The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
Walt Disney Pictures/ Walden Media
Starring Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, with Tilda Swinton and Liam Neeson as Aslan
Rated PG for Epic Battle Action and Violence
Running Time = 149 minutes
For the uninitiated, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is the sequel to the 2005 hit The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Based on the book series by C.S. Lewis, the films paint a vivid picture of the worlds and characters inhabited by Narnia.
In this lengthy sequel, Lucy, Edmund, Peter, and Susan Pevensie return to Narnia to find themselves propelled into the future by 1300 years. Narnia has changed, it’s hostile, less inviting, and now has both mythical creatures and rejects from The Princess Bride inhabiting it. Will the kids be able to stop evil’s triumph over good and decency? Or will the White Witch prevail and Aslan be taken down once more?
For a movie intended for kids, this is a LONG movie. At over 2 ½ hours, it felt long even to me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a decent movie. Much like the first one. In fact, it’s a lot like the first one. No better; no worse. There’s more action and violence than the previous film, but the overall feel remains the same.
So, onward to the special features, which are a must see.
Inside Narnia: The Adventure Returns
An overview of the production with insights by director Andrew Adamson and other cast a crew. Find out just how weather affects the filmmaking process.
Sets of Narnia: A Classic Comes to Life
Where do they find all those beautiful locations? This featurette delivers the answers.
Big Movie Comes To A Small Town
What happens when a film invades a small the small community of Slovenia? Citizens of the small town give their thoughts on a big movie being shot around their home.
Previsualizing Narnia
Digital storyboard artists walk us through animatics and more as they plan out fight sequences and CG-heavy shots.
Talking Animals and Walking Trees: The Magical World of Narnia
Discover how attention to detail can mean the difference between believable characters or those who pull us out of the film.
Deleted Scenes
With commentary by the director, find out why these scenes were cut. My guess: the movie was long enough!
The Bloopers of Narnia
Entertaining but too short. At only three minutes, I wanted more.
Secrets of the Duel
See what it takes to choreograph a realistic battle between a middle-aged man and a teenage boy. (And no, this has nothing to do with Michael Jackson)
Becoming Trumpkin
An actor prepares. See what it takes for actor Peter Dinklage to become an elf. One hint: a lot of yak hair.
Warwick Davis: The Man Behind Nikabrik
Watch the Willow, Labyrinth, and Leprechaun star during a day of shooting.
A third disc is also included that contains a digital copy of the film. And, unlike Warner Bros. who now charges $1.99 for the download, this one is free!
If you liked The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, you’ll be equally entertained by this fine film. And the vast amount of special features only enhances the viewing experience.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian fights its way to an A-. Those who find it too preachy or slow in pace can always return to Middle Earth with The Lord of the Rings trilogy.