Movie Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

I loved the first one. I really found the scenery and cinematography to be gorgeous, and while I never read the books, I thought it was one of the best looking movies the year it came out.

So, why was it then that I felt reluctant about Prince Caspian? Maybe it was the trailers. I just never really felt like I had to see it. It just somehow wasn't working for me, and then I sort of shrugged it off.

But then I was asked if I wanted to see it a couple of weeks ago, and I was actually excited and looking forward to it. And so, I found myself in the theatre watching a sequel I didn't think I'd be watching on the big screen.

A good movie is often like a good book. Once you finish it, you're sad to see your favourite characters say their final words or do their final actions. Which is why sequels sell a lot, I suppose. And when you see them again in a sequel, there's both a sense of relief and trepidation over the events of the movie, feverishly hoping they don't screw around with what made the first one a hit.

In this case, it's not just the characters, but the Land of Narnia. Narnia is like a character in itself. It's not just a backdrop to which the characters are wandering around in. It has a sense of history. We find ourselves just as much in awe of it as the children do, and we can't wait to have them return to it to see what that old friend looks like. It's also what pulled me in, after having realized just what I would have missed had I not chosen to go see it. I fell in love with the scenery and cinematography again, the picture so sharp and clear as to see every detail. I realized I had missed it and couldn't wait for the journey up ahead.

Again, it's as beautiful as I remembered it. Maybe moreso. Although things have changed. It's now 1000 years since the last movie, with only 1 year having passed in the real world. The children now have a new adversary from a neighbouring land, planning to conquer Narnia for himself with runaway Prince Caspian fighting for Narnia with the Children against his uncle.

It's more of an action movie this time around, with most of the movie centering around a large battle. People wanted more fighting after seeing the fighting in the original, and I can't say I blame them since it was very well done, and I don't usually like fighting. It was very well orchestrated and the special effects were gorgeous.

I have to say, I'm glad I went. It was, so far, one of my favourite movies of the summer.