We’ve had “The Lord Of The Rings” and “Harry Potter” precedents, therefore we will not to be wrong when stating that these fantasy stories become real phenomena. “Star Wars” fans can be distinguished from “Rings-”philes, as every fan fond of a fantasy world is different from any other moviegoer. Comprehensible or not for the average people, this kind of phenomenon is comprehended and taken advantage of by the movie industry, as every sequel of an adventure saga stands a strong chance of becoming an outstanding box office hit and an audience drawer worldwide.

This is the case of the “Chronicles of Narnia,” whose first part, 2005’s “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” grossed no less than $745 million worldwide. This performance is at least impressive, and its success will play an essential role this year too, drawing fans back in theatres for the continuation of the great adventures in Narnia.

This weekend we have the pleasure to indulge ourselves in the fantasies depicted in “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian,” escaping the quotidian, homework, the horns, deadlines and whatever other problems we have to enter the fantasy world alongside the protagonists, the four Pevensie siblings.

Our heroes Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes) and little Lucy (Georgie Henley) return a little older, but still as charming and as innocent as we met them three years ago. It seems like these fantasy adventures are the more attractive, the younger and more brittle their characters appear; and under no circumstances is that a bad thing, as kids need a role model close to their age to make them believe in their strength and power to change the world!

“Prince Caspian” brings the four youngsters back to Narnia, this time being whisked directly to the magical world from a subway train platform, after they are given signs that they are needed there. Since leaving their crowns and weapons to return in contemporary London, it’s been a year in the quotidian world, but no less than 1,300 years have passed in Narnia.

To their great shock, the wonderland has undergone some deep, essential changes. The miraculous creatures of Narnia have moved away from their homes to live in the forest, as ruthless war-loving Telamarines occupied Narnia. In the same time, bearing resemblance to the machinations depicted in Shakespearian masterpiece “Hamlet,” the place of young Caspian (Ben Barnes, as sweet-figured and fragile-looking as Orlando Bloom) on the throne is taken by his cruel uncle, Lord Miraz (Sergio Castellitto).

Caspian persuades the rightful residents of Narnia of the necessity to join their forces to fight against the Telamarines and Miraz; and in the meantime Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy reprise their weapons and regain their stamina to fight for the justice of Narnia. Even though their helpful friend, miraculous lion Aslan cannot be present alongside them, they are accompanied by a dwarf from Narnia named Trumpkin (an impeccable and extremely funny performance from Peter Dinklage).

Unfortunately, moments of genuine fantasy are rarely scattered during the 144 minutes of “Prince Caspian” (one minute more than the first part of the Chronicles), making the newest sequel more of a war movie. There is no doubt that there are mystical creatures (centaurs are all over the place) and the setting of the energetic fights is in an unreal world, however the fighting scenes not only outnumber the mystical ones, but they also manage to convey the main idea of the movie: its more fight than surreal.

Obviously, the special effects are spectacular, given the fact that “Shrek” mastermind Andrew Adamson is the director behind the scenes. Probably, what this movie lacks is more of the Christian hints that the first C. S. Lewis novel blended harmoniously, creating a more mystical world.

This flaw is likely to be visible for the critical eye of the regular moviegoer, but fans of the Narnia adventures will see nothing less fabulous than the first story that won their hearts. Moreover, the new character of dwarf Trumpkin is going to bring amusement and novelty, highlighting also that strong essences are held in small bottles (this referring to both the character’s minion stature, but great wit, and also to the strength this relatively minor character brings to the whole movie).

Movie Type:Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adaptation
Directed By: Andrew Adamson
Cast: Peter Dinklage, Anna Popplewell, Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes
Released: May 16th, 2008 (wide)