Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
2.5/4
Didn't make me want to read the book
The M.O.W. - wrote on 09/08/2009
Four siblings (William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley) are whisked back in time to the magical land of "Narnia" when the four are waiting for a train.
They find the land, in which they were declared royalty hundreds of "Narnia's" years before, in ruins.
They eventually learn that the prince (Ben Barnes) of the neighboring "Telmar" summond them with a magical horn, and decide to help him get to the throne as he was destined.
However, the uncle (Sergio Castellitto) of the prince, who is king of "Telmar", wants the prince dead. But, the siblings and the prince rally the "Narnians" into battle.
Let me say this first that this, and the last one in the series I watched (I think it was the first movie in the series, but that was long ago) is not making …
Rating of
4/4
One of My Faves of Summer 2008
Franz Patrick - wrote on 07/23/2008
I really enjoyed this installment of "The Chronicles of Narnia" because it's vastly different from the first. Its move to be less magical and awe-inspiring than the first is risky but effective because the filmmakers managed to feature one battle scene after another for the older generation. Personally, I found the first film a little too precious for its own good, so I was glad to see this darker, leaner second chapter. I found this one fun from beginning to end because of the unique and interesting secondary characters, as well as the familiar faces. I must admit that I didn't like the Prince Caspian character because, not only is he boring, but I feel like his personality compared to Peter Pevensie is a bit too obvious and predictable. Of course, there were references to the Bible but …
Rating of
3/4
You may find Narnia a more savage place
BryanFury - wrote on 06/24/2008
It was a definite step back but nonetheless a worthy following to C.S. Lewis masterpiece The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. I must say a darker Narnia is surprisingly more captivating from the first minute to the last, even though you can't really outshine something as successful as the first movie. This one is not as good but has a more story driven concept which makes up for the lack of sparkle the recurring characters have. There are also additional cast brought in like Ben Barnes as the infamous Prince Caspian which added that needed twist in the movie since it’s named after him. Also there is this cuddly little mouse kind of like the Puss in boots character in the Shrek movies and what he does is light up every scene he's in. The villains are not like the LOTR's orcs which is a …
Rating of
3/4
"Prince Caspian" takes "Chronicles" a step back
kcvidkid - wrote on 06/10/2008
The formula used in "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe" and its sequel, "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian", is probably not one that the filmmakers had in mind: both movies have interesting beginnings, followed by long and boring middle sections, then completed with spectacular battles.
I truly expected "Prince Caspian" to be better than its predecessor, or I would not even have wanted to see it; it sure looked more action-packed. But in reality, it absolutely was not better. A good sequel does everything bigger and better than the original, but the only thing better in this is that the middle section seems longer and more boring! And the final battle is not as exciting; by the time it finally arrived, I was in a stupor, I guess.
It's a shame …
Rating of
3/4
A Darker Narnia Makes for a Richer Film
Chris Kavan - wrote on 05/19/2008
A worthy follow up, even a tad better, than The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian takes a darker, more serious tone and wonder gives way to war.
The improvement over the first is due in part to the maturation of the actors. The four siblings all seem to be better on screen this time around. No one is going to win an academy award here, but the improvement is much appreciated. Georgie Henley continues to be the brightest spot, still showing there is some magic left in Narnia.
Newcomer Ben Barnes is adequate as the titular Prince Caspian. He’s a bit stiff at times, but overall works well in the film. The best performances are reserved for Peter Dinklage, playing a surly dwarf who grudgingly opens up and the animated Reepicheep voiced by Eddie Izzard. Oft compared to …
Rating of
3/4
Nothing happens the same way twice.
GeminiSixty6 - wrote on 05/16/2008
"Nothing happens the same way twice." That little saying was a central theme for the film, and holds true if you are comparing this second installment to its predecessor. At first glance you begin thinking that this time around Narnia's going to be more grown up, darker, and faster. Well, it's growing up; it's a touch darker, and a whole hell of a lot faster.
The film has the luxury to avoid most major character development since the all four of the main characters are back from the first one. But, I was left with a little void in my movie heart for Prince Caspian (played by Ben Barnes). He just didn't sit well with me, and I can't quite tell if it was the character himself or what Barnes put on film. Overall he does a decent job, but honestly he wasn't on screen as much as I …
Rating of
2.5/4
A Decent Follow-Up
newmans_own - wrote on 05/16/2008
Where the first film was concerned mainly with the tight bonds the siblings felt for each other, PRINCE CASPIAN is concerned with battles. Much of the first film’s humor is gone; this sequel is a mostly serious affair. It is rather disconcerting to see the young stars of the film kill so many people without a second thought, especially when it is presented in such a straightforward manner. It is quite surprising that the film was only given a PG rating; it’s easily the most violent PG-rated film in decades.
There is also a lack of magic in the characters. While they are actually supporting characters, the Pevensie children are not nearly as compelling as they were before. The film also suffers in its lack of a strong villain. Miraz is nothing more than a stereotypical evil warrior …
