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Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) in Movies
Aug 14, 2019
Following the grand fable of “The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe” is not an easy task as the cinematical version of the timeless classic by C.S. Lewis was a worldwide box office smash. Thankfully Director Andrew Adamson (Who co-wrote the script), still has plenty of magic left from helming the first film in the series.
The film opens roughly a year after the events of the first film and the children have returned to England and have returned to their studies in war torn England. The Children Peter (William Moseley), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Susan (Anna Popplewell), and Lucy (Georgie Henley), struggle with being children again as the memories of their years ruling Narnia and their battle with the White Witch is still fresh in their memories.
Back in Narnia, several centuries have passed, and an invading army has conquered Narnia and vanquished the creatures of the land to the woods, while they reign supreme over the land. The situation takes a turn for the worse when the evil Prince Miraz (Sergio Castellitto), learns that his wife has given birth to a son.
With a future heir in place, Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), the rightful heir to the throne, is targeted for death by his power mad uncle, and must flee into the woods for his life. In short order, he meets some of the local creatures, and with his Uncle’s troops in hot pursuit, he summons the former rulers of Narnia via a magical horn.
Delighted to be back in Narnia, Peter and his siblings soon learn things are not as they were when they last visited and take a turn towards the unexpected when they are told that the magical Lion Aslan (Liam Neeson), has long since deserted the creatures of Narnia and left them at the mercy of the invading hordes. Lucy does not believe this and insists that she has seen and heard from Aslan since her return but her claims are met with skepticism by her older siblings.
In time the children meet up with Caspian and the former rulers of the land must help the young Prince bring in a new age of peace and prosperity for all the races of the land, and in doing so, must face up to a vast army that is gathering against them as well as some old enemies long forgotten.
What follows is a grand adventure that pits good against evil in one of the more enjoyable fantasy adventure films in recent years.
The film takes a bit to get started, but thanks to the engaging cast and great visuals of the film, as well as a surprising amount of humor, viewers should find plenty to like as the film builds up to the battle sequences.
While not state of the art, the FX in the film are solid and enhances the story and characters rather than overshadow them. The film does take some liberties with the book, most notably adding more action to the story, but it is nothing that would be considered detracting to the overall product. Parents may want to note that there is a lot of violence in the film and that death and mayhem are constant throughout.
The cast is enjoyable and really do well with parts that do require alot of physicality to them. The chemistry amongst the leads is good but it is the solid supporting work of Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin that really allows the cast to shine in his scenes with them.
Much was made in the last film of the strong Christian themes that C.S. Lewis filled his Narnia books with. The theme of Christianity is still strong in the film, but it is not as pronounced as it was in the past film, save for segments near the last third of the film.
Despite the nearly 2hrs and 20 minute run time the film easily kept my attention and should delight fans who likely are already waiting for the next film in the series, “The Voyage of The Dawn Tredder” to arrive.
The film opens roughly a year after the events of the first film and the children have returned to England and have returned to their studies in war torn England. The Children Peter (William Moseley), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Susan (Anna Popplewell), and Lucy (Georgie Henley), struggle with being children again as the memories of their years ruling Narnia and their battle with the White Witch is still fresh in their memories.
Back in Narnia, several centuries have passed, and an invading army has conquered Narnia and vanquished the creatures of the land to the woods, while they reign supreme over the land. The situation takes a turn for the worse when the evil Prince Miraz (Sergio Castellitto), learns that his wife has given birth to a son.
With a future heir in place, Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), the rightful heir to the throne, is targeted for death by his power mad uncle, and must flee into the woods for his life. In short order, he meets some of the local creatures, and with his Uncle’s troops in hot pursuit, he summons the former rulers of Narnia via a magical horn.
Delighted to be back in Narnia, Peter and his siblings soon learn things are not as they were when they last visited and take a turn towards the unexpected when they are told that the magical Lion Aslan (Liam Neeson), has long since deserted the creatures of Narnia and left them at the mercy of the invading hordes. Lucy does not believe this and insists that she has seen and heard from Aslan since her return but her claims are met with skepticism by her older siblings.
In time the children meet up with Caspian and the former rulers of the land must help the young Prince bring in a new age of peace and prosperity for all the races of the land, and in doing so, must face up to a vast army that is gathering against them as well as some old enemies long forgotten.
What follows is a grand adventure that pits good against evil in one of the more enjoyable fantasy adventure films in recent years.
The film takes a bit to get started, but thanks to the engaging cast and great visuals of the film, as well as a surprising amount of humor, viewers should find plenty to like as the film builds up to the battle sequences.
While not state of the art, the FX in the film are solid and enhances the story and characters rather than overshadow them. The film does take some liberties with the book, most notably adding more action to the story, but it is nothing that would be considered detracting to the overall product. Parents may want to note that there is a lot of violence in the film and that death and mayhem are constant throughout.
The cast is enjoyable and really do well with parts that do require alot of physicality to them. The chemistry amongst the leads is good but it is the solid supporting work of Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin that really allows the cast to shine in his scenes with them.
Much was made in the last film of the strong Christian themes that C.S. Lewis filled his Narnia books with. The theme of Christianity is still strong in the film, but it is not as pronounced as it was in the past film, save for segments near the last third of the film.
Despite the nearly 2hrs and 20 minute run time the film easily kept my attention and should delight fans who likely are already waiting for the next film in the series, “The Voyage of The Dawn Tredder” to arrive.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Once Upon a Wardrobe in Books
Nov 13, 2024 (Updated Nov 13, 2024)
Mixed Journey of Self-Discovery
Megs’s younger brother George has a heart defect that keeps him in bed reading. It’s 1950, and he’s just discovered The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and he wants to know where Narnia came from. Since Megs is at Oxford, she goes to ask the author himself. But will C.S. Lewis’s answer help Megs and George?
I’ve been a Narnia fan since I first read the books in 3rd grade, so the premise of this book intrigued. However, it didn’t work for me. It felt too scattered, with too many storylines. It’s part biography of C.S. Lewis with vignettes about his life. It’s part coming of age story for Megs. I see where the author was trying to combine them thematically, but it didn’t quite work for me. I needed a bit more focus on something. Plus, some events in the story really strained what I could believe. But I did enjoy the characters, and I found myself tearing up a time or two. If the premise really intrigues you, check it out. Otherwise, give this one a pass.
I’ve been a Narnia fan since I first read the books in 3rd grade, so the premise of this book intrigued. However, it didn’t work for me. It felt too scattered, with too many storylines. It’s part biography of C.S. Lewis with vignettes about his life. It’s part coming of age story for Megs. I see where the author was trying to combine them thematically, but it didn’t quite work for me. I needed a bit more focus on something. Plus, some events in the story really strained what I could believe. But I did enjoy the characters, and I found myself tearing up a time or two. If the premise really intrigues you, check it out. Otherwise, give this one a pass.
David McK (3562 KP) rated The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia, #3) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Depending on which version of reading order you go by, this is either the 3rd book in the Narnian chronicles (publication order), or the 5th (by setting) and, personally, I found not to be as engaging as the previous 4 I'd read (going by setting).
I think this is also the last time any of the Pevensie children ever travel to Narnia, with the whole plot - concerning, as the title says, the Voyage of Prince (now King) Caspian's ship - owing more than a faint nod to Homer's Odyssey!
I think this is also the last time any of the Pevensie children ever travel to Narnia, with the whole plot - concerning, as the title says, the Voyage of Prince (now King) Caspian's ship - owing more than a faint nod to Homer's Odyssey!
Auburn (57 KP) rated Winter War Awakening (Blood Rose Rebelion #3) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
The final in a wonderfully written trilogy this story brings together some of my favorite things. Reliance on someone that you barely know and fighting for what you believe in while conquering yourself. While I did get a tad bored through some of it most of the book follows the same format and writing style as the first two. This makes it an easy read that can be done all in one sitting. You will find yourself swept into the world and enjoying the main characters while rooting for them.
Perfect for fans of the Chronicles of Narnia.
Perfect for fans of the Chronicles of Narnia.
Alexandra Robitu (4 KP) rated Ready Player One (2018) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Graphics (2 more)
Story
The way it pulls you in
Contains spoilers, click to show
You know how after watching Narnia you want to climb in your wardrobe and go there as well? That is the exact feeling watching this movie gives you.
Absolutely amazing movie definitely one of thos that you can re watch multiple times and never get sick of it.
Post apocalyptic scenario where all entertainment is in the digital world - amazing the way they portray it. Just makes you wish you could put on one of the costumes and try it yourself.
It definitely keeps you guessing and also very action packed.
Absolutely amazing movie definitely one of thos that you can re watch multiple times and never get sick of it.
Post apocalyptic scenario where all entertainment is in the digital world - amazing the way they portray it. Just makes you wish you could put on one of the costumes and try it yourself.
It definitely keeps you guessing and also very action packed.
Shaun Collins (3 KP) rated Doctor Who: Excelis Rising in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Set 1000 years after his first visit... Well, there's a problem right there. Just like going back to Narnia so long after the first visit, why do we even care? No one is alive we remember, the world is vastly different, the problems aren't the same... so now it's a whole new set up. Why not just go to a whole new planet? Oh sure, Anthony Stuart Head's warlord is still around in some way shape or form, trying to take over still, but aside from some brilliant performances from him and Colin Baker, there isn't much else here worth carrying on about. For more, check out www.travelingthevortex.com
Dean (6927 KP) rated Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010) in Movies
Jun 7, 2018 (Updated Jun 7, 2018)
I was pleasantly surprised by this. I had a feeling it was aimed at a young audience but actually it's pretty good for the whole family. There are great effects scenes with some of the Greek mythology creatures doing battle with the demi gods. It felt like Clash of the Titans but set in modern day America, crossed with National Treasure. It has a great cast, although some have very short screen time. It whizzed by at a good pace, with plenty of action, cheesey humour and some decent action effects. I wouldn't call it a Potter or Narnia clone but if you like those sort of adventure films you can't go wrong with this!
Dean (6927 KP) rated The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) in Movies
Feb 4, 2018
Another solid film in the Narnia series. The first is my fave, as I know that story so well, the 2nd had some good battle scenes and a bit more action. This is entertaining but in a different way to the others. I found the new cousin in this rather annoying and it's a pity many of the characters of the previous films are not in it that much.
Otherwise it felt a bit like the Sinbad films for me, a great looking ship, plenty of creatures and traps and riddles to overcome before a big finale. The SFX are very good, especially for the green mist effects. Overall a great family adventure if not quite on the level as the first two in my opinion.
Otherwise it felt a bit like the Sinbad films for me, a great looking ship, plenty of creatures and traps and riddles to overcome before a big finale. The SFX are very good, especially for the green mist effects. Overall a great family adventure if not quite on the level as the first two in my opinion.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Secret of the Golden Heart (Golden Heart, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I totally didn't notice this was religious fiction when I entered the giveaway, but figured I'd give it a chance anyway. Besides, I still enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia.
Okay, I reached 130 pages out of 240 and I just cannot read anymore. While there are some interesting ideas within, this reads like a rough draft. Too much happens too fast for anything to sink in as nothing is fleshed out. It's all a series of "and then this happened and then this," etc, and mostly just telling instead of showing. Characters need more than a name to make them feel alive, scenes need more than just an action or two, and the story just felt lifeless. Sorry, I tried.
Received through Goodreads First Reads giveaway, along with a lovely bookmark.
Okay, I reached 130 pages out of 240 and I just cannot read anymore. While there are some interesting ideas within, this reads like a rough draft. Too much happens too fast for anything to sink in as nothing is fleshed out. It's all a series of "and then this happened and then this," etc, and mostly just telling instead of showing. Characters need more than a name to make them feel alive, scenes need more than just an action or two, and the story just felt lifeless. Sorry, I tried.
Received through Goodreads First Reads giveaway, along with a lovely bookmark.