tirian_son_of_erlian
Active member
I came across this refreshing article the other day. I'm in general agreement with Liam Gaughan. Actually...I think he's spot on! I skipped through the first few extraneous paragraphs and started reading where he actually begins ranking and analyzing the Walden Media films. Here's a link to the full article:
collider.com
So let's start with The Voyage of the Dawn Treador too. It does have some positives. Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley brought a new confidence to their respective characters and, along with Poulter, carried the film. The overall pace and adventerous tone of the film was acceptable, and there is definitely a spirit of unity and a sense of common purpose among the crew.
The radical departures from both the book and the previous two films, however, were more nightmarish than the Dark Island itself. This installment seemed to be sailing around in circles, the quest for the seven missing lords and Aslan's country put astern to the wild sea serpent battle and green, menacing mist. I remember leaving the theater back in 2010 wondering what had just happened and why the Dawn Treador was lost at sea. I have to agree that this version belongs at the bottom ranking of the three Walden films.
Prince Caspian was an enigma for me. There was a lot I liked about it, and still much that was entirely unacceptable. I thought the sets, costumes and cinematography showcased considerable talent and expertise. It is worth noting, however, that these components overshadowed the original story Lewis wrote, shifting it toward a more political and military operative. The theme of renewal was grossly abridged. Although the river god breaking free of his chains was spectacular to see, much of the original story's charm was displaced by wild drawn-out battles, bickering, and pride. When I stop for a moment and contrast the overall character developments of SUSAN and Caspian throughout the Chronicles of Narnia as a whole, I have to argue that a romance between them is entirely unimaginable.
The Soca River Valley was an excellent geographic choice for filming the rivers and creeks of Narnia in Capsian's time. Several early scenes were in fact captured brilliantly and wisely reflected the original source material, such as Edmund and Trumpkin's sword fight on the beach. Occassionally the film enjoyed complementary plot points, like Edmund suggesting Cair Paravel's ruinous state was a result of a Telmarine invasion. Although I liked "Prince Caspian" much better than "The Voyage of the Dawn Treador," both films took unreasonable risks and departures that unfortunately stole from the heart of the books.
That leaves "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." I remember how happy I was when this film was released in 2005. Although I had some criticisms at the time, most of those have evaporated when I look at what did (or didn't) become of the films that followed it. The first Walden Chronicle was delightful and true to the story. Ample time was given to expound on each of the Pevensies' personal journeys. Aslan was the story's masterpiece. The overall pace, spirit and progression of the film were all on point.
In the past, my criticims of the first installment might have been about small details. Years later I can overlook many of these nuances. As a book purist, I certainly did have many visual and character preferences that were not portrayed on screen as expected, but the story did remain close enough to Lewis' for me to properly enjoy it.
So, what do you think? It has been over ten years since the last Narnia film was produced. During that time, has your opinion of the films changed any? What things, for better or for worse, most stand out to you in each film? What do you think about the many changes that were made in the films and also what in the films do you think is the most well-done?
'The Chronicles of Narnia' Movies, Ranked
Which is the best 'The Chronicles of Narnia' movie?
collider.com
So let's start with The Voyage of the Dawn Treador too. It does have some positives. Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley brought a new confidence to their respective characters and, along with Poulter, carried the film. The overall pace and adventerous tone of the film was acceptable, and there is definitely a spirit of unity and a sense of common purpose among the crew.
The radical departures from both the book and the previous two films, however, were more nightmarish than the Dark Island itself. This installment seemed to be sailing around in circles, the quest for the seven missing lords and Aslan's country put astern to the wild sea serpent battle and green, menacing mist. I remember leaving the theater back in 2010 wondering what had just happened and why the Dawn Treador was lost at sea. I have to agree that this version belongs at the bottom ranking of the three Walden films.
Prince Caspian was an enigma for me. There was a lot I liked about it, and still much that was entirely unacceptable. I thought the sets, costumes and cinematography showcased considerable talent and expertise. It is worth noting, however, that these components overshadowed the original story Lewis wrote, shifting it toward a more political and military operative. The theme of renewal was grossly abridged. Although the river god breaking free of his chains was spectacular to see, much of the original story's charm was displaced by wild drawn-out battles, bickering, and pride. When I stop for a moment and contrast the overall character developments of SUSAN and Caspian throughout the Chronicles of Narnia as a whole, I have to argue that a romance between them is entirely unimaginable.
The Soca River Valley was an excellent geographic choice for filming the rivers and creeks of Narnia in Capsian's time. Several early scenes were in fact captured brilliantly and wisely reflected the original source material, such as Edmund and Trumpkin's sword fight on the beach. Occassionally the film enjoyed complementary plot points, like Edmund suggesting Cair Paravel's ruinous state was a result of a Telmarine invasion. Although I liked "Prince Caspian" much better than "The Voyage of the Dawn Treador," both films took unreasonable risks and departures that unfortunately stole from the heart of the books.
That leaves "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." I remember how happy I was when this film was released in 2005. Although I had some criticisms at the time, most of those have evaporated when I look at what did (or didn't) become of the films that followed it. The first Walden Chronicle was delightful and true to the story. Ample time was given to expound on each of the Pevensies' personal journeys. Aslan was the story's masterpiece. The overall pace, spirit and progression of the film were all on point.
In the past, my criticims of the first installment might have been about small details. Years later I can overlook many of these nuances. As a book purist, I certainly did have many visual and character preferences that were not portrayed on screen as expected, but the story did remain close enough to Lewis' for me to properly enjoy it.
So, what do you think? It has been over ten years since the last Narnia film was produced. During that time, has your opinion of the films changed any? What things, for better or for worse, most stand out to you in each film? What do you think about the many changes that were made in the films and also what in the films do you think is the most well-done?
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