 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
- Review Date: December 6, 2010
- PG
- Genre: Fantasy
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Engaging third Narnia adventure is fun for tweens and up.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the third Chronicles of Narnia installment is, like its predecessors, a tween-friendly fantasy adventure. In general, you can expect the same level of special effects-heightened battles/violence and minor language as Prince Caspian. While there's little inappropriate content for older elementary-schoolers and up, younger kids may be frightened by a few scenes with a giant sea serpent and others set on an island where people are routinely sacrificed. Like all of the adaptations based on C. S. Lewis' classic books, there are some mild allusions to Christianity, though nothing overtly religious is said (Aslan does reference the "other name" he's called in the regular world). The film offers positive lessons about collaboration, selflessness, and overcoming personal doubts and fears, and the three central kids all grapple with self-worth issues that will be very relatable for tweens. Note: The movie's 3-D images add to the intensity of a few action sequences, particularly the battle with the giant sea snake.
What's the story?
In this adaptation of C.S. Lewis' third Chronicles of Narnia book, the two youngest Pevensie kids, Edmund (Skandar Keynes) and Lucy (Georgie Henley), are staying with their aunt, uncle, and obnoxious younger cousin Eustace (Will Poulter). They make the best of their unhappy situation ... until one day, when the seaside painting in their guest room comes to life and sweeps them (and unbelieving Eustace) onto the Dawn Treader, the royal Narnian ship of King Caspian (Ben Barnes). Caspian explains that he and his crew are on a mission to find the seven "lost lords" of Narnia, who were dispatched by his father ages ago but were never heard from again. To restore peace to Narnia, they must track down the lords' enchanted swords and lay them at Aslan's table. As Caspian, the Pevensies, and the crew of the Dawn Treader navigate treacherous waters, they're each tested by an evil mist that emanates from an ominously dark island.
Is it any good?
The Chronicles of Narnia series isn't exactly The Lord of the Rings saga, but, THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER is surprisingly engaging. Yes, it follows the less-glamorous younger siblings and their insufferable on-screen cousin, but that's true to Lewis' story and allows for Edmund and Lucy (and Keynes and Henley) to mature and show that they're as worthy as Peter and Susan to fight for Narnia. Simon Pegg replaces Eddie Izzard as the voice of Reepicheep, and once again the sword-wielding mouse is a highlight of the action -- in this case helping Eustace grow into a brave defender of Narnia.
Director Michael Apted, a master at nuance and character development (he made both the groundbreaking documentary series 7 Up and the Oscar-winning biopic Coal Miner's Daughter), smartly focuses on the relationships between the main characters rather than the action. There are still some special effects-heavy sequences, but it's not mind blowing. So Apted chronicles how Lucy deals with her desire to be as beautiful as her older sister and how Edmund struggles with his jealousy over living in Peter's -- and now Caspian's -- shadow. These are believable younger sibling "issues," and it makes the Pevensies -- and Eustace, who's too logical and uptight for his own good -- incredibly relatable to a tween audience, many of whom are experiencing similar doubts about their self-worth. So although this saga isn't quite as memorable as other epic fantasies like LOTR and the Harry Potter movies, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is a worthier-than-expected journey.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how each of the main characters was tested and tempted and yet came out victorious. What insecurities did each of them overcome? What is the movie's message about pride and beauty?
For those who've read the books, how faithful is the film to the story?
Why do you suppose the Pevensies can't return to Narnia once they've grown up? What is it about getting older that makes your time in Narnia come to an end?
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AGE
A strong plot and strong characters continues a wonderful movie series.
For those who were disappointed that Reepicheep didn't have enough screen time in Prince Caspian then fear no more; he receives a fairly large part in the movie, most of which he spends antagonizing Eustace, Lucy and Edmund's cousin. Peter and Susan appear only briefly in a sort of daydream of Lucy's where she is Susan. This, I suppose, is nice because you are opened up to the two youngest Pevensie's and learn more about them without the older two stealing the spotlight. Edmund attempts (and succeeds) to fill his brother's shoes while also letting Caspian rule since he's the current king of Narnia. This proves to be a little hard when a certain green mist pits them against each other at one point, almost causing them to come to blows. Luckily, Lucy steps in and stops them. Some images like the giant sea monster (it kinda freaked me out) that Edmund accidentally conjures from his mind would definitely scare younger children. At the same time though, the strong Christian background and theme shines through: Aslan actually says to Lucy "In your world you shall know me by another name." That surprised me that Disney would be so outright with religion, but it was still overall very entertaining. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Email me: ogormanscommonsense at yahoo. :)
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AGE
The story continues!
The movie continues to be great, I can't wait to see the next one. This movie doesn't have the two older siblings in it, which I kinda missed. But It still was really good!
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AGE
Great family movie, but pretty intense
My 2 older children and I are big fans of the Narnia books and have been interested in the 2 prior movies on DVD. This is the first one they have been ready to see on the big screen. They are age 7 and 9, and though that's younger than I would recommend we saw it opening weekend anyway.
We thought it was a terrific movie. We had read the book aloud over the last month to have the ideas and characters fresh in mind, and also to enjoy our own imagination's view of the story before it's forever replaced by movie imagery. We had interesting discussion afterward about how the filmmakers adapted the story. My own opinion is that new plot elements (such as the Mist, the 7 swords, temptation of the characters) offered new and appropriate depth to the story while holding the narrative tightly together as a film requires. We are interested in the religious allegories inherent in the Narnia stories, and I found them well-preserved in this film adaptation. After being somewhat disappointed by film #2 Prince Caspian for its watering down of the novel, I felt that Dawn Treader returned to the clearer focus we observed the first Narnia movie.
Yes, the movie is pretty scary and loud. The dramatic battle with the sea serpent got very intense (maybe pushing PG-13). My kids and I had agreed together to see it in 2D, rather than 3D, to take the edge off, and were glad we did. (I'm tempted to sneak back out for the 3D version...)
It's worth mentioning how beautifully imagined this movie is. The Dawn Treader vessel itself is brilliantly conceived, and the sweeping seascapes and fantastic settings make this a wonderful escape.
Thematically, I thought the issues of self-worth and temptation that the main characters contend with were believable and edifying. And the cold realization that this is Edmund and Lucy's final visit to Narnia was nicely handled (a bit of a tear-jerker for dad).
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AGE
If you liked the other Narnia movies then this one is great.
Very engaging - lots of action and funny. Mild language issues ("crap"). Final scene can get a bit intense for a sensitive young child (7-8) but if they have seen the other Narnia movies, this one is fine.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 31, 2011
AGE
great movie. really good effects and acting. see with your family
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AGE
Great For Everyone!
It was yet another great Narnia movie. It was very funny, it had action, and it was a thrilling adventure. I think it was better than Prince Caspian. For those of you who read the book, it isnt as bad as some movies that go from novel to movie, they did a decent job with it. Its rated PG and I think that is a good rating. The only thing that was bad was a scary monster in it but it looked pretty cool. I would recomend this to my friends and family. You should probably go take a look. I hoped this helped you. Have a nice day.
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AGE
Really good for 9+
I thought this movie was very entertaining. Gives quite good messages. Lucy has really grown up from the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe! Very good movie
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AGE
Disappointing
Going to see this, I thought it would be just as good as the first two but I was very disappointed. I was aware of the absence of the two older siblings due to the books but honestly it just made it boring. As opposed to appealing to all ages I felt it was more of a kids' movie. The cousin was a good addition and he was a funny little actor, but Prince Caspian just isn't hot anymore, another reason it was disappointing to us teenage girls. :) We eventually just got up and walked out we were so bored with it. I feel there was honestly no reason for this movie to have even been made, and I don't say that a lot.
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AGE
Continues
I love the movies and the book. It has christian stuff that helps children grow on tthe book. It teaches them what's good and what's bad. It gives everybody some excitement that they want to continue reading or watching.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | Walden Media |
| Director: | Michael Apted |
| Cast: | Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Run time: | 115 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 10, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | April 5, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some frightening images and sequences of fantasy action |
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