The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) - Movie Review for Parents

MPAA Rating: PG
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Age range: Ages 11 and up
Runtime: 144 Minutes
Starring: Ben Barnes, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Peter Dinklage
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Walden Media
Release Date: May 16, 2008

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - Summary

Just as the Pevensie children - Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy - are beginning to adjust to life as kids back in England, they are called once again to their beloved Narnia. Excitement over their return soon turns into confusion though, as they begin to realize that Narnia is not the same. In fact, Narnia has undergone centuries of change, and the Pevensies are once again just kids in the land they reigned over as kings and queens so many years ago.

Not only has Narnia changed, but the realm is also in trouble. The Telmarines (humans who happened upon Narnia through a portal) have taken over, and the Narnians were forced into hiding. In an effort to secure the throne for himself, Telmarine General Miraz sent his men to kill the true heir to the throne - his own brother's son Prince Caspian. On the run, Caspian blew the magical horn and called the kings and queens of old back to the land.

Before the Pevensies meet Prince Caspian, they learn the sad plight of the magical creatures of Narnia. The kids have little time to wonder at why Aslan has allowed the events to take place or plan a way to secure a future for the Narnians. Soldiers on the way force the kids, the prince and the remaining Narnians to act fast. Lucy sees Aslan in the distance and suggests a direction to go, but no one believes her, and they choose another route. Now, if they fail, Narnia as they knew it will be lost for good.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - Guide Review for Parents

Continuing the Narnia saga, Prince Caspian delivers an adventure full of action and grandeur. Special effects bring the viewers beautiful scenery, magical creatures, and massive battle scenes. Fans of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will likely love Prince Caspian as well, but the second film is a bit darker, and the battle scenes that worried some parents in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe are minor skirmishes compared to the fighting that goes on in Prince Caspian.

A couple of large-scale medieval style battles occur in the movie, compete with trebuchets, arrows, swords and shields. While not much blood and gore can be seen in these battles, characters on both sides die. The smaller fights are also intense and are shot up close and personal. Some characters are hit or punched, and the full impact is shown as well as resulting blood and bruising. Sympathetic characters are mistreated by the bad guys, and one brutal sword fight drags on as two characters attempt a fight to the death. The White Witch and a couple of her freaky followers also make a brief appearance that could be frightening to young viewers.

*For more detailed examples of possibly offensive content, please see "Content Overview" below.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - Content Overview

The following lists a few of the most prominent examples of possibly offensive content in the movie (may contain spoilers):

Violence (Extreme)
- The movie contains several battle and fighting scenes. Some characters die from both the Narnian side and the enemy side, and all the Pevensie kids except Lucy engage in battle. Characters are hit with arrows,stabbed with swords, and otherwise killed. Very little blood is shown.
- Peter challenges another character to a sword fight to the death. Both he and his enemy endure many blows and suffer injuries in the drawn out duel.
- Blows to the face with fists and objects are shown close up, and some blood and bruising can be seen.

Sex/Nudity (Low)
- A boy and girl flirt and kiss briefly.

Profanity (None)

Alcohol/Drugs (None)

Bad/Disrespectful Behavior (High)
- A man tries to have his nephew killed so that he can be king.
- Two main characters fight over being the leader of the Narnians.
- The Telmarine leader wants to get rid of all Narnians.

Scary Scenes (Medium)
- A character is almost attacked by a bear.
- Two monstrous looking creatures try and convince Caspian to bring back the White Witch.
- The White Witch appears briefly and tries to get a "drop of Adams blood" so that she can leave her icy cage.
- See also, scenes listed under violence.

Sad/Unsettling Scenes (Medium)
- Some characters express grief after others die.
- A character learns that his uncle murdered his father.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - Discuss the Movie

• After watching Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, children may have questions about the following topics: being an heir to the throne, revenge, fights to the death, talking animals, fantasy worlds.