Product: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Two Disc Edition + BD-Live) [Blu-ray] (2008)
Rating: 4.0
4 1/2 Stars...Fast-paced and Fun
My childhood love of books was first ignited by the Chronicles of Narnia. I was swept away into worlds fanciful, dangerous, and often layered in symbolism. Until a few years ago, I never thought films could capture what I experienced in my own imagination."The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" was a pleasant surprise. Talking animals, the faun, and the magic of the wardrobe were all brought to life with amazing detail and warmth--or, in the case of the White Witch, chill. Despite enjoying the movie, it seemed to lack a bit of the grittier side I remembered from my own reading."Prince Caspian" adds that element I found missing in the first movie. Yes, it deviates from the original book quite a bit, but in all honesty, this was my least favorite book of the seven chronicles. Although liberties are taken, I believe they stay true to the heart of C.S. Lewis's writings, and they tell a stronger, more epic story. The romance element is not as heavy-handed as some have implied, and it does seem slightly forced, and yet it too seems like something possible for sons of Adam and daughters of Eve who are getting older in their Narnian roles.From fast-paced chases, attacks, escapes, and eventually a large-scale battle with some fun effects, "Prince Caspian" is great entertainment. I can't wait for the release of "Voyage of the Dawn Treader," possibly my favorite of this series of books. Sure, there will be parts that challenge my own interpretation of the story, but there will be others--such as Reepicheep, in this one--that live up to and even surpass my expectations. I'm glad to see Lewis's magic brought to film.