I could tell you in about 30 words that the newest installment of the Narnia franchise, Prince Caspian, has taken the same over-hyped, under-performing path like so many films before it. The Golden Compass, I Am Legend - we all know them, likely having seen our fair shares (and then some!) in life. But simply saying that wouldn't do this film justice, because it's not entirely unenjoyable. If we exclude the rushed opening and the all-too-cheesy ending, there's a solid film here, and an absolute visual masterpiece.
All four Pevensie children are back in Narnia, as is their beloved lion Aslan (Liam Neeson) - at least in some capacity. It's been a year, or 1,300, and their kingdom is overrun by the evil Telmarines. The film's namesake (Ben Barnes, doing his best Inigo Montoya imitation) is the new ally, an exile seeking revenge. It remains to be seen in the future movies whether he will truly contribute to this series; in this film, Barnes' Caspian is neither outstanding nor completely ineffective - he's sort of just...there, a future teen heartthrob if ever you saw one.
At times, it can be a bit much, what with the over-dramatized action sequences and the aforementioned cheesiness in the ending. If any of it seems familiar, it's because Peter Jackson and Co. did so in Lord of the Rings - much better, in fact.
But that said, the movie overall is a success. This is in part because of its outstanding visuals, but also because of the likability of its characters. If the two movies so far have given us anything, it is a strong translation of characters from text to film. We ultimately want for good to triumph over evil, for the children to succeed. In short, we care - and that's more than any of those other big-budget letdowns can say.
2.5 stars out of 4
6/10
No comments:
Post a Comment