The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

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From the time he was ultimately chosen as director of the first Narnia adaptation , there had always been a question whether Andrew Adamson could segue from the wonderfully animated Shrek features to live action. He had no problem proving he could. Under his vision for the C.S. Lewis classic, The Chronicles of Narnia- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe went on to earn over $740 million worldwide.

It was only natural that Disney and Walden Media would ask him to helm the second installment, although he was a bit reluctant due to the challenges of the first. Praise the Lord Adamson overcame any inhibitions. Taking some liberties with the original story, he has weaved The Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian into a more interesting, action packed film than LWW.

In lieu of telling the story in flashbacks like the book, we are introduced to the prince through a painful childbirth. It's been over a millennium in Narnia time and Caspian's aunt, Queen Prunaprismia, has just given birth to a boy for her husband King Miraz, an evil, despot monarch who now rules the land along with the upper class Talmarines. The prince is still the rightful heir to the throne, but now that his uncle has a son to succeed him, he brazenly attempts to kill his nephew. Caspian escapes with help from his learned tutor, Doctor Cornelius.

Meanwhile back in the "real" world, the Pevensie siblings are trying unsuccessfully to readjust to a normal life in London as kids after royal adulthood in Narnia. It's been only one year for them and Peter is more of a hothead while Susan detaches herself from her peers preferring to be alone. Edmund and Lucy seem to be complacent, but not totally overjoyed at the prospect of "growing up" again.

Naturally at the peak of their chagrin, they are suddenly whisked back to Narnia courtesy of Prince Caspian when he blows the horn with a lion's head. It was given to him by Cornelius, telling him to use it when he has the greatest need. Quite justified since Caspian, while escaping, finds himself captured by a dwarf named Nikabrik ( Warwick Davis) and a badger called Trufflehunter.

When Caspian and the Pevensies finally meet, neither is what the other expected. However, both parties' fighting skills are still intact. Especially the siblings whose prowess with swords and bows has not diminished since their last visit. It's a much more violent ride this time as they will use all their abilities to help Caspian regain his inheritance.

It had been awhile since I listened to the Prince Caspian audio book ( I've listened to all seven tomes). There are some differences of course between the book and the film. And while the book is arguably better, I believe Andrew Adamson's linear version strengthens rather than weakens the finished product.

There's the apparent conflict between Caspian and Peter as to who should be in charge of things, the subtle romance involving the prince and Susan and a close friendship bond for Susan and Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage) you can't help but to smile and chuckle over. Fortunately Adamson and co-writers Markus and McFeely oversees these edgy situations carefully, yet keeping the film on course.

All who enjoyed The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe should embrace Prince Caspian despite the obvious changes. The battle scenes are more epic, the special fx more dazzling and emotions run considerably higher, resonating toward a desire to see the next adventure these kids will have.