The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

One year has passed in war ravaged city for Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie. Waiting in a London tube station, the siblings recall their time in Narnia. Meanwhile, Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) has barely escape death at the hands of his uncle, King Miraz of the Telmarines. He has usurped the throne, determined not to allow it's power out of his hands. Given the Horn of Susan by his professor, Caspian calls upon the Sons and Daughters of Eve during his narrow escape, but instead finds Old Narnia--animals and creatures that talk, trees that dance. The stories his professor shared throughout his childhood are true.

But a year for the Pevensies is 1300 years for Narnia. The children return to find Cair Paravel in ruins and their dear friends dead. Narnia is now ruled by the humans--the Telmarines. For the Telmarines, the tales on Narnia are myths. Animals and nature are to be ruled by man.

Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy unite with Prince Caspian and with the help of Glenstorm the Centaur, Trufflehunter (a loyal badger), Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage), Reepicheep (a valiant mouse voiced by Eddie Izzard) and other true believers of Narnia join up to meet King Miraz's mighty warriors.

Prince Caspian is the second of the Chronicles of Narnia series. The story deepens in the second book and so does the movie. Writer/director Andrew Adamson, thankfully, explores the darkness found in the second book. Narnia has changed; humans are now the dominate species. They are a violent, arrogant breed that no longer lives in harmony with its surroundings. After the Sons and Daughters of Eve left, Narnia was thrust into the dark ages.

The returning cast has noticeably matured and Adamson makes the most of them. Georgie Henley (Lucy) looks the most aged. Still she maintains the wide-eyed innocence essential to Lucy. William Moseley (Peter) is striking; he is frustrated, too. In Narnia, he is High King. In London, he is a child. Anna Popplewell (Susan) is even more beautiful. She plays the maternal Susan wonderfully as she too, struggles with turning older and leaving Narnia behind. Lastly, Skandar Keynes (Edmund) has grown remarkably. Edmund is smart--a natural leader. Newcomer Ben Barnes puts in a solid turn as Prince Caspian {even as he struggles with an accent}. Peter Dinklage was a surprise, but his diminutive turn as Trumpkin is endearing. Liam Neeson reprises his role of Aslan.

Prince Caspian is a fantastic follow-up to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Literary fans will find some glaring artistic liberties; I believe Adamson uses them wisely. The story has been condensed, but those liberties help to advance and pace the story well. Although most of the film is spent battling for Caspian's throne, Adamson develops the growing sub-plots mong the Pevensie siblings. They are essential story lines to the series that could have been overlooked.

The cinematography has epic feel with its sweeping views. The CGI is much improved. New creatures are nicely construction and less distracting. Battles scenes are realistic, hard and gritty. Adamson brings some brilliant camera work in the final battle between Miraz and Peter.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian does great justice to C.S. Lewis' fantasy series. It's also gives me hope for the franchise. Finely crafted, this is a series for the whole family to enjoy.