DVD Sequel Features Another Worthwhile Narnia Fantasy
Between 1949 and 1954, C.S. Lewis penned a captivating series of illustrated children's novels referred to collectively as The Chronicles of Narnia. The first book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, was brought to the big screen in 2005, and introduced us to the Pevensies -- Lucy (Georgie Henley), Peter (William Moseley) Susan (Anna Popplewell) and Edmund (Skandar Keynes) - tight-knit siblings evacuated from London to the country during the Blitz.
While exploring their new surroundings, they found a magical closet through which they traveled to a faraway realm known as Narnia. And before they finally returned to England, the kids embarked on an eventful adventure which had them fulfilling an ancient prophecy by breaking the spell cast over the peaceable kingdom by an evil witch (Tilda Swinton).
Set a year later, Chronicles 2 opens with the nattily-attired Pevensies suddenly being transported to Narnia again. Upon their arrival, they are dismayed to learn that their beloved utopia's Golden Age has been disrupted by the rise to power of a merciless king (Sergio Castellitto) who rules with the help of a race of warriors called the Telmarines.
Furthermore, because the queen (Alicia Borracherro) has just given birth to a son, the mad monarch hatches a plan to kill his nephew, the unassuming Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes). Apprised of the crisis, the Pevensies pledge themselves to another noble enterprise, namely, the perilous effort to bring harmony back to Narnia again by helping the rightful heir ascend to the throne.
Reminiscent of such storied, cinematic epic fantasies as Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings, the saga inexorably builds to a familiar, cataclysmic battle royal that's simply a marvel to behold. It may lack the element of surprise, but it more than makes up for that failing with the visually-enchanting treat of eye-popping panoramas plus the seamless interaction of the human and animated characters.
Excellent (4 stars)
Rated PG for violence and epic battle scenes.
Running time: 149 minutes
Studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
3-Disc DVD Extras: Audio commentary with the director and cast, bllopers, deleted scenes, digital copy, plus eight featurettes.
To see a trailer for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,
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