Review of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) by Victoria M — 27 Jan 2012

Better than the first, though not as faithful to the book. It's funnier and the action sequences have a bit more grit or oomph or whatever you want to call it to them. The acting is nowhere near as bad as reviews made it out to be - for critics saying that Ben Barnes is bland: isn't Prince Caspian supposed to be a little naive, unsure? I thought Ben really suited the part. Susan's (Anna Popplewell's) acting could have been a bit more heartfelt. Peter (William Moseley) was competent, he's a bit arrogant and naive like Caspian, but could have probably done a bit better. Lucy (Georgie Henley) was good, but I wish they had more of Edmund because he's one of my preferred characters, and Skandar Keynes is starting to look quite dishy. (And his acting's all right). I feel Edmund walks in much of Peter's shadow in this film. The baddies were good (oxymoron?); they weren't shockingly brilliant or original but they were interesting enough, and quite stylish. The special effects were tighter, more realistic. I liked the scene where the Witch returns (momentarily - and I don't recall that scene in the book) because a) that ice looks really pretty and b) Tilda Swinton is an excellent baddy; she was one of the best things about the first film. Warwick Davis was good but they could have had a little more of him. (He has such lovely hands). Eddie Izzard's Reepicheep was overrated. He's good, but he's just not how I imagine him. He's not squeaky and irritating enough - but perhaps that's all for the best? I was never very fond of Reepicheep; I don't see his appeal. Insult him in the slightest, most unintentional way, and he's ready to make you his next pincushion. He retains some of that flavour on the film but it's a little more tolerable, toned down. It's probably an improvement but it's just not a standout performance for me. Peter Dinklage as, erm...either Trumpkin or Nikabrik...I get mixed up; I think it's Trumpkin...Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin is excellent, very humorous, though his accent is a little dodgy in places. Who cares?! He's great anyway.

Highly recommended, though perhaps a little too violent for very young children. (I was actually disappointed there wasn't more blood, but I think this film barely scraped a PG as it is; there is quite a lot of intense fighting, even if it is mostly bloodless).