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The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
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Manufacturer: WALT DISNEY VIDEO
Find all by WALT DISNEY VIDEO
Directed By: Andrew Adamson
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
Theatrical Release: May 16, 2008
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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Retail Price: $29.99
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Starring: Ben Barnes, Cornell John, Damián Alcázar, Liam Neeson, Alicia Borrachero
The magical world of C.S. Lewis beloved fantasy comes to life once again in Prince Caspian, the second installment of The Chronicles Of Narnia series. Join Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, the mighty and majestic Aslan, friendly new Narnian creatures and Prince Caspian as they lead the Narnians on a remarkable journey to restore peace and glory to their enchanted land. Continuing the adventure of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe with more magic and a brand-new hero, Prince Caspian is a triumph of imagination, courage, love, joy and humor your whole family will want to watch again and again.
User Submitted The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Reviews
December 4, 2008
Things Never Happen The Same Twice
Disney has unleashed another fantastic chapter from the Chronicles of Narnia.
Now "Prince Caspian", does not follow the book of the same name as loyally as the first did. Instead we dig in much deeper into the depression of Narnia and get a few spectacular battle scenes. This film is a lot darker and less magical than the first, it is however so much more meaningful.
Clearly this movie breaks out from the clean cut "the Lion, With & the Wardrobe". It crosses territory only "Lord of The Rings" had before and it proves to be an excellent effort. As a sequel it's good but on a stand-alone its classic.
This is a must own. Any other negative review only deals with the fact that it's not page-by-page from the book and that it's not as magical as the first ... but really like Aslan said "Things Never Happen The Same Twice" and chances are most of the generic public never read Prince Caspian (which btw is not one of the most popular books and also lacks any real action).
December 3, 2008
A bit of a disappointment
After an incredible debut with "The lion, the witch, and the wardrobe," I was a bit disappointed by this movie from the Narnia series. The movie doesn't stick very well to some parts of the book, obviously to flash it up for hollywood. The movie also lasts an astounding 144 minutes- way longer than it should have. It tends to drag on, and I found myself longing for the credits.
It's a good story for the kids, provided they can sit through the over 2 hour movie. It does promote good values of honor and loyalty, as true to the Narnia series.
December 3, 2008
Excellent Film Made by People Who Love the Narnia Books
This is an excellent film based on one of the more difficult C.S. Lewis Narnia books to translate to film. I understand how many fans of the Narnia books could be disappointed with the film. There were alterations to the storyline. However, when you read the book, you have to realize that it wouldn't translate well to film if presented as written on the page. The narration jumps back and forth and as a film it would have been too confusing. I have read all of the Narnia books and of all seven in the series, Prince Caspian is my least favorite. That is not because it isn't a good book. It stands on its own merits as a good book, but not as engaging as some of the others in the series.
This film did not do as well at the box office as the first film (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe). However, it still qualifies as a smashing success and will pave the way for the next book to be filmed.
Individuals may be unaware that C.S. Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham is intimately involved in the production of the Narnia films. The scripts must meet his approval before they go before the camera. This film had his blessings. He is very passionate about preserving the integrity of the books. He agreed that to do the basic story justice as a film the plot had to be altered so the story could be told in a linear fashion.
A lot of talented people were involved in the making of Prince Caspian, many of whom are passionate fans of the series. The results are an epic, beautiful film that stands on its own. The acting, production, music and special effects all work together to make a film that will be loved for ages to come.
If these films continue to do well at the box-office, the producers have promised to try and make all seven books into films. Some will be more difficult than others. Prince Caspian made over $500 million in worldwide box-office revenues, and in the next few months filming will begin on the next in the series: The Voyage of the Dawntreader. That book is one of my favorites of the Narnia books. It will be directed by Michael Apted. Here's to hoping that film will have even better box office success so that other books in the series can be brought to life at the cinema.
December 3, 2008
Very disappointing
I thoroughly enjoyed the first Narnia movie in fact I own it. Prince Caspian was nothing short of boring to me & my husband. It was far removed from the book, just a glimpse of Aslan & numerous senseless battle scenes. The Ice Queen got my attention but for just as long as she was on the screen.
December 3, 2008
Shades of Lord of the Rings
While the first movie in this series ran fairly true to the book, this movie was a big jump away, seeming more like a children's Lord of the Rings. Much, much darker than the book, filled with angst-ridden teens (not in the book), an Aslan who is conspicuous by his absence for most of the movie (also not in the book), an unlikely battle (which was not in the book) which left a foolish, hot-headed Peter having to strand Narnians inside the castle to be slaughtered (as if the real Peter would have done that!), dour dwarves (who in the book were cheerful and cheeky). . .the list goes on. Probably the most admirable characters are Edmund and Lucy. The others just tend to fight amongst themselves a lot (although Peter's fight scene with Miraz is pretty cool :^)).
That said, it's not actually a bad movie. It's clean, with no swearing or sex scenes/innuendoes, and if there are a lot of battles, at least there's hardly any blood. If you haven't read the book--or maybe just don't care whether it follows the book or not--then you will probably enjoy this movie.
December 3, 2008
Prince Caspian Was Good and Bad
I loved The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and when I found out they were coming out with Prince Caspian, I was sooooo excited. When I went to see it on my birthday with my friends, I had mixed feelings. I thought it was a very good movie. I was a little disappointed. It wasn't very true to the book. Like the Raid on the Castle was never in the book (i still liked that part though). There was a lot of battle too, it wasn't bloody, but it felt like in the last 2/3 of the movie it was constant battle. I was a little disappointed they didn't focus much on Lucy and Aslan and the whole believing thing. The biggest disappointment to me was Susan and Caspian. They never fell in love in the book. I wouldn't have mind too much if they didn't make them kiss! That was a disappointment. But other than that i really love the movie. I do recommend that young children under 6 or 7 don't watch it in the movies. I'm mature for my age and it was still a little hard for me to watch the scene where the white witch comes back. There may be some parts you will want to skip for the little ones. Very amazing actors and actresses. I absolutely love Georgie Henley's acting. Almost everyone I know thinks Ben Barnes is very good looking. I love this movie and it is definitely going into my collection.
Huge fan of Narnia and 11 years old
December 3, 2008
A Good Disc For a Good Sequel
I just finished watching Prince Caspian for the second time and enjoyed it just about as much as the first as the dvd doesn't disappoint.
Prince Caspian picks up many years after the events of the first Narnia and many things have changed indeed. Humans have taken over Narnia and run off all the creatures and magical beings, leaving the land in a darkened and dreary state. Prince Caspian is heir to the throne but is threatened by his uncle who has been coveting it for himself and his newborn son. Caspian must flee to the forest to save any hope for his future rule and the Narnian's whom he's only thought to be myths and legends up until now. The children from the first Narnia are somewhat accidentally but fortunately summoned back to a very different land than they left which is in desperate need of their help. Conflict ensues between all these characters who are all at once thrown together but eventually find a common ground against a common foe. Can the Prince survive to take hold of his royal birthright? What of the returning kings and queens of old, where will they fit in to this land that used to be their own? Will Alsan the Lion return to help save what's left of the few remaining Narnian's and help they gain their stolen freedom?
It's a much more mature and serious film than the first one. I still like The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, but Prince Caspian does what a sequel should by upping the ante and increasing the intesity. I was very suprised at the overall dark and bleak tone of the film. You really get a sense of gloom that's darkened what used to be a vibrant and colorful Narnia. I thought all the characters and voice acting was excellent. Nothing about this felt childish or remedial. This one works on all levels and makes for a perfect family movie as it has something for everyone without straying too far in one directon or the other. A perfect balance is struck for everyone to find something they like. We're introduced to many new characters but we're not overwhelmed where we have to try to keep up so as to not get lost later in the film. That seems to be something that many films have fumbled with but Prince Caspian is easy to follow and the story stays focused. There are many wonderful action and battle scenes that toe the line perfectly as they're serious but not gruesome or gory. The landscapes are gorgeous as they're all shot on location and the CGI characters blend in well, are very detailed but not distracting. Prince Caspian accomplished something that many films can't or don't bother to by taking us to a beautiful far away land that'll stick with you and make you want to go back after it's ended. That's a real testament in movie making. I had a great time in Narnia and look forward to going back again.
There are a few things here and there that you could nit pick at if you wanted to but you'd only ruin a good time for yourself. Besides, it's a fantasy film so it should be allowed some more liberties than most movie genres. I had to remind myself of that when I caught a few things that stretched reality, but then I told my brain to shut up and just enjoy it and I did.
The video on the disc is clean and clear of any specks or dirt. The day scenes are bright and colorful and the night scenes were fairly dark but not to the point where I found it difficult at all to keep up with what was going on. You can turn the lights down without turning them off and be fine. There are quite a few of the night scenes so it's good they were'nt nearly as bad as I've seen on alot of films. The detail was ok, if a little soft at times but everything was discernable. They could've probably done better but what's here is just fine. The DD 5.1 mix is excellent. The speech, orchestral score and sound effects were perfectly balanced and very involving. The action scenes never got too loud to where you felt you needed to turn it down, nor the quite talking to where you needed to turn it up. There are also some great sound effects from wind, leaves, water, creature noises and the clashing and clanging of armored battle. I also picked up some discrete rumbling and low bass during calmer moments that caught me off guard but were a nice suprise.
Prince Caspian is a very well done movie for all ages and all I can think is what a good thing that is. In these days of raunchy comedies, swear filled action movies, gory horror movies and sex scenes in just about everything, it's refreshing to see an innocent and well done live action(mostly) movie for the whole family to be able to sit and enjoy together. I hope more movie studios catch on to this and give families more reasons to go back to the movies together. Don't miss this one.
November 26, 2008
Just okay, mostly disappointing
In the very slim chance that Disney reads these reviews, I'd like to pile on to other criticisms in the hope that the Dawn Treader doesn't make the same mistakes. As a huge C.S. Lewis and Narnia fan, I was so disappointed in Caspian. Same reasons as many other reviewers: too many unnecessary liberties taken; little dialogue, so very little way to connect with and enjoy the characters; too grim; etc. At the end of the movie, I felt like I didn't get to spend any time with the characters b/c most of the movie was some sort of battle.
Sure, there were a few good things. Reepicheep was great; so was the DLF. The scenery and landscapes were beautiful. Some of the battles (or parts of battles) were enjoyable and had a sense of honor and bravery. But that's about it. Caspian was okay, a little boring. The posturing between Peter and Caspian was silly, as was the flicker of romance between Caspian and Susan. Not enough of Aslan. Not enough of Lucy. No lessons. Nothing anywhere near the charm of Mr. Tumnus.
You know how at the end of some movies (good ones) you have that feeling like you want more of a good thing? You wish the movie would go on and on? (That's why I ripped through all the Narnia books in the first place.) Well, after watching Caspian, I had a feeling of wanting more of what I knew existed in the book but didn't come through in the movie...it was a yearning for what could have been instead of what was delivered. It was a huge disappointment and a real shame. And I truly hope the Dawn Treader can deliver what the first movie did, and what the books all do....a real connection to the characters and a reason to start thinking about what it means to believe in something and to stand up for your beliefs. I don't think that notion is incompatible with making a block-buster of a movie.
November 25, 2008
A Good Movie, Though I Liked The First One Better
First off, I'll comment on the spread of the reviews. The higher star rating, the more votes, which means more like it than dislike it. On the other hand, the dispersement of votes shows that it was not an overwhelming fan favorite. I suggest for that reason that you do not take this review by itself in deciding whether to purchase this.
Let me give the basics. It is based on the second of C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia. It has been over 20 years since I read this one, but from my memory this movie was not as faithful to the original as the first of the series was. A lot of those changes were effective for a movie. However, I think there was a little more romance than in the book, and more dealing with vengeance.
There were two great lessons in the book. One of them, dealing with Reepicheep (who stole the show, even though he's just a . . . sorry, my thought was not very original), was intact (after you see the movie or read the book, you'll notice the irony of the word "intact"). The other was juggled in the plot and lost the strength it had in the book.
The special effects were great. My favorite was the shot of an arrow speeding through the air that looked like the arrow was standing still with the background moving.
Can you take your kids with you to this movie? Sure, but I think they would have enjoyed "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" better.
November 25, 2008
A Teen's Review: Very poor adaption
Warning you up front there may be what people would consider a spoiler or two within this review.
After watching the original movie, "the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," I had high expectations for the movie. Especially after I read the book and saw how well they had adapted it into movie form. I even went out and bought the entire Narnian series so that I could read the story before hand and have an idea of the movie plot.
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What happened? It was as though they took the characters and a few chunks of the story and slapped it together in hopes of making a decent movie. And let me tell you, they failed, quite miserably. The way that they changed important pieces of the plot frustrated me, while other story lines were nearly left out altogether (For instance, they only hint at the part of the book where Lucy sees Aslan and eventually follows him despite the others protest. Then one-by-one the others begin to see him. I have always thought that to be one of the more significant plots of Prince Caspian). And then, then they add senseless plots like when they decided to invade the castle. Though admittedly Peter did "need" that part of the movie to wake him up.
Which brings me to the other major part of the movie that just annoyed me to no end. They made Peter an absolute jerk. He and Caspian were never rivals, and Peter NEVER had any intent to take over/rule/or give orders to Caspian. He essentially saw Caspian as the leader because he would be once they won the battle. Oh, and don't get me started on that ridiculous "potential romance" thing they had between Susan and Caspian (how was that even remotely necessary?)
There were few redeeming qualities of this movie, but they still did exist. I did like the fact that when the witch was summoned (though this technically never happened)Edwin was the one to "destroy" her. It was a nice touch of irony. And then there was the rat and dwarf, who's names escaped me at the moment, which made the movie bearable to sit through. And, that's about it.
I might have enjoyed this movie had I not read the book in advance, but I'll never know. I guess if you haven't read the actual story then you could potentially think it once of the best movies of all time. But I definitely would not recommend this to someone who read and loved the book, it'll probably annoy you just as much as it annoyed me.
I'd also like to note something else - I saw this movie twice. This was only because I was giving it the benefit of the doubt. I thought that perhaps going in a second time without those high expectations would make the movie more enjoyable. Sadly, it did not.
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