Movie Review- Prince Caspian

About 5 months ago I went to go see National Treasure 2 in theaters with my family. At the very start of one of the previews, my eyes got big and my body froze. It was the rock skipping across the water. It was the logo for Walden Media. It was the preview for the next Chronicles of Narnia movie. It was the first time I had seen the Prince Caspian preview in theaters. It looked good, though with a little more fighting than I remembered in the book and I wasn't sure why I saw the White Witch. The best part, though, was the date it was coming out. I would be home on May 16th for my graduation the next day. PERFECT!

In preparation for watching the movie two weeks ago, I read the book on the plane ride home. I was raised reading and loving the tales of Narnia from C. S. Lewis. The thought of the movies coming out is both exciting and a little scary. How far from the books will they make the movies? How much of the Christian parallels will be removed? Those two questions are the two main things I ask when evaluating the movie. Along with “Did they include some of the funny quotes?” And with that in place, here is my take on the movie.

• They did a great job of telling the story of Caspian before even getting to England and the Pevensies, though Prince Caspian is a lot older than I expected. Also, the pulling of the magic into Narnia was well done.

• Quotes (from the book, but they made it into the movie in some fashion) 4 of my 6 favorites made it in.

  1. “That’s the worst of girls,” said Edmund to Peter and the Dwarf. “They never can carry a map in their heads.” “That’s because our heads have something inside them,” said Lucy
  2. “Welcome, child,” he said “Aslan,” said Lucy, “you’re bigger.” “That is because you are older, little one,” answered he. “Not because you are?” “I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”
  3. “How could I- I couldn’t have left the others and come up to you alone, how could I? Don’t look at me like that…oh well, I suppose I could. Yes, and it wouldn’t have been alone, I know, not if I was with you. But what would have been the good?” Aslan said nothing. “You mean,” said Lucy rather faintly, “that it would have turned out all right-somehow? But how? Please, Aslan! Am I not to know?” “To know what would have happened, child?” said Aslan. “No. Nobody is ever told that.” “Oh dear,” said Lucy. “But anyone can find out what will happen.” (Aslan)
  4. “Welcome, Prince,” said Aslan. “Do you feel yourself sufficient to take up the Kingship of Narnia?” “I- I don’t think I do, Sir,” said Caspian. “I’m only a kid.” “Good,” said Aslan. “If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been proof that you were not.”

• I felt the movie missed a couple of the main themes or styles of the book. This one was more of a mystery/ adventure at the beginning as they try to figure out where they are, what year it is, where Susan's horn is and what is going on. In an attempt to get to the fighting (and an extra fight scene), this was rushed. Also in focusing on the war, you miss a lot of the history of Narnia. This is a slower book than the first; it should have been a slower movie. But the makers were obviously completing with Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter and needed to make Prince Caspian more intense. The fairy tale-ness in this book was lost.

• Also, the movie made Aslan a much smaller part. The blind faith of Lucy was minimal. And High King Peter doubted his King's ability to help them. That hurt me. There was also a big section that was cut out (yes, it fit the more fairy tale theme, not the war theme) in which we see more of Aslan power, help and relationship with Narnia. The book shows his love and justice.

• I will say I was GREATLY impressed with the scene that included the White Witch. The took the scene from the book and added to it well (except for pulling Peter into the temptation). Good job, writers and producers.

• Lastly but certainly not least, the romance between Susan and Caspian. I cringed when he first looked at her as if he wanted her as his queen. And at the kiss I lost it. I'm sure some people in the theater (my sister included) thought I was just a little crazy. Or 5 years old and didn't like people kissing. Honestly, why add that?!

Ok, well, that's nice and long, but I did have a lot to say about it. Overall, a well made movie but I didn't like it. It was too different from the book where it really matters.

Cubs update: top of the 7th, Cubs up 5-3
Music update: Sons of Korah, Psalm 63
And the power is on and Moca is asleep.