Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, The

Rating: ***/*****, or 6/10

Second entry into the Narnia franchise thankfully tones down its religious overtones (the role of the Jesus lion Aslan is shortened quite a bit) and trades it for a grittier and darker overall feeling. The four Pevensie kids return to Narnia and find a great deal of time has passed since they left their own magic kingdom. The Telmarines, descendants of a band of pirate invaders, hold dominion over the realm and have greatly reduced the number of its original inhabitants (good thing too!), the various mythical creatures and annoying talking animals. Their rightful heir, prince Caspian (pretty boy Ben Barnes), finds himself victim of a foul plot by his uncle Miraz (renowned Italian actor Sergio Castellitto) who claims the throne for himself, leaving Caspian to run for his life, which brings him into contact with the Pevensies and their native Narnian allies who plan to bring down the genocidal Telmarine reign. Better acting (even the kids have picked up a few tricks it seems), less Christianity, more action and a more carefully crafted story make for a better Narnia film, which still isn't saying that much. In fact, I may be biased because I witnessed some of the filming while vacationing in beautiful Slovenia at the time. It must be said, Slovenia's natural beauty is used to great effect. Andrew Adamson redeems himself for his first Narnia flick somewhat, but the film still leaves a few things to be desired, including its obviously digital talking animals and an overall lack of humor to tell us not to take things to seriously here. The movie didn't do as well as hoped at the box office, making Disney sell the franchise rights to Fox. Good riddance!

Starring: Ben Barnes, Sergio Castellitto, Liam Neeson

Directed by Andrew Adamson

USA: Walt Disney Pictures, 2008