The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader

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Movie review by Natalie Homer

Starring: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Ben Barnes, Will Poulter, Laura Brent, Simon Pegg, Gary Sweet
Director: Michael Apted

Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across uncharted waters aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader. Their mission: to destroy the source of evil that lurks in the mists. Along the way they encounter dragons, dwarves, merfolk, and a band of lost warriors before reaching Aslan’s land, beyond the Silver Sea.

The magical world of C.S.Lewis’s beloved Narnia comes to life once more for the third instalment of The Chronicles. Loaded with action, adventure, humour and symbolism, it makes an enjoyable film for kids and adults alike. Closer in flavour to PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN than the winter wonderland of old, it’s still perfect for Christmas with its messages of valour, grace, love and joy.

Visually stunning – the fight with the sea serpent is particularly exhilarating and would be no less thrilling were you choose to watch in 2D over 3D.

In this instalment, the older Pevensies, Peter and Susan, are adults living in America while the war in Europe rages on. They make only fleeting cameo appearances.

This time round, with Narnia having enjoyed years of peace, the younger Pevensies are unsure why they have been summoned but soon find themselves on an adventure to battle a mysterious force that threatens the kingdom. The challenge falls to Edmund, Lucy and their pathetic cousin, Eustace Scrubb as they join Prince Caspian in a journey to find the seven lost lords of Narnia and their sacred swords.

Darker than the previous films, it tackles the issue of the mind’s demons and innocence of childhood.

Other characters such as Reepicheep the mouse, a menacing Minotaur and the band of lost warriors add colour and depth to the cast of magical folk with Aslan carrying its rich symbolism. The whole ensemble will not just capture the imagination of the young but people of all ages.

Overall, Voyage is a powerful entry in the fantasy genre, a great film for the entire family, and the type of film that belongs in December.

4 out of 6 stars