You’re Never Too Old For Narnia!
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER (CINEMA)
Release Date: December 9th, 2010
Certificate: PG
Running Time: 112 minutes
Director: Michael Apted
Cast: Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Will Poulter, Liam Neeson, Simon Pegg and Tilda Swinton
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COMING SOON: An exclusive interview with David Arnold!
It’s been a couple of years since we saw the Pevensie children. Our last outing with them was with The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian in 2008. Now, with a change in director (from Andrew Adamson to Michael Apted) and studio (from Disney to Fox), we return to Narnia once more with the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the third in the seven-book series by C.S. Lewis which were originally published between 1950 and 1956.
With their elder siblings Peter and Susan away for the summer, Edmund (Skandar Keynes) and Lucy (Georgie Henley) have been sent to stay with their aunt and uncle and their annoying and uptight cousin, Eustace Scrubbs (Will Poulter). When they find themselves transported to the magical kingdom of Narnia after being sucked into a painting, all but Eustace are thrilled until they learn of a great evil rising from the Dark Island which threatens Narnia and the Eastern Islands.
Setting sail on the Dawn Treader with King Caspian (Ben Barnes) and their old friend Reepicheep (Simon Pegg), the children confront their greatest fears and try not to succumb to temptations. Their mission is to locate 7 magical swords which once belonged to the lords whom Caspian’s evil uncle Miraz banished when he took the throne many years ago. The swords can then be used to break the spell and stop the evil from spreading. The help guide them on their mission is their old friend and protector, the “Great Lion” Aslan (Liam Nesson).
Originally shot in 2-D and then converted to 3-D, Voyage of the Dawn Treader is a wonderful return to the enchanted world. Scenes with the ocean water and suspended tidal wave look very beautiful and the moment the terrifying serpent rises out of the sea, its face becoming clearer as the mist fades away is perhaps the best 3-D moment in the film.
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David Arnold’s score fits very well, heightening tension when needed with orchestral elements reminiscent of Howard Shore’s music for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Arnold’s choral arrangements add a lush vibrancy to scenes where we experience the magic of Narnia and its characters, such as when Lilliandil (Laura Brent), the Blue Star arrives or when we enter the mansion of the wizard Coriakin (Billie Brown).
What I loved the most was Reepicheep, the cheerful and noble mouse voiced by Simon Pegg. His interaction with one of the story’s biggest characters are beautifully filmed and voiced. Will Poulter from television’s School of Comedy is perfect as the uptight and annoying cousin Eustace who has a change of heart during the course of the movie. As Edmund and Lucy come to outgrow Narnia, it paves the way for young Eustace to carry on the adventures in what we hope will be the next film, The Silver Chair.
Take your family, take your kids, take your mums and dads, take your pets – because despite what Aslan may say, no one’s ever too old for Narnia and its magic!
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