Home > Chicago Movies > Movie Review > The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

A year after they saved the day in Narnia, four incredibly unthreatening British kids (played by four equally unconvincing British actors) return to the mystical world to find that 1,300 years have passed and the kingdom is at war. Why? Because the king wants to prevent Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) from taking over the throne, and because the general human population intends to wipe out all centaurs, talking badgers, dwarves and other woodland critters.
 
Big question: Can this sequel to the average but uneven "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" better capture the imagination of C.S. Lewis' stories?
 
Skip it: Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are often celebrated for doing so little that young viewers probably will dream of someday standing around and watching things unfold with awe. An over-the-top climax lends a touch of grandeur, though by then you're just wondering what's up with Caspian’s accent and why the giant, menacing birds who act as the main characters' personal flight service don't ditch the humans and fight the war themselves.
 
Catch it: To try to learn how our young heroes transport directly from a subway station onto a gorgeous deserted beach. You may as well put in your two weeks notice now.
 
Bottom line: It just all looks so fake, from the puny kids taking down huge warriors to the talking lion, Aslan, that's meant to symbolize Jesus and is voiced by Liam Neeson. On paper this seems like fantasy; on screen with the same weak cast and less magic than the last time, it just seems like a crock.
 
Bonus: Peter (William Moseley) remains unable to lead a charge without crying out, "For Narnia!" or some other commentary about who will benefit from his actions. Give this a try next time you're doing anything for anyone, like picking up a friend's dry cleaning: "For Steve!"

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What do you think of 'Prince Caspian'? Email me: mpais@tribune.com

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