Guest Blogger! Brian K. Previews/Reviews New Narnia (Prince Caspian)


"Things Never Happen the Same Way Twice."
- Aslan




I was given the opportunity to see a special screening of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and Jo asked if I would like to post a review. With next-to-zero history in blogging (apart from comments), I obviously accepted.

My plan is to keep the review spoiler-free, but give a complete review nonetheless. I'll leave out the synopsis since those can be found online if you are so inclined to search them out. I also find that anything that is not in the trailer should be left as a new experience when you watch the film for the first time. So here we go...

I remember repeatedly watching the 1979 animated version of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe as a kid and was excited when the live-action version came out by Disney in 2005. Never having read the books by C.S. Lewis, the follow-up film was an unexpected journey for me since I had no idea where the fantasy-adventure went post-The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. 




I found the film very engaging a la Disney style and was repeatedly caught up in the tale as it unfolded. The cheesy Disney dialogue poked it's head up every once and awhile, but if you take it with a grain of salt and realize that the film is geared more towards the younger audience, it is understandable and pleasant in a light-hearted way.

Moments in this film share the excitement and anticipation of the open-field battles in Braveheart and head-to-head titan clashes in Gladiator, but of course in a PG fashion without the excessive blood and gruesome death scenes. Remember that the Kings and Queens of Narnia are portrayed by young actors and actresses, so the fighting scenes lack the punch (pun totally intended) that you may be used to from other fantasy films. 




There are also wonderful performances by Peter Dinklage (of The Station Agent; highly recommended) and Eddie Izzard, who lends his unmistakable voice talent to a swashbuckling Chief Mouse. Recent Oscar winner Tilda Swinton also reprises her role as the infamous White Witch, and you obviously can't have dwarfs in a movie without the legendary Warwick Davis brilliantly playing one. The Spanish influenced Telmarines (unfavorable humans that occupy Narnia) offer a sharp contrast to the English influenced Pevensie Family (Kings & Queens): Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy (which itself offers a subtext that is probably too long to get into, but I had to mention it). Even though both sides deliver acting performances that are less than Oscar-worthy, it does not detract from the effectiveness or enjoyment of the film.

All in all, I had a great time watching it. The special effects were wonderful and I would recommend the movie to kids and adults the same. The first film adds context to the second, but is not a viewing requirement. Is this where I'm supposed to give it a thumbs up, or stars, or two shakes of a dogs tale with a biscuit?  If so, it has my stamp of approval.


Additional thoughts for those that look deeper into the film..

Often times the films (and originally the books) are referred to as a Christian allegory, but I think that singling out the Christian influence sells the effectiveness and longevity of the fantasy adventure short. Let's not forget it also incorporates Greek and Norse (or Scandinavian) Mythology, English folk lore, and wherever you classify magic and fantasy. C.S Lewis included influences from multiple legends to form an adventure that has withstood the test of time and circled the world with great success.

This formula has been used repeatedly - isn't that part of the lure in LOST? We all watch and eagerly analyze the influences week after week on Jo's LOST blog - from the Alice in Wonderland nods to Peter Pan's Lost Boys. Let's not forget how over the head LOST is with character names (Christian Shephard: Christianity, John Locke: Enlightenment Philosopher, etc). Since we praise LOST (or other mediums) for doing so, the same should be true for The Chronicles of Narnia; for those of us that like to delve deeper than the surface, there is a plethora of themes for us to enjoy. 


I think that is a wrap. Hopefully I didn't include anything that will take away from your appreciation of the film and maybe added something positive to your future experience. I would appreciate any feedback (positive/negative) from those that took the time to read this since I am looking to start my own BLOG for runners in the near future. I'd also like to thank Jo for giving me the official chance to be long-winded on her forum.

---

Special thanks to Brian for his detailed preview! I didn't have plans to see movie, but after reading his review, I am adding the first Narnia film to my Netflix queue and will do the same when this one hits DVD. Feel free to leave feedback about his thoughts or your own as comments below.
- Jo


Posted by JOpinionated at 5/14/2008 6:12 PM
Categories: Film, Guest Blogger
 

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  • 5/15/2008 10:18 AM Sarah wrote:

    Great review Brian! I'll be first in line!
    Reply to this
  • 5/15/2008 11:12 AM mr obiwankobe wrote:

    "You feelin strong? Call me an Elf, one more time."  Peter Dinklage was awesome with his small cameo in "Elf."

    I enjoyed the first Narnia and look forward to seeing the second. I read today that the second film lacks the "magic and fantasy" that the first film thrived in. From your review it sounds like more of an action fantasy rather than magical fantasy. Sounds like you are on par and maybe there is a future for you... Nice job.
    Reply to this
  • 5/15/2008 11:16 AM Priscilla wrote:

    Most excellent review!

    Looking forward to the runners blog!
    Reply to this
  • 5/15/2008 5:25 PM Sabrina wrote:

    I've seen the first movie, but haven't read the books. I feel yah on the Disney bit, but reading your comments got me intrigued about the movie.

    Great review, seems like something of a natural talent! Keep it going!
    Reply to this
  • 5/15/2008 9:47 PM Bri ana wrote:

    I enjoyed watching the first movie Chronicles of Narnia. I wasn't sure if I would go and watch Prince Caspian but after reading Brian's review I will give it a chance and go watch it. Thanks for the true review.
    Bri-Ana
    Reply to this
  • 5/15/2008 10:15 PM Brian's Wifey wrote:

    I am so proud of Brian! That was a great review! At the beginning of the movie there was a kid crying in the back, but once he was gone I was sucked into the movie.
    Reply to this
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