The second book of C S Lewis's epic fantasy series reunites the creative talents of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe for a titanic battle between the gentle Narnians and race of human usurpers called the Telmarines.
In every respect, Prince Caspian is a bigger and more ambitious adventure, introducing colourful new characters from the enchanted realm amid breathtaking battle sequences laden with computer-generated special effects. The similarities to The Lord of
the Rings trilogy are even more pronounced here – both series are filmed on the North and South Island of New Zealand – including a tour-de-force denouement that strongly resembles JRR Tolkein's siege at Helm's Deep.
Director and co-writer Andrew Adamson draws on earlier successes – Shrek and its sequel – to populate this rollicking romp with a menagerie of comical creatures who are sure to delight younger audiences. In particular, a dapper sword-wielding mouse called Reepicheep (drolly voiced by Eddie Izzard) is a mere cut and parry away from Puss In Boots.
Prince Caspian begins at a canter, literally, as the titular heir to the Telmarine throne (Ben Barnes) flees his ancestral home on horseback under cover of night to escape an assassination attempt orchestrated by despicable uncle Miraz (Sergio Castellitto).
The four Pevensie children – Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes) and Lucy (Georgie Hensley) – are summoned from Second World War London and quickly become embroiled in the battle to overthrow the despot.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian confidently trumps its predecessor for thrills and intrigue, although it does lack a strong, boo-hiss villain like Tilda Swinton's Witch.
Pacing rarely slackens, building to a rousing finale that sadly relies too heavily on the power of the visual effects teams rather than characters' emotions.
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