ignored by his Uncle.

He spends the majority his time with his professor, a kindly old man with much wisdom. He teaches Caspian many things... among them tales of the strange land called Narnia. But those only in secret. Caspian's Uncle has forbidden the old man to even mention the name Narnia, let alone fill Caspian's head with tales of it. But the Professor is a wise man and he knows when knowledge will be necessary for his Prince's existence.

And now, his careful tutoring will bear fruit. A son has been born to Caspian's uncle and the only one between the Uncle, his seed and the throne is Caspian, the rightful heir. But never has said Uncle let rightful heirs stand between him and anything he wishes for. Sensing what is about to take place, the Professor wakes Caspian in the dead of night, hurrying him from his bed into his wardrobe, where the Prince watches in disbelief from a crack in the door as the soldiers empty their crossbows into his bed. Dazedly, he follows the Professor down the secret set of stairs in the back of his wardrobe into the armory, then the stable. The Professor hurriedly instructs Caspian that he is to flee to the forest of Narnia, where he hopes Caspian will safe. Just before he slaps the horse into motion, the old man hands the young prince something wrapped in a burlap sack.

“It has taken me years to find this. Use it only in the hour of your deepest need!”

What follows is a spectacular flight, from castle, river and meadow to dense forest that not even the bravest soldier cares to enter. There Caspian finds more adventure and better friends than he ever dared dreamed of. His character is tested and tested again until it is clear to all who know him that this Prince is a worthy ruler of his people.

What I Liked:

1: The wonderful story. I was challenged in my own life by watching the characters mature as they were challenged.

2: The acting. Once again, wonderful.

3: 99% of the movie. :-)

4: The score. Bravo to all who were involved!

5: The allegorical ring to the story.

6: Very rich in details.

7: The battle sequences/use of weapons. Susan and her bow were my favorite.

8: Costuming. Beautiful!

9: I love how Edmund is so mature and capable. It's a testimony that lessons once learned can stay learned.

10: The humor. I love how they incorporate humor into an otherwise serious story.

11: How Caspian becomes a man. It was very realistic and a good example for any boy who is watching... and for girls out there who haven't seen what a real man looks like. ;-)

What I Didn't Like:

1: When Caspian's greatest challenge comes, the witchcraft seemed very detailed... maybe too detailed. It bothered me somewhat in that it seems a little intense for the kids. However, sometimes children only get the impression of what is happening and not the details. It really depends on your child and your situation.

2: Peter seemed a lot less mature in this film than in LWW. I found this odd... they could have toned it down a mite.

Do I recommend this film? Yep! It's another great family film that is super clean and very well done to boot.