Review by Ellie Witchard
Starring: Ben Barnes, Anna Popplewell, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Liam Neeson, Eddie Izzard, Tilda Swinton
Directed by: Andrew Adamson
147 mins : Certificate PG
What's the story?
Once again we travel back to Narnia, where 1,300 years have passed in Narnian time. The Pevensie siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy find themselves in a world (they briefly ruled) now controlled by the sprawling Telmarines - aka nasty humans who've put a dampener on Narnia by banishing all things mystical to the woods, including brooding new lead, Prince Caspian.
Who's in it?
Peter Dinklage as "Dear Little Friend" dwarf Trumpkin - you'll recognise him as the pretentious children's author who beat up Will Ferrell's character in Christmas flick Elf. Comic Eddie Izzard lends his vocals to swashbuckling mouse Reepicheep, Tilda Swinton reprises her role as the White Witch while Natasha Richardson's main man Liam Neeson provides the humble voice of Aslan.
What's to like?
It's 100% darker than the last offering, and new lead Ben Barnes as Prince Caspian supplies some much needed male action, despite his not-so Spanish accent.
What's not to like?
Not sure Mr Lewis would be so proud of this adaptation, although it does follow the book quite closely, not-so-small things like swapping the wardrobe for a London tube, might leave you feeling a little short changed on the magic front.
Best bits?
Hands down the battle sequences, along with Caspian's glossy mane. As the centuries have passed and the castle at Cair Paravel lies in ruin, the Old Narnians come out from hiding to kick Telmarine butt in some state-of-the-art fight scenes - deservedly reclaiming back their land.
Verdict
Come prepared for lots of battle, and don't forget the popcorn as this little gem runs for a weighty 2hr 44mins.
