Finally, now that we’re edging closer to summer, a film suitable for entire family entertainment arrives on the scene. Not surprisingly, it emerges from the work of C.S. Lewis, delivered by a studio that knows how to supply wholesome fun.
Disney’s “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” is a sequel, artfully realized and stunning in scope, which follows up on the spectacular story that began with “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”
Once again, the four Pevensie siblings are in the thick of the action as time travelers to reclaim their royal positions as protectors of the magical kingdom of Narnia.
When the story of “Prince Caspian” begins, the Pevensie kids are just ordinary school kids living in World War II-era London. Peter (William Moseley) and Susan (Anna Popplewell), the oldest siblings, are adapting to typical teenage concerns. Edmund (Skandar Keynes), the younger boy who betrayed his sibling for his own selfish gain in the first adventure, has matured, while the youngest, Lucy (Georgie Henley), retains an innocent faith that will serve the group well at a critical time.
While waiting in a tube station in Trafalgar Square, the quartet is suddenly transported back to Narnia, discovering that the faraway kingdom where they once served as kings and queens has faded into legend.
More than 1,300 years have passed in Narnian time, and the magical kingdom has been relegated to the backwater of the forested countryside. The land of talking animals and mythical creatures exists as little more than folktales to the Telmarines, a tribe of humans that finds its homeland in a state of political turmoil and intrigue, due to some trickery that seeks to deny the throne to the rightful heir, Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes). Even the mighty lion Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson) has been missing for 1,000 years.
Marked for death by his cruel uncle Lord Miraz (Sergio Castellitto), Prince Caspian has to flee the Telmarine castle. Fortunately, the prince has an ally in Doctor Cornelius (Vincent Grass), who provides a horn that should be used only in the direst circumstances.
The vicious Miraz is anxious to eliminate the prince, since his wife has given birth to a boy who can assume the throne. With adequate warning, Prince Caspian escapes to the woods, where he encounters a Narnian dwarf and talking beaver, both of whom seem eager to enlist the prince’s help.
Meanwhile, summoned by the magical horn, the Pevensie children arrive not a moment too soon in Narnia, saving the life of Trumpkin the Red Dwarf (Peter Dinklage) and endearing themselves to the natives who would like nothing more than to see Narnia returned to glory.
The kingdom of Narnia is populated with all sorts of interesting creatures, including fauns, minotaurs, centaurs, satyrs, dwarfs and furry animals, large and small. Aside from Trumpkin’s ability to speak volumes just by his darting eyes, the most talkative animal is a feisty mouse with a penchant for sarcasm. The source of great comic relief is Reepicheep (voiced by Eddie Izzard), the diminutive rodent sporting a prominent feather in his hair and wielding a nasty sword.
That Prince Caspian ardently seeks to reclaim the Telmarine kingdom is hardly a surprise. Enlisting the aid of the Pevensie children in this cause is facilitated by the impetuous Peter’s desire to wage an all-out battle against the nasty minions of Lord Miraz so that the Narnians can thrive in a tranquil environment. The parallels to the fight against the Nazis in World War II is noticeably apparent, though perhaps subtly reinforced by the use of the London Underground train stations as a refuge during German bombing raids.
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” is truly an epic film with a majestic sweep that is fitting for the imaginative world of C.S. Lewis. Suspense is rampant with the forceful battles between Miraz’s overwhelming army and the hardy band of outnumbered Narnians. A lot of the battle scenes are very intense, with some images that seem too violent for a PG-rated film.
Nevertheless, “Prince Caspian” is an exciting adventure that does not give short shrift to the emotional pull of the very interesting characters, human and otherwise.
DVD RELEASE UPDATE
Westerns don’t appear that often on the current Hollywood scene, probably because John Wayne is no longer with us and Clint Eastwood is way past his prime. So the best we can do is to enjoy the old Westerns as they gradually find their audience in DVD release.
Watch the West be won all over again with beloved icon John Wayne in the original 70mm version of “The Big Trail,” now neatly packaged in something called the “Fox Grandeur Special Edition.”
This historical classic follows Wayne as brave leader Breck Coleman who guides hundreds of settlers in covered wagons from the Mississippi River to their destiny out West.
This is not the only Western DVD riding into town. “The Garden of Evil” is the 1954 film set in Mexico where three American adventurers attempt to rescue one of their own trapped in a gold mine.
Released in 1951, “Rawhide,” not the TV series starring Clint Eastwood, tells the tale of Susan Hayward and her stagecoach crew getting caught up with outlaws on their journey from California to St. Louis.
These are all part of the “Fox Western Classics Collection” intended to be perfect Father’s Day gifts.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.
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