The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Written and directed by Andrew Adamson (director of Shrek and Shrek 2), the second film of the Narnia series sees Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie return to Narnia to find it greatly changed. Cair Paravel is in ruins, Narnians are in hiding, and animals have forgotten how to speak. What has happened in the time the children have been away? How could Aslan let this happen? And where is Aslan, for that matter?

We enter in the midst of a power struggle. Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), the rightful ruler of Telmar, is in hiding since his cruel and bloodthirsty uncle has had a son that he wishes to ensure a seat on the throne. It is forbidden in Telmar to even speak of Narnians, but Prince Caspian has been secretly taught of their existence. Using Susan's enchanted horn, he has brought 'the kings and queens of old' (the Pevensies) back to Narnia with the hope they will join with him to fight against his uncle and reclaim his throne.

The film's CGI is absolutely superb, and is well up to the task of creating a magical world of dancing trees, talking animals, centaurs, minotaurs and dwarves. Aslan in particular, is spectacular. This film contains all the action of the previous Narnia film, but manages to give it a more epic feel. It does deviate slightly from the novel to add further action with an extra attack on the castle. However, this fits in seamlessly; while the film is generally true to the original.

Though some acting in the first film could be considered a little shaky, none can be considered so in the sequel. In the original, half of the main cast (the two youngest) had no previous experience in films. With the time that has passed since the first film, and increased maturity, all the main cast's talents seem to have gone up a notch.

Overall, the result is an action-packed fantasy film that should not be missed.

Natalie Tyldesley