Rating of
2.5/4
A Decent Follow-Up
newmans_own - wrote on 05/16/08
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 king – a far cry from the spellbinding figure Tilda Swinton crafted in the first film. When she appears midway through the film, it suddenly kicks into high-gear; her all too short appearance gives the film the edge it was trying to get at all the while.
Still, the film is more than a worthy successor. While lacking in magic, it reflects the maturation of its characters and audiences. It may have taken a step too far and become too serious and frightening to recapture moviegoers as the filmmakers did three years ago, but those that follow it adamantly will likely appreciate the higher stakes and wider scope.
**1/2/****
Full review at http://newmanscorner.blogspot.com
