As the lights went up in the theatre, after the first time I saw “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” I didn’t even know what to say. The one thing that I could think was that I had just seen one amazing motion picture, and it made me very well pleased.
The film has achieved everything that I had hoped it would. I give full credit to Andrew Adamson, Steven McFeeley and Christopher Markus for capturing the spirit of the story, and capturing it well.
You see, the book “Prince Caspian” was never my favorite of the Chronicles. To me, it always seemed more like the prelude to the epic “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.” The film version, however, has brought out the many things that Prince Caspian has to offer. The subtleties in the characters, how Prince Caspian doesn’t yet feel prepared to take on his role, the growth in character through both failure and victory for each of the Pevensies and Caspian.
When it comes to the adaptation of the book to the screen, Prince Caspian is a pretty difficult one to get absolutely perfect without being overly drawn out. The book features a character called Trumpkin telling the story of Caspian to the Pevensies for chapter after chapter of flashbacks.
For this, the flashbacks have been left behind, adding a sense of immediacy to the story that would have been missing. The writers made the right call, there, as the film now moves at a solid and steady pace.
The film begins with the quick introduction of new heroes and villains. The start is huge, and captures everything that you need to know to understand what is at stake. The music soars, bringing you a sense of adventure and excitement as Caspian rides.
Caspian is perfectly cast in the actor of Ben Barnes. Many have thought that his age would be to his detriment, but I must agree with the filmmakers on this point. Reading the book, you never find his age really set in stone. The BBC version attempts to get it right, but I immediately thought that it wasn’t all that believable for a child to be so feared, to be able to lead an army, and to be as strong as Caspian needs to be.
Ben Barnes has a bright future ahead of him, his acting is incredible and more importantly: you believe that he is Caspian, and that he can accomplish everything that he needs to.
Vincent Grass is terrific in the role of Doctor Cornelius, Caspian’s teacher. In fact, the entire supporting cast does a remarkable job. Cornell John (Glenstorm), Pierfrancesco Favino (Glozelle), Ken Stott (Trufflehunter), Damián Alcázar (Sopespian), and Alicia Borrachero (Prunaprismia) all turn in wonderful performances. Even composer Harry Gregson-Williams has a turn in this film with the role of Pattertwig.
Sergio Castellitto truly captures the conflict in the evil King Miraz. Warwick Davis is excellent in the role of Nikabrik.
Trumpkin is one character that I’m more than pleased that we’ll see more of. Peter Dinklage practically steals every scene that he’s in. His one liners help to lighten the mood of an otherwise dark film. The same is true of Eddie Izzard’s turn as Reepicheep. Both characters are welcome additions to the cast and help to fill the void left by the beavers and Mr. Tumnus. Both are well loved, and I’m sure that Trumpkin will be more endeared to people’s hearts after this film.
But how can you talk about the film without mentioning the Pevensies? They have grown up a bit since we last saw them, and their acting has only improved. They truly are the Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy of Narnia. You believe that they are a family. They’re a great group of kids and well suited to the task.
Harry Gregson-Williams turns in a fantastic score once again. The music soars from the start, as we hear reprises of themes to remind us of events from the first film. There are also many new themes throughout. The music is just as epic as before, though the themes are more pronounced this time around. The last film had many wonderful and different themes, but the story called for it. This time around, there aren’t as many varying characters, such as Father Christmas, to write music for. As such, the film’s music is beautiful, and really enhances what is on the screen.
From here on out, there may be spoilers
This time around, the Pevensies are more conflicted, the film is darker and the action has become more fierce. The Pevensies have lived for a year in our world, and have had to deal with the reality of being young again, after being kings and queens for at least fifteen years. They were once highly respected and honored royalty, now seen as mere children once again.
Caspian is dealing with a different sort of identity crisis. The heir to the throne of a race of invaders, he is conflicted by the hidden past of his people, and his desire to free the Narnians and to take up his throne. He feels unworthy of that position, and it shows as his character grows throughout the film.
The addition of the raid on Miraz’s Castle was a masterstroke as it becomes the catalyst for one of the most emotionally driven sequences in the film. My heart broke as the scene was ending. It really struck a chord with me. It showcased the growing acting chops of William Moseley, in the role of King Peter.
The other change that I am sure wasn’t that big of a deal: the White Witch. That scene is in the book, folks. The writers just take the scene a little bit further than Lewis did in the book. Not a big deal, and the payoff shows just how much Edmund has grown since the first film.
As for the controversial kiss: I have no problem with it at all, and here’s why: if you’ve read the books, then you should know the path that Susan takes. It’s definitely in line with where her character is going, and in that way it makes sense. Sure, it wasn’t in the book, but I have a feeling that Lewis himself would have agreed with the change.
Prince Caspian is a wonder to behold, true in spirit and in story. Fans will love it!
A, 10 out of a possible 10
See my individual scores here, where you can also submit your own review
