'Prince Caspian' brings back the magic of Narnia

The magic of Narnia has returned, thanks to the skill of the magnificent up and coming director, Adam Adamson (“Shrek 1 & 2”). The beauty and majesty of the original film, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”, is still there, alongside a more complex story with more dangerous battles. All four actors return to play the Pevensie children, as they are called upon to protect Narnia once again. As befits growing children, the four characters have changed since their last magical journey. Joining the four is Ben Barnes (“Stardust”) as a teenage prince named Caspian, who fits into the story well, causing some natural friction as there are now two of our heroes who wish to lead.

Thirteen hundred years have passed in the land of Narnia, while only one year has passed in World War II-era England. The Pevensie children are called upon for assistance by the rightful ruler of Narnia, Prince Caspian, who is being hunted by his ruthless uncle, King Miraz. On his escape from the castle and the rest of his kind - who also appear to be human - he stumbles upon a few of the remaining magical denizens of Narnia. Caspian’s people had seemingly wiped them out of existence, but the prince has learned of and sympathized with these original inhabitants. With the return of King Peter, Queen Susan, King Edmund and Queen Lucy, the subjugators of Narnia may have a real threat to their continuing dominance.

Barnes effortlessly shares the spotlight with the original stars, differentiating himself with his charming and courteous personality. Caspian’s people have an obvious Spanish influence, while the Pevensies wear the trappings of medieval England. The villains in the story, King Miraz and his nobles, are not as fascinating nor fear-inducing as the White Queen from the first film. However, the sheer number of soldiers and power of their arms gives the heroes a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Luckily, they find allies along the way, whether they be the honorable centaurs or the talking woodland creatures. One of the most endearing and humorous is the dwarf Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage, “Elf”), who reluctantly befriends the children early on. His performance makes for some of the funniest and most heartfelt moments in the film.

Watching the children in the film take on adult roles in the best way they know how – while sometimes giving in to human weaknesses like vanity, doubt, and fear – makes the characters feel very real. The special effects are well utilized and the combat is breathtaking and emotional. The final battle makes good use of the terrain in the action but it seems to drag on, leaving you drained as the characters move from one obstacle to the next. Overall, “Prince Caspian” is a worthy successor to the original film, giving audiences a movie the whole family can watch and enjoy together.

Rated PG for epic battle action and violence.