 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
- Review Date: May 14, 2008
- PG
- Genre: Fantasy
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Tween-friendly adaptation is darker than the first.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sequel to the enormously popular The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has more dark moments than the first movie. It broods on the nature of deceit, greed, and hunger for power. It also has a brutal one-on-one swordfight (some of the shield slams may leave even adults cringing) and extensive battle scenes that are portrayed as bone-crunching, metal-clanging, sword-lancing riots. All of the main characters, except Lucy, are responsible for many enemy deaths. That said, it's all relatively blood-free: Though characters are pierced by arrows and swords and fall to the ground (many are injured, and some do die), little gore is shown besides the odd cut on the lip or cheek. Younger viewers may notice and be unsettled by the menacing tone throughout most of the movie -- including a scary appearance by the White Witch -- though it's relieved fairly frequently with funny asides from the characters. While not overt, the movie includes Christian imagery and allegorical storylines, and the characters learn clear moral lessons by the end.
What's the story?
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN starts with a bang -- or, rather, a wail -- and doesn't let up from there. When a baby son is born to Miraz (Sergio Castellitto), his nephew, Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) must flee for his life: Miraz wants the throne, and now that he has an heir, he's out for blood. Caspian heads for the enchanted woods on horseback, Miraz's henchmen in hot pursuit -- in dire need of help, he blows an ancient, magical horn, summoning back the kings and queens of old (who, at the moment, are stuck in a London subway station). And so the Pevensie siblings -- Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Lucy (Georgie Henley), and Edmund (Skandar Keynes) -- return to Narnia, hundreds of years after they left. Can they save Caspian and Narnia from Miraz and his Telmarines? And where is noble lion Aslan when you need him?
Is it any good?
PRINCE CASPIAN is lots of fun even if you're not a fan of C.S. Lewis' Narnia books. (In fact, it may be better not to be one in this case, as purists are likely to balk at some departures from the text.) Caspian doesn't offer as much whimsy as the first installment, dealing instead with darker matters -- notably that of Caspian's fight to keep his throne, which is wrenched from him by his scheming, power-mad uncle. The Narnians, under siege by the Telmarines, are rougher around the edges this time, too; they're more cynical and tired of persecution. To win their freedom, they must fight -- often, and sometimes to their death.
Still, thanks to well-paced moments of levity -- many of them instigated by swashbuckling mouse Reepicheep (voiced impeccably by Eddie Izzard) -- the long journey (the film clocks in at over two hours) doesn't lag too much. (Some jokes do jar, taking you out of the time period; the kids, for instance, refer to one of the dwarves as "DLF," for "dear little friend," which, although it's straight from the book, somehow sounds a little text message-y.) Director Andrew Adamson keeps the fight scenes taut and swift, though one less skirmish or two could have gone a long way toward preventing battle fatigue. But fine work from the cast (particularly Henley) helps make up for this, as does the breathtaking scenery. You'll be ready to book your own Narnia adventure by the time the credits roll.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about whether this film is faithful to the book -- both in spirit and in plot. What was changed? Why do you think the filmmakers strayed from the original story? Which do you like better, and why?
Why do you think Aslan is seen at first only by Lucy. Are there religious/Biblical overtones to her belief in him? What does he mean when he says "Nothing happens the same way twice"?
How do Caspian and Peter handle sharing leadership duties? Are they successful? If not, how do they resolve the issue?
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Teen, 13 years old
October 7, 2010
AGE
Great for kids age 7-15
Its pretty good,especially for those kids who are into magical creatures,lands and fantasies.But I would recommend watching the first movie to understand this one better.
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Teen, 15 years old
January 17, 2011
AGE
Second Narnia installment packs a punch!
Though it may be darker than the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe it still packs a punch. I saw it in theaters 4 times, and since it has come out on DVD at least a hundred times more, some with my sister (10) who absolutely loves it... except when I say every single line. (I do tend to do that.) We both have our favorite characters and for different and honorable reasons. My sister likes Prince Caspian because though he was able to escape from his murderous uncle he returned to gain his rightful place on the throne, avenge his father's murder, and free his beloved tutor. My favorites were Prince Peter and Prince Edmund. Peter because though he acted completely self-absorbed for the first half of the movie, forgetting who had really killed the White Witch... he came to his senses and fought Miraz (Caspian's uncle) to restore peace in Narnia. I choose Edmund because not only is he extremely jaw-droppingly gorgeous but he does the best he can to keep his older brother's attitude in check. All the while he manages to turn his brother's words against him, giving the crowd a good laugh: "I know, I know, you had it sorted." With any medieval themed movie there's bound to be battles; battles where people and mythical creatures are brutally killed. Since this is PG and described as a kids movie the deaths aren't detailed, but enough so that older audiences don't fall asleep. I just wish Lucy would act her age, which for the record is the same as mine, and stop acting like a wimp can't do anything for herself. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Email me: ogormanscommonsense at yahoo. :)
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Teen, 13 years old
January 1, 2010
AGE
okish PG rated film is vilont
the first one is vilont but this one is even more vilont!!! It has lots of battles throughout the movie instead of one big one at the end like the last one. Wow i think the third one is going to be rated PG-13!
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Teen, 13 years old
November 5, 2011
AGE
Very Awesome
Great sequel. Some people might not like it though. The hag and the werewolf part is a little scary for little kids. There is a kiss but nothing bad.
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Kid, 11 years old
May 29, 2010
AGE
The best movie based on a book.
It was the best movie based on a book. But for people who are under ages 7 would get nightmares.
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Kid, 7 years old
July 10, 2010
AGE
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Parent of 7 and 9 year old
December 4, 2010
AGE
My 9 year old daughter loved it!
My 9 year old daugher loved it. She watched it twice last weekend even though it is nearly 2 hours long. She loved the action. My 7 year old enjoyed it, but not nearly as much. They understand the violence is fake and they know what words are not okay to use. The lack of "blood & guts" and really foul language made it okay for them to watch. If your little ones still have trouble seperating movies from reality or like to act out what they see in the movies, then this might not be okay for them.
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Teen, 14 years old
February 7, 2011
AGE
Should be at least PG-13. **GRAPHIC VIOLENCE THROUGHOUT**
Holy cow! rated PG??? This movie should DEFINITELY have been AT LEAST PG-13! There is strong graphic violence throughout the whole movie! Graphic violence! Not like just swords clashing back and forth, but they show close up stabbings and shootings and slashings. Verrrrry violent. The strong violence goes on and on. They don't hesitate to show limbs being chopped off and heads being smashed in by axes and stuff.
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Teen, 13 years old
April 14, 2011
AGE
Great Movie!!
It's such an amazing movie, and it makes kids imagine. I think the only thing that might affect a younger child watching this would be the battles between the two sides, otherwise, a fantastic movie!!
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Adult
November 2, 2011
AGE
MY CHILDREN ARE SCARRED
I LOVE BEN BARNES!!!!
OOOOO A SINGLE TENDER KISS!!!!!
HORRORS!!!!!
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Andrew Adamson |
| Cast: | Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, William Moseley |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Run time: | 147 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 16, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | December 1, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | epic battle action and violence |
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