by Missy Thompson

STAFF WRITER

It has been three years since "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" was released. The film, based on the novel by C.S. Lewis, was an instant hit. People of all ages and faiths enjoyed the Pevensie siblings and the magical world of Narnia they discovered when climbing through a wardrobe.

Now, the second chapter of the story has been told through film with the release of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian."

Like the "Harry Potter" series, "The Chronicles of Narnia" shows the progression of children as they grow up and face more adult challenges. In "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," Aslan the lion, (voiced by Liam Neeson) is supposed to represent Jesus Christ. The Christian undertones can definitely be observed in the first film. In "Prince Caspian," however, it is more difficult to determine what message Lewis was trying to get across.

Like it's predecessor, this film is long for a children's movie. At two and a half hours, kids could easily get bored. Fortunately, director Andrew Adamson used suspense techniques to keep audiences intrigued. The first half hour or so of the film was a little boring. While it did give exposition and set up the rest of the story, it dragged on a little too long. But the rest of the film flew by and before I knew it, the movie was over.

"Prince Caspian" is highly entertaining. There always seems to be something go on, whether it's a violent battle between good and evil or an inner battle one of the Pevensie siblings is facing. For much of "Prince Caspian," Lucy Pevensie was convinced that Aslan would return to help them. Before he would show himself, she had to have some faith in him before he would turn up. Her older siblings doubted her gut feeling that he would, and then she started to doubt herself as well.

Because this a film based on a fantasy novel, it is easy to use your imagination when seeing the different types of creatures that come up. In "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the siblings had never seen a half-man-half-horse before. In "Prince Caspian," there are talking mice, half-skunk-type creatures and human-like rams who are part of the Narnian kingdom.

"Prince Caspian" starts out with Lucy (Georgie Henley), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Peter (William Moseley) and Susan (Anna Popplewell) Pevensie wondering when Aslan will show up again to take them back to Narnia. None of them really feel as if they belong in England and would rather be in Narnia where they are kings and queens.

When they finally are transported back they are shocked to find what was once their palace is now just ruins. But, Miraz (Sergio Castelitto), who longs to be king, has taken control over the kingdom. His nephew, Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) is the rightful heir to the throne even if Miraz's wife Prunaprismia (Alicia Borrachero) can give birth to a son, which she does. Caspian runs from the castle and calls for the help of past rulers, through Susan's magic horn.

A thousand years have passed since they were last in Narnia and the people they ruled over have diminished in number. Once back in their magical kingdom, the siblings have to find Caspian and then decide what action must be taken in order to reign over Narnia again.

With the help of Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage) and several smooth-talking mice, they create a plan that will hopefully strike against Miraz and his followers. What they really need is Alsan's help before they can defeat him and then find a way back home.

"Prince Caspian" is rather enjoyable, and if you really like "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" you will probably like this sequel. Even if you haven't seen the first film, you aren't left in the dark on the characters or the basic plot outline.

missy@tooeletranscript.com

Grade: B

Rated: PG

Time: 144 minutes

Opens Friday