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Prince Caspian, the next installment in the Narnia series, was released yesterday. For those of you who braved long lines to be among the first to see it, what did you think of it? Did it live up to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe movie? Were you pleased with how they adapted the book to the big screen?
Weigh in, but please, don’t spoil anything for those of us who’ve yet to see it.
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back to top29 Comments to “Movies & Music: Give us your Caspian reviews”
I felt like it started off a little slow, but quickly picked up momentum. I was quite impressed with the fight scenes. They seemed very realistic – not a lot of fancy “mission impossible” type moves. I was amazed that they were able to keep it at a PG rating simply because they did not show the actual blade going into a person/creature or blood/guts. It was hard for my 9 year old boy to watch. I kept seeing him cover his eyes. But I think it was necessary to show the difference between good and evil. I loved the scene with the white witch in the tomb. There are so many symbolic themes to pull out of that one scene and teach a lesson of satan’s power over the world and Christians. I loved the overall story of faith put into action. We do indeed have a battle to fight and we must stay on our knees if we want to understand how to fight it. Prince Caspian & King Peter’s struggles to gain back their kingdoms were beautiful pictures of the Christian walk of faith. Peter’s loyalty to Lucy was evident. Lucy’s faith to always seek Aslan (Jesus) for protection and guidance was key to the entire story. This is a movie that is full of rich, wonderful Christian themes. It is not exactly like the book of course, but it will hopefully draw people to the entire Chronicles of Narnia series, much like the thousands of Harry Potter books that were read AFTER seeing readers saw the movie. Great job Walden Media and Disney for a 5 star family movie!
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It probably wasn’t a movie I would have seen on my own, but some friends were going last night so I went, too. I actually really liked it. I don’t remember the book well enough to comment on the liberties they took with the story, although I will say that the whole Caspian-Susan crush was a nice touch.. haha.
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I liked it simply because it was Narnia. But if I were to think critically about it, it really didn’t have the same magical wonder that Lion, Witch, Wardrobe had. I thought some of the teenage angst in Peter was a bit overdone and thought Reepicheep (may be spelling that wrong) seemed a little too Shrek-y.
But those things aside, I still enjoyed the movie.
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I liked it a lot, probably more than I would have if I wasn’t a fan of the books. It’s definitely not a direct translation, but I kind of like to see a director’s take on stories, even if different than mine.
One think I liked was that it was obvious that the kids really worshiped Aslan. I mean the way they talk about him and gaze at his carving and all is very touching.
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My husband and the six girls we went with liked it. I enjoyed the beginning, but 90 minutes into it, I looked at my watch and wondered if we would ever get some story. To me, it felt like 2 1/2 hours of fighting.
But I don’t remember the book very well.
And, if you weren’t “in” on the Narnia allegory, why would you think the kids worshipped Aslan?
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I went to the midnight showing. Based on the WORLD articles and another review, I knew it departed a long way from the book–and the reviews suggested the first one stayed close to the book, and I didn’t think it was close enough. So I was prepared not to like it. And PC isn’t my favorite of the books, and has too many battle scenes–and the movie added more!
It was louder and more intense than I particularly like, and it was a LONG way from the book. But my friends who went with me and another friend who saw it separately all agree with me that it was a very good movie. (I won’t buy it, though–it’s not one I want to see repeatedly, for different reasons than the first one.)
I liked Reepicheep, but thought Aslan still hasn’t come to life enough. The river scene near the end (giving nothing away) was spectacular. Peter was way, way overdone in his anger and pride–not kingly at all. Another friend griped at how bad the actor who plays him is with a sword, but I didn’t notice that.
I think if one hadn’t read the book, it might have been hard to follow some of it–like why the castle is in ruins (the Narnia/earth time difference), or who some characters are. For all the overdoing Peter’s bad behavior (which isn’t in the book at all), I don’t think they did more than hint at Susan’s skepticism, which is important in the book. (In the movie, she immediately realizes where they are, whereas in the book she seems not even to remember Cair Paravel–the castle–at first.)
So, it’s worth seeing, but try to forget about the book and just enjoy the movie, and you’ll probably like it more.
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I liked it very much. Perhaps not quite as much as the first, but still a lot.
The theater I was in was full, and broke into spontaneous applause at a few points. And cheered at the end. So I think the rest of the place liked it a lot too.
I never read the books (how I missed them with all the other stuff I read, I’m not really sure).
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I liked it a lot; maybe even more than the first.
Caspian and Peter’s angst: it reminded me STRONGLY of modern young-to-mid teens, so I think it was fitting. It ALSO was portrayed negatively, which was a welcome change from most modern media.
The music is as spectacular as the first.
I enjoyed Reepicheep immensely. His ridiculous “honor” and over-dramatic posturing was very much in character, and I loved it.
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It was 20 years ago that I read the book, so I don’t remember much. But my daughter says it did not follow it as close as she would have liked. Hey, Disney is involved, nor surprise on the change. And, as another here said, it is the screenplay writer’s and director’s translation.
I enjoyed the movie, but it could have been better.
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Not trying to be contrary to these reviews for the sake of being a contrarian, but my reaction to the movie can be summed up in one word: appalling.
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Without giving anything away- Did the lack of logic with the blowing of the horn in the movie bother anyone else? How did Trumpkin even know it was Queen Susan’s horn? That’s one of the things I enjoy about the books. The characters often reason out a problem and explain their thinking. “Logic. What do they teach them in schools these days?”
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#10 Les_Arbres- I would be interested in exactly why you found the movie appalling.
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I dearly love the Narnia that Lewis created, so after reading WORLD’s review of the movie, I was nervous to see what direction Adamson took, especially concerning plot structure and character development. However, I was pleasantly surprised, both by how much I enjoyed the film adaptation of the novel, and how the differences were barely distracting. In fact, I found many of the changes to be quite lovely.
I particularly appreciate the liberty taken concerning Peter’s struggle. Although not at all in the book, his bitterness makes sense, not only as a teenager, but as a human being. Anyone who suddenly became unnecessary after holding such an esteemed position of power and respect would likely be resentful…and it played well on screen. The incident in the train station was a clever precedent to the later battle scenes. As a third party watching him make such foolish decisions, I shook my head and chided, “Oh stupid, stupid Peter…” How many consequences can come from one choice. Then again, I was quickly reminded of my own pride that often results in severe repercussions for those around me. I’ve stood in Peter’s shoes before.
WORLD’s review mentioned Susan’s change of character quite often. I barely noticed. Actually, I thought her involvement in the battles was appropriate and well done. She was a Queen of Narnia, after all. Did anyone else find it a bit funny that she never ran out of arrows?
Though both in the book and the movie, Edmund was quite endearing in this story. The scene in the tomb with the white witch was wonderfully executed!
Directorially, the picturization utilized was fantastic. It was especially obvious when the four children stood at the ruins of Cair Paravel, echoing the position of their four thrones.
The music was fitting, but also disappointing. At least three or four tracks were identical to the first movie. Others were very, very similar. In a way, it brought audience members back to scenes from Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe (if they had seen it), like when you could faintly hear lullaby music when Tumnus’ picture was on the wall. Still, I would have liked a few more original songs.
It didn’t really bother me, but I didn’t care too much for the relationship between Caspian and Susan. I suppose it made sense, and it was kind of cute, but I found it unnecessary. It reminded me of the final scene in “Pride and Prejudice” where Darcy and Elizabeth are kissing in the backyard. Both are examples of much-too-cliché and very “American” plotlines that are introduced just because.
For the most part, I didn’t mind the digressions from the original novel. However, do watch the movie without recalling or caring too much for faithfulness to the book. It will only serve as a distraction and will keep you from enjoying it as much as you could.
The battle scenes were lengthy and numerous, but they were different and varied enough to keep my attention. I loved what the Narnian army did underground! Quite an unexpected tactic!
Reepicheep was wonderful! Some of the humor was occasionally abrupt (following a serious scene), but was often a welcomed change of attitude. The bit about the mice sacrificing their tails towards the end of the movie was always my favorite part of the book, and it was done just as I would have visualized it.
Ultimately, props to cast and crew
I enjoyed the movie and am eagerly awaiting Dawn Treader!
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I’ve been thinking about this since Friday. I am really not content with what they did with Peter’s character. I cannot imagine that his time in Narnia as High King would not have affected him for the good. Yes, it would be uncomfortable to be a schoolboy again, but to have the experience of years of nobility could not be so easily shed. In the book he assumes his role as High King in action and words. He does not feel threatened by Caspian because he knows who he is. I like the movie less the longer I think about it.
I am glad that it is doing so well in the box office as I do want to see what they do with the next story.
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I liked it better than the first one, but must divulge what factors in.
Having my older boy read and listen to the audio, at the first movie I was hesitant to give him outside visuals to cancel out the imagined ones that I assume were in his head from reading and listening. I finally let him see it after it had been out on dvd for sometime. I think I somewhat resisted all the visuals once I saw them.
This one I liked a lot! There was a lot of fighting and I kept wanting it to end, but I really think it emphasized that we are in a battle and it is hard and we have to persevere and fight hard and it hurts. I was thankful for all the camera angles and cut-aways that made clear what happened without showing.
I loved the story of Lucy’s faith. I loved Edmund’s comment at the end of the white witch scene. I thought Peter’s struggle was very realistic and heroic. I liked Susan’s bravery, but didn’t care for the crush.
My only big complaint is the image of the water, not the results, just the image. I’d elaborate further, but am trying to not give any spoilers.
I liked it a lot!!
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Paula,
I agree with you. Peter bothered me when I saw it, but even more in retrospect. He was indeed still the high king, so he wasn’t being demoted–but in the movie he wasn’t living up to his role. That would have been dishonorable. And a boy raised in 1950s England, high king in Narnia for a decade or so, isn’t going to act like a modern spoiled American teenager. When I saw WORLD say he struggled with these issues, I pictured his dealing with them and repenting, not spending the whole movie acting like a spoiled brat. Edmund was wonderful, however.
Jennelle, not to give any spoilers either, but if you’re saying what I think you’re saying about the water, that was one of my favorite parts. (Not sure children would agree, though!) I didn’t care for the crush, either. When it was only hinted it was sort of cute; at the end it was annoying and not fitting.
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I thought that, as movies go, it was a very good movie. I had a physical reaction of excitment at several points in the movie, thanks in large part to the gorgeous music. (The song at the very end doesn’t fit at all, though.)
I was hugely disappointed in its lack of faithfulness to the book, and I’m not talking about the sequence of events. It doesn’t begin to capture the theme of the book or even the mood of the book.
Unlike the book, the movie lacked an internal logical consistency. I kept saying to myself, “Why is that character doing that?, because it seemed that many times the characters did things for no apparent reason or motive. Many times their actions did not make sense or relate at all to the actions of the other characters.
Unlike in the book, the main characters in the movie are extemely weak and flawed. In the book they have their flaws, but overall they act very nobly.
Unlike in the book, none of the major dilemmas was discussed and resolved by the characters. Everybody just did his or her own things and just glared or stared blankly at the others. In the book, problems get discussed and settled, one way or another.
I thought that the movie in general was a typical action film, wherein the story just fills in the gaps between the fight scenes.
Aslan is definitely not presented as a divine figure but as something more like Merlin–a wise, old powerful magician or something.
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I thought it left a lot of unresolved issues, especially with Peter. I thought it was dark, even bitter. Reepacheep was very well done. Caspian seemed like he didn’t belong, like he wandered onto the wrong set. But overall they did a pretty good job with what is in my opinion not one of the better Narnia.
It was not as good as Wardrobe, which isn’t saying much since I think Wardrobe was incredibly good.
The teen romance was stupid. Two teens of opposite sexes who find themselves in the same movie MUST kiss. That’s what teens do. It made my teen daughter want to puke.
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Perhaps the angst on Peter’s part was a bit overdone. Actually, my sister leaned over towards me halfway through the movie and inquired, “Why is Peter being such a jerk?” I told her it wasn’t in the book, so I couldn’t tell her yet
It was frustrating to watch his attitude. Then again, Edmund was a spoiled little brat for most of Wardrobe. One could blame it on his youth, his siblings, or his lack of ever having been a high king in Narnia, but it wasn’t until he was tossed into that ice dungeon and forced to realize all of the consequences of his choices that he experienced a change of heart. And Aslan took him back. Granted, that plotline was in the book as well as the film adaptaion.
But Peter eventually came to realize his foolishness, too. And although he was quite arrogant for much of the movie, and although he definitely should have known better, his story had a lot of personal application for me. Due to my upbringing and spiritual influence in my life up to this point, I suspect I should act far more mature than I often do.
Anyways, the movie could have taken a variety of different turns. I do wonder what it would have been like without Peter’s attitude at all. Definitely a whole lot shorter…
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Even in the books, Edmund and Lucy were always my favorites. Peter and Susan were always more (dare I say it of a master) 2 dimensional. I thought Edmund was a much more kingly character in this movie. He had depth. And who isn’t in love with Lucy?
Reepicheep was spot on. I look forward to his continued story in Dawn Treader.
There is no way to convey the warmth and coziness of Lewis’ Narnia stories without framing them in a kindly old grandfather telling them to his grandchildren ( a la Peter Falk in “Princess Bride”). That is how I always picture (or hear) Lewis’ asides and description in the books.
Personally, my absolute favorite is “A Horse and His Boy” with a close runner up of “Silver Chair.”
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My husband and I went to the movie this evening. We did not know the story line, having never read the book. We knew the first story. We didn’t find it difficult to follow the story and found the time flew by fairly quickly. I enjoyed much of the imagery. Perhaps because I am reading about many of the battles in the Old Testament again, I could see some of the bare bones of places from which Lewis took some ideas.
When Peter says they have waited for Aslan long enough, my mind was immediately drawn to King Saul making the sacrifice himself. I knew that would lead to trouble.
When the water scene was being played out, I could not help but thinking about the chariots of Egypt being swept away by the water of the Red Sea.
Fantasy is not our favorite kind of movie, but we did enjoy this. I am glad that there are movies being made that will spark the imagination of my grandchildren in a good direction. It is something that families can talk about together, pointing out imagery etc. I hope we have more stories and movies like it in the future.
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Cheryl D. said:”And a boy raised in 1950s England, high king in Narnia for a decade or so, isn’t going to act like a modern spoiled American teenager.” Thanks, Cheryl D. Your stereotype makes me feel sad inside. As for the movie: I loved it! I really think they kept the spirit of the book, and I loved Reepicheep. One thing I wish they would have kept: When Trumpkin first meets Aslan and gets shaken half to death. Made me laugh out loud the first time I read it!
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Opinionated Teen,
Though the stereotype may make you sad inside, I think I agree that we teens in America ARE spoiled rotten, and really have no concept of the universal anymore. It’s all about you. Er… me, I mean.
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end of sidenote.
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Tombob, the reason it makes me sad inside is that it’s not fair to say that I’m spoiled rotton just because I’m a teenager. Yes, I do have a selfishness problem, but that’s because I’m a sinful human and not a result of my age or nationality.
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Sorry to veer off topic.
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OT: As an individual who just finished up her last year as a teenager, I can’t really defend my peers from Cheryl’s accusation (I think it’s true). You make a valid and piercing point that selfishness is a result of sin nature, something inherited by everyone.
However, the fact that most Americans are materialistic is almost painfully obvious. We, as a nation, have access to more stuff than any other country in the world. We want more, and complain no matter how much we have. I doubt you’ll find many who argue otherwise.
Additionally, teenagers have pretty much marked themselves as self-centered and spoiled. Whether or not YOU take part in the stereotype, really…look around. Watch TV for an hour or two. A generalization is just that: something that likely applies to MOST, not ALL. But it didn’t come out of nowhere…most American teenagers have earned the label.
It’s nice, though, that you choose to rebel against those low expectations. We need more teenagers like that
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Opinionated Teen:
I didn’t say, and didn’t mean, that all modern American teens are spoiled…but that they presented Peter as a stereotypical spoiled Western teenager. (He’s English, of course, not American. But the movie was made in America and I know nothing about English teens or even the stereotypes about them, so I said “American.”) I know quite a few good solid teenagers…but the Peter of that movie was presented as though he were one of the worst of today’s teens, not in his own era (when that wouldn’t have seemed “normal” as sometimes it does today) and certainly not as a ruler of Narnia.
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Thank you, Cheryl D. and Jacqueline G. I guess it was rather stupid of me to be offended. Also, I think Peter’s difficulty fits. Don’t go by me, though.
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