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Monday, May 19, 2008

"Prince Caspian" the Movie


On Saturday, Kelley and I went to see the second Chronicles of Narnia movie, Prince Caspian. Her family was there and so was mine as well as my sister and her husband. The movie was very well done. The mood was considerably darker than The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe . . . which made for a better film than the first one because it didn't feel as kiddish. Brittish actor Ben Barnes played the lead role of Prince Caspian and I was please and impressed by his performance. He acted smoothly and realistically, allowing the audience to lose themselves in his character. The visual effects took a step forward as well; several battles dominated the screen and the trees took the spotlight in the final battle. I had two complaints: 1) the humor was mixed in at what seemed odd places, and 2) I listened closely to the music and it seemed to be all the same pieces from the first movie . . . as if they couldn't budget for additional compositions. I would give this movie a four out of five star-rating. It is definitely worth the ticket cost. And perhaps I didn't enjoy the movie as much as I might have because I was having more fun sitting next to my girl!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I disagree---I found the humor was consistent with the book. Which, I believe, a certain "someone" has not read yet! :) :) :) I was almost anticipating some of Reepicheep's responses! I'm told I impersonated him rather well when I read the book 2 years ago. (ha ha) I can't even tell you what the actual movie scores were.

Maybe you should only review movies that you see unaccompanied...or at least not with another certain someone at your side!! :)

Jennifer
A not-so-faithful blog commentor but an extremely faithful book reader!! (or should I say pre-reader??)

Love ya, Son!

Anonymous said...

I'd have to agree mostly with Mom (Jennifer) about the movie following the book. However, I'd have to watch it again in order to give it a full five-star (I was enjoying having my Prince sitting next to me).
Kelley

Anonymous said...

After further thought, I realize that it would behoove me to give a more complete review of this movie. My previous response was more to tease than to seriously evaluate Prince Caspian. Your reviews, Scott, are always considerate of many different perspectives, and I appreciate that.

I did not expect this movie to follow the book at all. And it has been said by many that it does not. There are many elements that are inconsistent with what Lewis originally wrote. Hollywood--be it Disney or otherwise--can not appreciate the honorableness or even the Christian themes found in the Chronicles of Narnia.

I could say that I was not surprised at the changes made in some of the characters. I did appreciate the movie as a "stand-alone" (apart from the book).

It was enjoyable. Well-done choreography of battle scenes, Lucy's interaction with Aslan, etc.

I would continue to read the book to my children, emphasizing the character of Peter as well as other things.

Jennifer

Author Scott Appleton said...

In my defense, Mother... almost a dozen people accompanied us to the movie! (: But you're right... I should read the book.

Author Scott Appleton said...

You're right, Kelley; we need to watch it again.... (:

Anonymous said...

Yes, maybe we should go again. :-)
Kelley

Anonymous said...

Actually, I liked the "dull" book better. So did dad. I gave it 4 out of 5, but... dad didn't.:D He gave it 2. One, (I'm probably gonna blast the movie from dad's point of view) He said, they completely changed C.S. Lewis's philosophy, Susan's a warrior princess who's in the heart of the battle and Petter's a jerk, and the romance? What's THAT all about? PC is 12-13 in the book! And what are they going to do with Voyage of the dawn treader? He's supposed to be about 23 in VotDT! (sighs) The castle part wasn't in the book, but it was cool. Well, I agree with you Scott but I also agree with dad. :D We liked it that they made Reepicheep more in the movie. Well, I gotta go! Love you Scott! ~Hannah Davis

Author Scott Appleton said...

Hi Hannah! It's nice to hear from you on here! By the way, I received your postcard and letter and I'm composing a reply... sorry I've taken so long. I'm busy with work and the love of my life! (: But I miss you! Love, Scott

WELCOME TO THE WRITING SITE OF SCOTT APPLETON

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." -Proverbs 16:24

In a world where morality is forsaken and Christ neglected, wholesome books are uncommon. The themes of my writing are love, self-sacrifice, and honor.

I see my generation turning from God to the gods of this world. I see homes torn apart in the pursuit of pleasure and self-gratification. Children are murdered by the millions every year . . . without ever seeing the world outside their mothers' wombs. Through fiction I strive to encourage those who are willing, to stand against these things and be heroes and heroines; chivalrous, gentle, full of righteous indignation, and the fear and love of their Creator.