‘Prince Caspian’ delivers

“Everything you know is about to change,” Doctor Cornelius said to Prince Caspian during the opening of the second installment of “Chronicles of Narnia” film franchise. The film immediately introduces Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), the ruler of the human race known as the Telmarines. The Prince is in danger of losing his throne to his tyrannical uncle Miraz (Sergio Castellitto). Prince Caspian sets the mood by blowing a horn signaling danger.

Between the first and second films, many years have passed in the world of Narnia. The story resumes after the last invasion, in a place where few people believe Narnians exist. The audience sees a few familiar faces as the Pevensie children find themselves at their former home and castle. Cair Parave is now in ruins from a previous siege. The children find their bow and sword given to them in the previous movie and journey to find what has happened.

The movie proves to be very entertaining, bringing a great balance between action and drama. Its themes of bravery, hope, and most notably war are illustrated very well. The great, unpredictable battle scenes are darker than the those in the first movie. The movie adaptation even added one battle not found in the book. These scenes pit the ruthless, bloodthirsty Telmarines, who do not believe in magic or talking animals, against the small band of Narnians, which consists of centaurs, a minotaur, the legendary Pevensie children, and more savage animals not in the first installment.

The beautiful scenery in Narnia makes the viewer desire a positive outcome for the defenders. Less could be said about the beauty of the actors’ talent. The well written script carries the actors and brings out the inner goodness of the character leaving you entertained. Scenes with the evil Lord Miraz and the Pevensies are interesting in that he is an adult facing off against children. The Pevensies are backed by the “never-give-up” Narnians who King Miraz describes as “too noble to surrender.”

The Telmarines prove to be an intriguing enemies. King Miraz’s crew includes evil people like Lord Glozellek, Miraz’s general, and Lord Sopespian, who has some plans of his own. It is obvious that betrayal and inner turmoil among the upper class Telmarines might lead to their own downfall. The evil mood of the Talmarines, coupled with the use of armor in battle, makes for audience-pleasing action.

The character development of both the Pevensies and the evil characters is noteworthy. It is interesting to watch how the Pevensies behave as adults in Narnia, in contrast to their roles as children in the first film. For example, Edmund (Skandar Keynes) matured to be a fantastic swordsman. Few mistakes, great battle scenes and an unpredictable plot generate a good recommendation for “Prince Caspian.”