Leofwine_draca The third and final instalment of the recent big-budget adaptations of C. S. Lewis's NARNIA books, VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER is a mini-masterpiece in comparison to the strong PRINCE CASPIAN that came before it. As a film, it's fast-paced and engaging, a children's adventure film that feels refreshingly old-fashioned and much like the classic adaptations of Edith Nesbit, for example. I should note that I haven't read the book.The plotting sees the older kids from the first two films jettisoned while the youngsters (Edmund and Lucy) now take their place. Once again, they team up with Caspian (Ben Barnes, never more than one dimensional) to go on an epic maritime adventure, tackling sea monsters, magic and a mysterious green mist en route.A potential problem with VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER is that we've seen it all before, but this matters little when the film is so entertaining from the word go. This effects-packed movie features all manner of CGI backdrops and one or two CGI beasties, similar to the Harryhausen epics of old. Will Poulter, as newcomer cousin Eustace, gives a masterful and hilarious performance and a real star-making turn. The movie has a decent pace, the introductory scenes are very well realised (I loved the way the kids access Narnia this time around) and it's more colourful and involving as any PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN film you might name. For me, the trilogy ended on a high.

brookeburris This is not a strict portrayal of the plot line of the book, as others mention, but I almost thought it was better (my apologies, Mr. Lewis!). I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and thought it faithful to what I perceive as Lewis's intentions with his adventures in Narnia. There is loads of wonderful symbolism (without, in my opinion, excessive cheesiness) and it lead to good conversation with my son following the movie. The best of the Narnia movies, keeping with the spirit if not the plot of the Chronicles and Mr. Lewis. If you read the Chronicles of Narnia at all for the symbolism and undertones, you will not be disappointed in this story of the prevailing of good over evil, not without risk or sacrifice.

orourkec-292-269155 If you enjoyed The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and have high hopes for this third Narnian installment and hopes that it will be as good as its predecessors then I think you'll be disappointed. I was myself displeased with the movie. Its script is weak, its pacing is businesslike and empty and the lion Aslan is horribly CGI designed unlike the previous Narnia chapters where he was so wonderfully CGI designed. However, this third Narnian chapter does improve upon its predecessors on a few levels: it has more magic, more Narnian creatures and the main danger in the film is bigger, the challenges are higher and they're all striking. The character of Eustace makes for an impressive new-coming character entrance with powerful personalities. The movie includes other wholly amazing elements such as Lucy trying to be more beautiful than what she is and realizing the terrible consequences that could arise from such a thought, Eustace's thought- provoking character development, the unusual relationship between Eustace and Reepicheep at the end of the film, Reepicheep's dream of entering Aslan's Country, Aslan's country featured as big rising waves, the Sea Snake design and more still. My rating: 6.0/10

Joris Exit Susan and Peter, enter Eustace. Two of the main protagonists of the previous two movies are replaced by a new one. Just like in the books. But at what price? Will Poulter may have a very characteristic face (which is a good thing), but is one of the worst child actors I've ever seen. On top of that Ben Barnes again plays Prince Caspian (who is almost unrecognizable compared to the previous film) but with no Spanish accent whatsoever. The story feels more like a Pirates of the Caribbean quest this time. With no success, even if the green and blue screens aren't as ugly as in Prince Caspian. These kind of kiddie movies are too predictable, moralistic (the Christian symbolism in this one isn't even remotely subtle anymore) and boring to entertain almost anyone. Or that's what I should hope. Reality proves me wrong. Unfortunately. Maybe that's why hideous films like Eragon, In the Name of the King and The Sorcerer's Apprentice find an audience. I can't speak for The Water Horse, The Seeker, The Spiderwick Chronicles and Inkeart (I haven't seen them), but something tells me it'll be more of the same (just like Seventh Son, which will be released next year). Maybe I should really reconsider watching the Percy Jackson movies, which I was planning to do next year...