Prince Caspian

So, I just got back from seeing The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Literally, I got home right now then sat down to write this.

So here's the thing: I grew up reading the seven Narnia books. Not unlike millions of other kids who grew up reading them in the 50+ years since they were first published. I read them, loved them, and read them again later on. I am a full-fledged Narnia fan. So when I heard Disney and Walden would be turning the series of books into a series of movies, I think I felt the same excitement that the Lord of the Rings fans did a few years earlier.

And when The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe came out, I went and saw it. I saw it, loved it, and then saw it again. How could I not love it? With its wonderful magical atmosphere, the land and creatures of Narnia brought to life in a believable way for the first time, and its characters portrayed in a very endearing, even lovable manner… I couldn't help it, it hooked me right in. On top of that, it was without a doubt the most faithful to the source material film adaption of a book I've ever seen (and yes, that certainly includes The Fellowship of the Ring). The plot left intact, all the characters in place… There were changes, sure, but they were mostly minor additions to the story for the sake of suspense.

But that's not to say it wasn't flawed. At times it felt flat and fake, maybe even bland. I loved the movie despite its flaws, not because I was oblivious to them. So when I saw Prince Caspian tonight, I went in expecting the same kind of experience. I expected a decent fantasy film that I could enjoy because I already loved the universe in which it was based. Boy was I in for a surprise.

Yes, I did love Prince Caspian. But this time it was different. This time I was surprised at just how good the movie was. None of what I considered the flaws of the first installment were present. This was a good, solid adventure film from the first minute to the last, with an interesting plot, solid acting, great visual effects work, kick-ass action scenes, and most surprisingly… actual suspense.

What it was not, however, was C. S. Lewis' Prince Caspian. Where The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe stayed very close to the book, the second film takes great liberties with the story – and many of them. But honestly, I didn't mind. Truth be told, Prince Caspian was never my favorite book in the series (It's kinda boring… But don't tell any other Narnia fans I said that!), and I can understand why its extremely awkward narration structure would necessitate some serious changes.

However that does not mean I'd be okay with such extreme alterations to the other Narnia stories, should they too be turned into Disney films. Prince Caspian is the only one in the series to which such major changes are justifiable. If, come Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 2010, it is filled with swashbuckling pirate adventures and epic battles instead of exploration and interesting places I will be severely pissed off.

For now, though, I'll just be happy that there's a new Narnia movie out, and that – surprising as it may be – it does kick ass.